Danyal Khan

Harry Maguire says Manchester United must target trophies and improve on last season, when the club finished third and returned to the Champions League despite losing the Europa League final. Entering his eighth season, the defender believes the squad is unusually close under Michael Carrick and capable of competing with any opponent. He welcomes further signings, particularly with injuries affecting midfield and a perceived shortage at left-back. Maguire also describes his evolving role as a senior defender and mentor to Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro and Dan Armer, whom he believes can eventually form one of the world’s strongest defensive partnerships.

Marc Skinner has left Manchester United Women after summer discussions over the club’s future direction, with limited investment and dissatisfaction with the team’s inconsistent playing style contributing to the split. Manchester United are moving away from the original ambition of winning the WSL by 2028 and instead plan to emphasize academy development and internal talent, believing major transfer spending is unsustainable. The change comes as rivals including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and London City Lionesses strengthen, while United have lost several established players and made only two additions. Skinner leaves after taking the club to four finals, winning the 2024 FA Cup and reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, but his record against leading rivals and defensive inconsistency remained concerns. The incoming coach is expected to have a strong record of developing players, and will face Chelsea and Arsenal in United’s opening four league fixtures.