Fasika Zelealem

Manchester City is entering its first Premier League season without Pep Guardiola in a decade, with Enzo Maresca taking charge. The article revisits the club's final starting XI before Guardiola's arrival in 2016 and charts each player's subsequent career: Joe Hart and Fernandinho moved into punditry, Gael Clichy into management, Bacary Sagna into artificial-intelligence scouting, and Sergio Aguero into successful YouTube content. Nicolas Otamendi remains at River Plate, Kevin De Bruyne plays for Napoli, while most of the others have retired or moved into coaching and ambassadorial roles.

Manchester United have completed three first-team signings this summer, including midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Gary Neville believes the club has addressed only two of his four priorities: adding two midfielders, a left-back and a centre-back. United have yet to reinforce the latter positions despite concerns over Luke Shaw’s workload and the injury records of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. The club has monitored Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi but reportedly appears set to lose him to Juventus.

Manchester United are seeking another midfield reinforcement before the summer transfer window closes after signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Interest in Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha has reportedly cooled because of his €100 million asking price, while Newcastle are preparing a bid. Internal disagreement is also said to be affecting United's recruitment, with Christopher Vivell favoring Roma midfielder Manu Koné while sporting director Jason Wilcox and head coach Michael Carrick prefer a player with established Premier League experience. Bournemouth's Alex Scott is another reported option.

Manchester United are considering four further summer signings as Michael Carrick prepares his squad for four competitions. Jhon Lucumí, Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Manu Koné are identified as potential targets, with reported valuations ranging from £21.4 million plus add-ons for Lucumí to approximately £100 million for Baleba. Baleba’s ankle injury may reduce the likelihood of a deal, while Scott is reportedly open to moving to Old Trafford and United are said to have agreed personal terms with Koné. Juventus, Chelsea and Liverpool are among the clubs also linked with the players.

Manchester United are considering redirecting their remaining summer transfer budget toward Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini rather than signing a third midfielder. The 22-year-old Italy international is valued at about £32 million but has missed significant time through injuries. United are also reportedly open to Joshua Zirkzee leaving on loan, with Juventus interested and the striker said to have approved a potential move after struggling to secure a regular place since joining the club in 2024.

Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel became Manchester United's youngest-ever first-team player when he came on during the club's 2–1 preseason win over Atlético Madrid. However, Premier League safeguarding rules require players under 18 to use a separate dressing room from senior teammates, so Gabriel could not change alongside the first team. He was still permitted to enter afterward to hear manager Michael Carrick's team talks. Gabriel turns 16 in October and could make his Premier League debut this season, despite being unable to sign a professional contract until age 17.

Tariq Lamptey has joined Queens Park Rangers in the Championship after leaving Fiorentina, aiming to revive a career disrupted by persistent injuries. The former Chelsea and Brighton full-back was once highly rated, attracting reported interest from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, while Wayne Rooney wanted Manchester United to sign him as a replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Andy Cole also predicted a bright future for Lamptey, but nine injuries over three years caused him to miss 90 matches, including an ACL rupture that ended his Fiorentina career after just two appearances.

Mason Mount has been proposed as a realistic potential loan signing for newly promoted Coventry City, where he could reunite with former Chelsea and Derby County manager Frank Lampard. Gary McAllister suggested the move could give Mount regular Premier League football after injuries and limited starts at Manchester United. McAllister also linked Coventry with other Lampard connections, including Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori and Ben Chilwell, while Mount’s leadership role under United manager Michael Carrick indicates he remains valued at Old Trafford.