Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It is a reminder of JJ Gabriel's age that if he had featured in either of Manchester United's official under-18 matches so far this season, he would still have been their youngest player.

Gabriel is not 16 until October, but made his first appearance for United's senior side as a substitute in the friendly victory over Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on 1 August.

He has trained regularly with Michael Carrick's squad and marked his Premier League 2 debut against Ipswich last Monday with a spectacular goal and two assist in the 5-0 win.

If, for instance, he featured in the EFL Cup third-round encounter with Brighton next month, he would become Manchester United's youngest player.

The only issue appears to be Gabriel's size as he was dwarfed by the Ipswich defenders.

There is a debate in fan circles about what his pathway looks like, which is why I felt it was fair to ask Carrick, who was at Leigh Sports Village for the game, what his future looks like.

"I really enjoyed the game," he said. "You could see the quality.

"JJ is one of the boys. He's obviously got a really big talent. He's trained with us quite a bit and is getting experience all the time.

"He's physically adapting to each step that he makes, and we're just continuing his development."

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Ipswich at Old Trafford (kick-off 16:30 BST).

You can hit play above, listen on BBC Sounds or take in the key lines from his news conference:

• Carrick confirmed that Diallo is still unavailable for selection. Mason Mount is back training with the group.

• He spoke highly of new signing Carlos Baleba: "We're delighted with Carlos. [He has] massive potential. I think it's a really exciting signing for us. I think the quality that he has, the attributes that he has, that offsets a little bit of the balance of the group that we've got."

• Baleba has a "little ankle issue," which rules him out of action for a few weeks. "It's no major issue," Carrick added.

• Both Baleba and Amad could be available before next month's international break but Carrick was reluctant to put a deadline on their return.

• When asked about the plan for highly-rated academy player JJ Gabriel: "JJ is one of the boys. He's obviously got a really big talent. He's trained with us quite a bit. He's getting experience all the time. He's physically adapting to each step that he makes, and just continuing his development."

• On fellow academy player Harry Amass, whose future at Old Trafford is uncertain: "I've been really pleased with Harry. I think he had a really good season that didn't finish so good with the injury, but it's been great to have him around pre-season. He's done really well. So, let's see what happens."

• On Sunday's match: "The first home game of the season is really one we look forward to, and the supporters coming. I think we had a setback last week, and you want to get back to playing well and winning football matches. It is a tough game, Ipswich obviously had a big result last week as well. It'll be another challenge for us."

Listen to full match commentary of Man Utd v Ipswich on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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I can't imagine a less likely person to start talking about their club's transfer plans than Michael Carrick.

The Manchester United head coach is bound to be asked, though, particularly around Joshua Zirkzee, who Serie A outfit Fiorentina are interested in, and Marcus Rashford, who is the subject of fresh reports around interest from Fenerbahce.

The consistent belief from all sides for the past month or so has been that Rashford will remain at United this season, and that is still the situation now.

Indeed, as he was one of the better performers in the defeat at Hull City last week, when he came on at half-time, there is a chance he will start against Ipswich at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Zirkzee is likely to be a different story and it will be interesting to see if any of the other Italian clubs who have expressed an interest in the Netherlands forward this summer now make a concrete move.

The Fiorentina approach is around a loan. Ideally, United would prefer a sale – or at least a loan with an obligation to buy.

Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Carrick's news conference.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

A fascinating interview with Sir Matt Busby from 1979 has been unearthed by Manchester United expert Wayne Barton.

Barton has written over 20 books on United.

He has been given access to archive material generated by Tom Tyrrell, who covered United for local radio for decades, and at one point was also the club's stadium announcer.

Tyrrell, who was still working when I started covering the club in 2002, died in 2017.

Barton has been given access to Tyrrell's interviews with Sir Alex Ferguson for a new book - Fergie : The Lost Tapes - which is due out in September.

But the chat with Busby has never been heard before, but has been published as part of the United Unheard, external podcast series.

The Scot reveals he turned down a number of alternative offers when he agreed to become United's manager, signing a three-year contract at £750 a year.

He also recalls a friendly against Scottish club Kilmarnock in 1953 as the moment he knew the Busby Babes would be good enough to play senior football.

"They did very well - I think we won 4-0 or something - so from the Wednesday night to the Saturday I remember walking around the golf course up there at Troon where we were staying by myself, saying will I play them on Saturday against Huddersfield, who were in the first division at the time, or will I not," says Busby.

"I decided to play them and that was the start of the pre-Munich side."

He also explains why he was so keen for United to play in European competition, despite opposition from the Football League.

And, harrowingly, he talks about the aftermath of the Munich air crash and being told which players had died and which had survived.

"My dear wife was with me," he said. "I said the names of the players and she said whether they'd been killed or were alive.

"I said I'm not going back to Manchester United again. I'm not going to have anything to do with football.

"It was my wife who said the players who had passed away would want you to carry on."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Joshua Zirkzee has been viewed as the most likely senior player in Michael Carrick's squad to leave Old Trafford.

The Dutch forward has been linked with a number of Italian clubs this summer and remained on the bench at Hull City on Saturday, as Carrick preferred to bring on 19-year-old Shea Lacey as he tried to save the game.

The details around any deal will be key as United are still assessing the left-back situation.

The feeling at the start of the week was that, with Carlos Baleba costing up to £70m, United may opt not to bring in someone to compete with Luke Shaw. They may prefer instead to either switch Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui from the right flank, or use the left-footed Baleba in a full-back role.

United do like Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, but would only pursue that avenue if the Spain international was available on loan. Currently, Barca are adamant they will only sell the 22-year-old.

Read more here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United midfielder Dan Gore is in advanced talks to join League One Luton Town on loan.

Gore spent last term at Rotherham, where he made 34 appearances.

Although he was part of Michael Carrick's squad for the start of pre-season, the plan had always been for Gore to spend the season away from Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old had a number of options, but it is thought working with Jack Wilshere, who played in a similar position, has been a key factor in Gore's choice, although a deal is still to be agreed.

Meanwhile, it is understood no final decision has been made around the short-term future of left-back Harry Amass.

The 19-year-old was around United's squad for all pre-season as back-up to Luke Shaw, but was not included for the opening Premier League game against Hull City and instead was on Premier League 2 duty in the 5-0 win over Ipswich on Monday.

It had been expected Amass would leave United, either on loan or permanently. However, his future is still undecided.

The same is also thought to be true of another left-back, Diego Leon.

Although he earned his first full cap for Paraguay last season, the 19-year-old did not force his way into the first-team picture, and it seemed telling Amass was chosen ahead of him for first-team duties in pre-season.

It is understood Leon would like a loan move, but as yet, nothing has been agreed.

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, 28, as Michael Carrick's side look to strengthen their defence. (GiveMeSport), external

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Manchester United's draw is complete - Michael Carrick's side now know the eight sides they will be meeting in the Champions League's 36-club league phase.

The teams were seeded into four pots based on their results in Uefa competitions over the past five years, with pot one being the highest-ranked and pot four being the lowest-ranked.

Each club has been drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, but they can only play a maximum of two teams from one country and they cannot play against a team from their domestic league.

The three-time Champions League winners will face: Bayern Munich (H), Atletico Madrid (A), Roma (H), Sporting (A), RB Leipzig (H), Villarreal (A), Sabah (H), Como (A).

The order of those fixtures will be announced by Uefa in due course.

League phase dates:

Matchday 1: 8-10 September 2026

Matchday 2: 13-14 October 2026

Matchday 3: 20-21 October 2026

Matchday 4: 3-4 November 2026

Matchday 5: 24-25 November 2026

Matchday 6: 8-9 December 2026

Matchday 7: 19-20 January 2027

Matchday 8: 27 January 2027

Knockout phase dates:

Knockout phase play-offs: 16-17 and 23-24 February 2027

Round of 16: 9-10 and 16-17 March 2027

Quarter-finals: 6-7 and 13-14 April 2027

Semi-finals: 27-28 April and 4-5 May 2027

Final: 5 June 2027, Madrid

See how the rest of the league phase draw panned out

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Former Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell says new signing Carlos Baleba "is a huge talent" and has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

United targeted 22-year-old Baleba after deciding to strengthen their midfield further following the summer arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

Baleba made 112 appearances for Brighton, scoring four times, including 31 in the Premier League last season as they finished eighth to qualify for this season's Conference League.

"I like him and I like his physicality," said Campbell on BBC Radio Manchester. "He carries the ball well and is strong in and out of possession.

"They've been admiring him from a distance for some while. He might not be the finished project now, but two seasons ago he was showing signs that he could be a top midfielder in the Premier League.

"He's a huge talent, but he's got to be nurtured well by those around him that have more experience.

"Hopefully, United can turn him into a little bit of a legend."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds

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The Devils' Advocate podcast co-host Gaz Drinkwater does not believe Manchester United can challenge for the Premier League title this season after their loss at Hull City on the opening weekend and says his "optimism has gone" for the new season.

Michael Carrick's side were looking to build on a strong end to last season and a third-placed finish after struggling under his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. However, Saturday's surprise defeat has led to some United fans rethinking their ambitions for this campaign.

Drinkwater said: "I did not think Manchester United were going to win the Premier League title this season but the best thing about pre-season is that deluded optimism that you can have that maybe, who knows? And that's gone after one game.

"That's not me being overly dramatic because I'm specifically talking about winning the league. I thought maybe we would get to January and February with the squad we've assembled and a few more players, and maybe we could be within eight points, 10 points, and then you just never know. Let's keep it going, it could be fun.

"And then straight away you know if you're playing like that against a newly promoted side, who are the worst team in the division, you're winning diddly squat. You're not challenging for the Premier League."

On a more optimistic note, YouTuber Tom Cooney said he believes the players will want to kick on in their next game against Ipswich Town and the loss to Hull shouldn't be a "disaster".

"They should be itching to get back out, get a good result against a newly promoted side at home and kick on," he said.

"I don't think we're the only team that's looked like we've been caught a little bit cold this weekend. I wouldn't expect it to rumble on. I would hope not."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Barcelona and Spain defender Alejandro Balde, 22, remains on Manchester United's shortlist to reinforce their left-back position. (Fichajes - in Spanish, external)

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Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

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The league phase draw for the 2026-27 Champions League takes place at 17:00 BST in Monaco.

A total of 36 teams will take part in the league phase and each team will face eight different teams once, with four home matches and four away matches.

For the draw, the 36 teams will be placed into four pots, with one being the highest-ranked and four being the lowest. The pot placements are based on the clubs' Uefa club coefficient ranking from the five-season period ending at the conclusion of 2025-26.

Each team will face two teams from each of the four pots and cannot face a team from the same country as themselves.

The teams who finish in the top eight will qualify for the last 16. Those between ninth and 24th will enter the play-off knockout round. The 12 teams ranked between 25th and 36th will exit the competition when the league phase is concluded.

Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all feature in pot one alongside back-to-back Champions League winners Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Aston Villa and Manchester United both return to the Champions League this season after not featuring last term. They are in pot two with Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Sporting, Porto, Club Brugge, Real Betis and PSV Eindhoven.

• Read more about the draw

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The draw for the Carabao Cup third round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Premier League teams in the order they were drawn.

The matches will be played in the weeks commencing September 7 and September 14.

• Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough

• Manchester United v Brighton

• Manchester City v Norwich City

• Sunderland v Hull City

• Ipswich Town v Arsenal

• Coventry City v Aston Villa

• Bournemouth v Lincoln City

• Liverpool v Tottenham

• Chelsea or Luton Town v Leeds

• Millwall v Newcastle United

• Everton v Wolves

• Reading v Brentford

• West Ham v Fulham or AFC Wimbledon

Read more and see the full draw

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Signing an additional left-back has looked an obvious thing for Manchester United to do.

Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season and he started at Hull on Saturday. Of United's past 44 league games, the 31-year-old England international has failed to start just one, the final game of the 2024-25 campaign, four days after the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham - and he went on the post-season tour of Asia immediately afterwards.

Before that, Shaw's injury record had not been great.

Between February 2024 and April 2025, he played as many games for England (three) as he did for his club. He missed three months at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

There were calf and hamstring issues but also a feeling Erik ten Hag rushed him back too quickly.

More than anyone, Shaw benefited from a 40-game season, allowing him to prepare properly, largely for one game a week, sometimes not even that.

That preparation time will not be repeated.

Although there are blank midweeks between Manchester United's first three games, if they get through two Carabao Cup rounds, they will not have a full midweek without a game, other than during international breaks, until the one that includes Christmas Day.

It is the combination of Shaw's injury record and the crush of games that has led to the feeling another left-back will arrive.

• Read the full article

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Hull City are emerging as the favourites to sign Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer.

The 22-year-old is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford despite being part of Michael Carrick's squad in pre-season, latterly to replace Mason Mount after his injury against Paris St-Germain in Stockholm on 8 August.

West Bromwich Albion boss James Morrison is keen to take Collyer back to The Hawthorns, where a loan move in the first half of last season was badly hampered by injury.

It did appear the Baggies were in pole position to complete a deal.

However, Hull have also been considering whether to try to bring Collyer back to the club where he spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, which was also disrupted by injury.

No decision has been made yet but it is looking increasingly like the lure of the Premier League will end up being the decisive factor, with Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic keen to add to his squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United youngsters James Overy and Louis Jackson are on the brink of leaving the club.

Overy is close to returning to Australia with A League outfit Sydney FC, while Jackson is in talks with Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.

Eighteen-year-old Overy was born in Perth, played for Australia at last season's Under-20 World Cup and received his first senior international call-up in November.

He joined United in 2024 and featured at Under-21 level last term. He was also part of the FA Youth Cup final squad beaten by Manchester City in May.

However, Overy was a notable absentee when United opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 5-0 victory against Ipswich at Leigh on 24 August.

Jackson will have a medical with St Mirren on Thursday before completing his move.

The 20-year-old Oldham-born defender is a Scottish youth international and was part of United's 2022 FA Youth Cup-winning side.

He spent part of last season on loan with National League side Solihull Moors.

It is understood both deals will include sell-on and buy-back clauses.

Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist

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Carlos Baleba's appeal lies less in creativity and more in his ability to win possession, cover ground and then carry his team forward.

His 2025-26 campaign was quieter than the previous one, but his 2024-25 numbers show why Manchester United have tracked him for so long. He ranked fourth among Premier League midfielders for possessions won in the middle third (107) and interceptions (46), was fifth for ball recoveries (197) and seventh for duels won (199).

That defensive output was matched by his ability to progress possession himself.

Baleba averaged 6.7 progressive carries per 90 minutes, with only three qualifying Premier League defensive midfielders recording more, while 2.9 of those carries travelled at least 10 metres.

His athleticism underpins that game as he reached a top speed of 34.5km/h in 2024-25, compared with 30.5km/h for Casemiro, and averaged 8.2 defensive actions per 90.

He is not necessarily the midfielder United would rely on to dictate possession. Only 11.8% of his passes were classed as line-breaking that season and 22.7% travelled forward - both below the average for central and defensive midfielders.

But that may make him complementary to United's other options rather than a direct alternative. Youri Tielemans can provide more of the progressive distribution, while Baleba offers defensive security and the ability to drive through midfield.

Alongside Kobbie Mainoo, he could take on more of the ball-winning and ground-covering work, while a partnership with Andrey Santos could allow Baleba greater freedom to operate box to box.

That versatility is reflected in his positioning as he spent 88% of his minutes last season as a defensive midfielder and 12% in central midfield, suggesting he can anchor the side or step forward depending on who plays alongside him.

United most commonly defended in a 4-2-2-2 last season under Michael Carrick, accounting for 55.9% of their out-of-possession shapes. Baleba's dynamism could be especially valuable in a system where central midfielders are asked to defend large spaces and stop counter-attacks.

There may, however, be an adaptation period.

Baleba is recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season and will need time to recover his match sharpness.

United have also looked to spend longer spells in possession under Carrick, progressing through midfield with quick combinations. Baleba's game is better suited to more open contests, but his passing profile suggests he may need time to adjust to greater responsibility in build-up.

His left foot and mobility should still make him a natural partner for players such as Tielemans or Bruno Fernandes. There is development ahead of him at 22, not least after last season's dip, but at his best Baleba combines defensive activity with the acceleration and carrying power to transform a turnover into an attack within seconds.

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Readers have been sending their questions in to BBC Sport's football transfers live page.

Rob asked: Which left-back do you think Manchester United will go for before the end of the window?

I don't think it is certain they will sign a left-back, Rob.

Manchester United do like Lewis Hall but Newcastle are not interested in selling and it feels as though that is one that could be revisited next summer.

United have been linked with a few alternatives but the key question is how much will it cost? Is there potential for a loan? Could someone in the senior squad leave to generate some finance?

Obviously Luke Shaw is first choice but United feel they have alternatives in Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, who have also played on the left, while new arrival Carlos Baleba is left-footed and has played at left-back before for Brighton, even though he was bought at a midfielder.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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The signing of Carlos Baleba completes a £155m summer revamp of Manchester United's midfield.

At the end of last season, midfield was targeted as a priority area as United looked to build on qualification for the Champions League after a two-year absence.

So, now the midfield is sorted, it is natural for fans to look at the other areas of Michael Carrick's squad that could do with reinforcements; namely left-back.

There is no doubt the club like Newcastle's Lewis Hall. At 21, he is the right age profile and ideally suited to challenging Luke Shaw for his place, with the safety net of there being enough games to keep both men happy.

However, Newcastle don't want to sell. It would take a huge offer to persuade them otherwise and Manchester United's powerbrokers have proved on numerous occasions this summer they will not be held to ransom, or overpay, for players.

In addition, how much money do they have to spend?

In published third-quarter financial accounts to 31 March, United confirmed they owed £405.75m in outstanding transfer fees, £171.14m of which was due after more than one year. The club are still to outline what the additional $125m (£91.64m) they borrowed in a wider refinancing announced in June will be used for.

The assumption is £70m for Baleba, equal the sum United paid for Casemiro in 2022 and a figure only exceeded in their history in terms of midfielders by the club record £89m spent on Paul Pogba, is at the top end of what they wanted to pay.

Plenty of alternative left-backs to Hall have been mentioned.

Racing Santander's 19-year-old Jorge Salinas has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause, but is also coveted by Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was left out of the 5-0 La Liga victory over Elche by coach Hansi Flick, to allow him to "clear his mind" amid intense transfer speculation, with United among those to be linked with the 22-year-old Spain international. Barcelona are said to value him between €30m (£25.66m) and €40m (£34.22m).

With a week to go before the transfer window closes, the situation is thought to be fluid, but caution in United circles around the expectations of a new left-back being signed is being stressed.

Read more here

Bruno Fernandes said he was "very proud" to be awarded to win the men's 2026 PFA Player of the Year award.

The Portugal international said: "Obviously, it means a lot. Voted by the players, the ones I step on the pitch to play against every weekend.

"A different meaning to the other ones that I have got. I am very proud of this one, and it is a very grateful moment for me."

Fernandes became the 12th Manchester United player to win the personal accolade.

He said: "I am a passionate guy about this sport. This was everything I have ever done. I know how to do it. Not perfectly, but I know how to do it.

"Throughout all my life I have been around with a ball. My dream was not to become a professional footballer, but it was to play football for life and, doing this, having opportunities to represent so many clubs, my national team to be included with the best in these type of awards is something I would never have imagined."

The 31-year-old began his professional career in Italy before returning to his homeland, Portugal to play for Sporting Lisbon in 2017.

"It is something which makes me look back and seeing that kid with a lot of dreams, and it makes me very, very proud," said Fernandes.

"Winning as a team and winning as a national team - that's the dream that we are always there to complete and to make the most of it."

Listen to more from Fernandes on BBC Sounds

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was named the Professional Footballers' Associations Men's Player of the Year at the PFA awards.

Fernandes, who last season broke the record for the most assists in a single Premier League campaign with 21, is the first United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

Although it was another trophy-less campaign for Manchester United, Fernandes enjoyed individual success, surpassing Kevin de Bruyne and Thierry Henry's record of 20 assists in a Premier League campaign.

Fernandes set up his side's opener on the final day of the season against Brighton – and scored their third – to finish 2025-26 with nine goals and 21 assists in 35 league outings. Man City's Rayan Cherki was the second-most prolific provider, with 12 assists.

His haul helped United finish third and secure Champions League football.

In total, the 31-year-old scored nine goals and contributed 22 assists in 37 matches in all competitions.

Fernandes, who joined the club from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, beat Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya, and Declan Rice and Man City attackers Cherki and Erling Haaland to the award.

He is only the second Portuguese to be named player of the year, following back-to-back wins for former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007 and 2008.

Manchester United are considering making contact with Stuttgart over a potential move for 20-year-old German defender Finn Jeltsch. (CaughtOffside), external

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