Ben Crawford

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Amos says he stayed at his boyhood club too long while waiting for a chance to establish himself. He made seven senior appearances, won two League Cup titles, and spent several seasons on loan before leaving for Bolton in 2015. Amos acknowledges that his loyalty and hope of a breakthrough delayed his development, but later spells with Charlton and Wigan helped revive his career, culminating in a League One title with Wigan and a move to Burnley.

Manchester United remain active in the transfer market before their Premier League opener against Hull City. The club is expected to reject any Galatasaray offer for captain Bruno Fernandes, reportedly viewing him as unavailable despite a proposed £43 million bid and doubled wages. Marcus Rashford, who scored 14 goals during his loan at Barcelona, could still return to the Catalan club after Barcelona reportedly resumed dialogue with his representatives, although the club previously declined a £26 million permanent transfer and signed Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi instead.

Brandon Williams says Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes still checks in on him and helps him obtain tickets to matches, describing him as an exceptional person. Williams, who made 51 first-team appearances for United, is currently without a club while training with Rotherham United and trying to revive his career. His progress was disrupted by a dangerous-driving conviction that resulted in a suspended prison sentence, a driving ban and community service. Williams also remains in contact with former United teammates Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire and is determined to return to professional football.

Manchester United are seeking additions before the new Premier League season despite pre-season wins over Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid under Michael Carrick. Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly agreed to join Juventus on loan, although the move depends on Juventus selling Jonathan David. United also retain firm interest in Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose prospects could be affected by Bruno Guimaraes's expected Arsenal medical and the club's wider squad investment. Arsenal could be tempted to sell because Lewis-Skelly's fee would count as pure profit under financial regulations.

Manchester United could complete several transfers during the week, with Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly identified as a potential left-back target. A proposed swap involving Roma midfielder Manu Kone and Marcus Rashford is also discussed. United may additionally sell academy or fringe players Radek Vitek, Harry Amass, Dan Gore and Toby Collyer, while the club continues to reshape its midfield and squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

JJ Gabriel made his senior Manchester United debut at age 15, coming on for the final minutes of a 2–1 pre-season victory over Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. National media praised his technique, pace, movement and confidence on the ball, but consistently highlighted his slight physique and the need to develop physically to withstand senior football. Bryan Mbeumo scored both United goals, while Shea Lacey and Jim Thwaites also attracted attention as promising young players.