Jack Flintham

Manchester United travel to newly promoted Hull City for their opening Premier League fixture, with Michael Carrick warning against underestimating the hosts. Benjamin Sesko has returned to full training, while Matthijs de Ligt is ruled out and Mason Mount remains doubtful. Manchester Evening News writers Steven Railston and Jack Flintham offer different preferred lineups, with disagreements over the right-back, centre-back, midfield and left-wing positions. Both expect United to have enough quality to begin the season with a victory.

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca said Savinho has wanted to leave the club since arriving, while Omar Marmoush has not formally requested a transfer. Savinho is nearing a move to Tottenham, and City would seek replacements if either player departs. Maresca also confirmed that Jeremy Doku will miss approximately two to three weeks with a calf injury, while Matheus Nunes has returned. He praised Phil Foden’s improved form, outlined the need for internal competition and further recruitment, and emphasized that City must compete immediately when they open their Premier League campaign at home against AFC Bournemouth.

Manchester City midfielder Charlie Gray has joined League One side Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan. The 20-year-old, who made his senior City debut in December and was named the EDS Players’ Player of the Season in 2024/25, said he is eager to gain experience in men’s football. City highlighted his academy development, while Gray is expected to link up with former teammate Finley Burns and could make his Wigan debut against Leyton Orient.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says Marcus Rashford has returned to training fit, sharp and ready to play, including as a possible central striker, while leaving his long-term future open. Benjamin Sesko and Karl Darlow are back training, Matthijs de Ligt is progressing but will not face Hull City, and Mason Mount is close to returning after a minor knock. Carrick describes Hull away as a difficult Premier League test and says United are working to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. The club has made an offer of about £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain at Arsenal.

Manchester City is beginning a new era after Pep Guardiola's departure and the exits of several senior players, with Enzo Maresca tasked with rebuilding the squad. The club has secured new contracts for several players, signed Elliot Anderson and retained Erling Haaland as its leading striker. The Talking City podcast will provide weekly analysis, debates, behind-the-scenes coverage and updates throughout the 2026/27 campaign across YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Manchester City are preparing for a major midfield rebuild after accepting Barcelona’s £65.4 million bid for Rodri, who has travelled to Spain for his medical. Talks with Lille over teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi are advancing independently of Rodri’s departure, while City remain interested in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. Tijjani Reijnders is expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah for around £52 million. City may also need a winger if Savinho joins Tottenham, with uncertainty surrounding Jack Grealish and Omar Marmoush. The club’s recruitment urgency was reinforced by a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, although manager Enzo Maresca says transfer plans were established before that result.

Manchester City’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal has reinforced the need for transfer activity, although head coach Enzo Maresca says the club’s plans were already in place. Rodri is reportedly close to joining Barcelona for £65.4 million, while Tijjani Reijnders is expected to move to Al Qadsiah for about £52 million. Savinho’s future remains uncertain amid Tottenham interest. City are accelerating talks with Lille for teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, despite Lille wanting him loaned back, and continue to monitor Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández.

Ruben Amorim said he feels no lingering negativity toward Manchester United after AC Milan defeated them 4-2, although he remains proud of his time at the club. The result and Amorim's remarks prompt a comparison between his confrontational tenure and Michael Carrick's calmer spell in charge. Carrick is credited with ending the media-driven turmoil around United, imposing standards without the same combative tone, and helping results improve. Jamie Carragher has praised the reduction in the club's 'circus' while questioning whether Carrick has enough star quality to win the Premier League or Champions League.

Manchester City lost the Community Shield 3–0 to Arsenal in Cardiff and emerged with several injury concerns. Matheus Nunes withdrew before kick-off with an unspecified injury, while Jeremy Doku suffered a calf problem and Omar Marmoush landed awkwardly late in the match. Savinho was unavailable because of illness, and Ryan McAidoo continued to recover from a shoulder injury. Marmoush, Savinho and McAidoo could return for City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 23, while the other players have no confirmed return dates.

Manchester City captain Ruben Dias said the team’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal was “not good enough,” but stressed that the squad is still adapting to new manager Enzo Maresca and undergoing a broader transition. Arsenal scored through Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, while City struggled to impose themselves. Dias said the result should provide a lesson ahead of the Premier League season, with City aiming to respond when they host Bournemouth in their opening league match.

The Community Shield match between Manchester City and Arsenal is being held at Cardiff's Principality Stadium instead of Wembley because Wembley is hosting The Weeknd's After Hours til Dawn tour. The venue change gives City fans a new destination after numerous trips to Wembley, while the article recalls City's only previous match at the Cardiff stadium, a 2–0 UEFA Cup qualifying win over The New Saints in 2003. Enzo Maresca stressed that the fixture is a genuine trophy opportunity, not merely a friendly.

A Manchester Evening News opinion piece argues that Michael Carrick has corrected four major shortcomings from Ruben Amorim's Manchester United tenure: overlooking Kobbie Mainoo, using Bruno Fernandes too deeply alongside Casemiro, persisting with the 3-4-2-1 formation, and neglecting the academy. Carrick is credited with reviving Mainoo and Fernandes, adopting greater tactical flexibility and rebuilding ties between the first team and youth setup. The assessment is sharply critical of Amorim ahead of Manchester United's reunion with his new club, AC Milan.

Manchester United are expected to field Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo against AC Milan in Wroclaw. Michael Carrick is likely to manage the minutes of Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, using them as substitutes or limiting their involvement ahead of the new campaign. The match is viewed as an important final test before the competitive season, with several selection decisions still unresolved.

Manchester United face AC Milan in their final pre-season match, with the game marking Ruben Amorim's first meeting with the club since his dismissal. Michael Carrick is preparing the team after leading United to a third-place Premier League finish, while Benjamin Sesko and Mason Mount remain unavailable. The writers recommend a line-up built around Senne Lammens in goal, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro at centre-back, Youri Tielemans replacing Mount in midfield, and Bryan Mbeumo continuing as the central forward, with Matheus Cunha preferred on the left and Marcus Rashford potentially returning to action.

Manchester City are preparing for a busy transfer window, with Tijjani Reijnders nearing a £52 million move to Saudi club Al Qadsiah. Young defenders Finley Burns, Lakyle Samuel and Max Alleyne have also departed for Wigan Athletic, Exeter City and Burnley. Barcelona are pursuing Rodri but remain below City's reported £70 million valuation, while Chelsea's Enzo Fernández deadline is unlikely to produce an immediate deal. City are also monitoring Jules Koundé, Juma Bah and Ayyoub Bouaddi, considering further squad additions, and have secured new long-term contracts for Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Abdukodir Khusanov and Joško Gvardiol.

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca declined to discuss the club's reported interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while hinting that no deal would be completed by Chelsea's reported Friday deadline. He said City may still need one or two additions, depending on departures. Tijjani Reijnders is expected to join Saudi club Al Qadsiah for around £52 million, while Rodri's future remains uncertain amid interest from Barcelona. Maresca confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and that Ryan McAidoo is the only significant fitness concern before Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal. He also emphasized the need for City to improve, compete and challenge for titles as he begins his first competitive match in charge.

Manchester United face Leeds at Dublin's Croke Park in their penultimate pre-season fixture. Tyrone Marshall and Jack Flintham propose lineups that prioritize fitness management while continuing to assess defensive and midfield combinations. Both recommend Senne Lammens in goal and Bryan Mbeumo as the striker; Marshall favors Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu, while Flintham suggests Cunha on the left and a midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt and possibly Benjamin Sesko should not be risked, while Marcus Rashford may wait until the following match for a return.

Manchester United will face seven notable Premier League changes in the 2026/27 season, including stricter time-wasting procedures, limits on substitutions after delayed player exits, updated squad-registration requirements and new financial controls replacing the Profit and Sustainability Rules. The club must also comply with revised VAR procedures, including reviews of second-yellow-card red cards, clarified penalties for deliberate hair-pulling, and a longer one-minute period off the pitch for players treated for injuries.

Manchester United's decision to use Joshua Zirkzee and Bryan Mbeumo rather than Chido Obi during pre-season suggests manager Michael Carrick does not currently view the teenage striker as part of his first-team plans. After scoring 13 goals in 22 Premier League 2 appearances, Obi needs senior experience, and a loan or permanent move is now presented as likely. While a Championship loan is possible, a move to a mid- or lower-level Bundesliga, La Liga or Serie A club may offer development with less pressure and could improve his chances of returning to United's first-team picture in 2027.

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg in their fourth pre-season match. PSG took an early lead through Ibrahim Mbaye, but Bryan Mbeumo equalised after Amad won possession high up the pitch. United improved as the game progressed and created the better second-half chances, though they could not find a winner. Mason Mount was substituted after less than 20 minutes with a foot injury but later said he was “all good”; goalkeeper Tom Heaton also went off with a suspected hamstring problem. Michael Carrick said the match provided a useful workout, while Marcus Rashford is set to return to United training after Barcelona declined to sign him permanently.

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg during their fourth pre-season match. PSG took an early lead through Ibrahim Mbaye, but Bryan Mbeumo equalised after Amad won possession, and United improved significantly in the second half without finding a winner. Michael Carrick said United had deliberately done less opponent-specific preparation so players could solve problems independently. The team will continue its preparations in Dublin, with Marcus Rashford and other returning players expected to rejoin the squad before matches against Leeds and AC Milan.

Manchester City are using their Asian pre-season tour to assess how the attack functions without Erling Haaland, who is returning after Norway's World Cup run. Antoine Semenyo has emerged as the standout performer under Enzo Maresca, contributing to goals against Inter Milan and the K-League All Stars through direct running, creativity and energy on both flanks. His form could help share the scoring burden when Haaland returns, reflecting Pep Guardiola's longstanding view that City cannot rely on their central striker alone.

Manchester United are close to completing departures for goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek, with Bayindir nearing a loan move to Celta Vigo and Vitek linked with Middlesbrough. The club’s next move is unclear: Joshua Zirkzee could leave, but United lack an obvious replacement striker while Benjamin Sesko recovers from injury. Left-back Lewis Hall is admired but difficult to sign, and academy players including Toby Collyer, Chido Obi, Dan Gore and Jacob Devaney could be loaned out. With the season approaching, each potential transfer carries significant complications.

Manchester City will face a K-League XI at Seoul’s Sangam Stadium during the final phase of their pre-season tour. Despite the apparent gap in league rankings, extreme heat and humidity, the K-League side’s mid-season sharpness, attacking approach and home support could make the match difficult for City. The squad includes established names such as Ki Sung-yueng and Lee Seung-woo, World Cup players Lee Gi-hyuk and Yazan Al-Arab, and highly rated teenager Son Jeong-beom. The fixture is also a valuable showcase for players seeking European transfers, following Tottenham’s signing of Yang Min-Hyeok after a previous K-League XI match.

Manchester United enter the new season with expectations high after returning to the Champions League and Michael Carrick securing the permanent managerial role. A successful August would include resolving the ticketing dispute, signing another striker and a midfielder, and pursuing Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall. Marcus Rashford may return from Barcelona if no buyer emerges, though a permanent transfer remains the preferred outcome. United are also expected to target six points from opening matches against Hull City and Ipswich Town and hope for a favourable Champions League draw that avoids major clubs and excessive travel.

Michael Carrick praised Manchester United's collective performance and the debuts of academy players JJ Gabriel and Jimmy Thwaites after the team defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm. Fifteen-year-old Gabriel came on for the final ten minutes, having scored 29 goals for the Under-18s last season. Atletico took an early lead through Arnau Ortiz, but Bryan Mbeumo converted a penalty won by Shea Lacey before scoring the winner after Jack Fletcher intercepted a pass. Carrick said the team showed encouraging signs during pre-season, while noting that improvements are still needed.

Manchester City are expected to field a strong side against Inter Milan in their first pre-season match of the summer in Hong Kong. Enzo Maresca's predicted 4-2-3-1 includes Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri in defence, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders in midfield, and Ryan McAidoo, Phil Foden and Savinho supporting Antoine Semenyo up front. McAidoo could receive an opportunity after making two senior appearances last season, while Semenyo may be tested as a striker because Omar Marmoush and Erling Haaland are unavailable.

Manchester United have signed 20-year-old goalkeeper Kit Margetson on a free transfer from Swansea City after his breakthrough season with Connah's Quay in the Cymru Premier. Scout Tony Coton identified Margetson, whose calmness, height, reactions and command of the penalty area have drawn comparisons with United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Welsh football analyst Harrison Jones called the move a major surprise and described Margetson as a genuine prodigy, while suggesting a League Two loan would be the appropriate next step for his development.

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca says Rodri remains central to his plans but is currently recovering from surgery and enjoying a holiday. He explains that Erling Haaland and other senior players will miss the first pre-season match against Inter after the World Cup, while Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes and Omar Marmoush are expected to arrive too late to play. Maresca describes Phil Foden as a key player whose happiness and fitness are vital, says he is satisfied with the current squad, and frames succeeding Pep Guardiola as an opportunity to introduce new ideas rather than copy his predecessor. The Hong Kong fixture will primarily assess players' physical condition and their grasp of Maresca's tactical concepts.

Manchester United’s pre-season match against Atlético Madrid in Stockholm should be used to address the team’s defensive positioning. With senior right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui still absent after the World Cup, Leny Yoro has been filling in at right-back. The piece argues that Yoro should instead play at centre-back, where he is expected to compete for a starting role during the season, while Jaydan Kamason should be given an opportunity at right-back after providing two assists against Rosenborg. Michael Carrick’s previous preference for experienced lineups makes Kamason’s selection uncertain, but the match is presented as a key chance to prepare both players for their likely long-term roles.

Manchester City has confirmed a 28-man squad for its 2026 Asian pre-season tour, with Jack Grealish omitted while recovering from injury and Kalvin Phillips also absent amid expectations of another loan move. Several academy players, including Jeremy Monga, Kaden Braithwaite, Floyd Samba, Jaden Heskey and Ryan McAidoo, have been included alongside senior players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Phil Foden. City will play Inter Milan in Hong Kong, a K-League XI in Seoul and Atlético Madrid before returning from the tour.

Manchester City have six players, including Rodri, Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish, entering the final year of their contracts, while third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is expected to renew. Josko Gvardiol is close to signing an extension, and several other players have deals running through 2028 to 2031. Rodri and Ruben Dias have attracted interest from Real Madrid, James Trafford could leave for Leeds, and Savinho is being monitored by Tottenham. Erling Haaland remains committed to City until 2034 under his 2025 extension.

Jack Grealish’s Manchester City career appeared to be fading after limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola, but a loan spell at Everton helped revive his confidence and enjoyment of football. He contributed two goals and six assists, while Everton observers praised his ball retention, footballing intelligence and ability to relieve pressure. His season-ending injury coincided with Everton’s decline in form, and new City manager Enzo Maresca may give him a route back into the squad if he can establish the same supportive relationship that Grealish enjoyed with David Moyes.

Michael Carrick is reshaping Manchester United's midfield around technically gifted players who can control possession and set the tempo. Andrey Santos has made an encouraging start after moving from Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans is expected to add box-to-box strength. The approach worked against Rosenborg, but the team may struggle when forced onto the defensive against Premier League title contenders and elite European opponents. United could still pursue a more traditional defensive midfielder, with Aurélien Tchouaméni a preferred target whose availability may depend on Real Madrid's interest in Manchester City's Rodri.

Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek appears increasingly likely to leave the club after Middlesbrough opened talks over a transfer. Vitek, who made 41 appearances for Bristol City last season, wants regular first-team football, while Senne Lammens is established as United's first-choice goalkeeper. A permanent sale would suit Vitek and United, which would record the academy product's fee as pure profit and strengthen its position under Financial Fair Play rules.

Manchester United should consider reviving its previously criticized strategy of signing an experienced veteran striker on a short-term basis. Benjamin Sesko is the clear first-choice centre-forward, while Joshua Zirkzee has struggled in that role and Chido Obi is not yet ready for regular first-team responsibility. Ollie Watkins is a possible option but could be too expensive and may not accept a backup role. A suitable older striker would provide cover across four competitions while mentoring Sesko and Obi, though the club must avoid overpaying for an ageing player.

Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel responded to being an unused substitute in the club's 5-0 pre-season win over Rosenborg by posting “patience” alongside a picture of his kit. The 15-year-old, who scored 29 goals for the Under-18s last season, was included in Michael Carrick's travelling squad but is expected to be carefully managed. His competitive first-team debut is more likely to come in a cup competition, although he could feature in upcoming friendlies, including the match against Atlético Madrid in Sweden.

Manchester United beat Rosenborg 5-0 in Trondheim in their first pre-season win. Shea Lacey opened the scoring after a creative pass from Joshua Zirkzee, who then added a fine individual goal. Second-half substitutes Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams completed the rout, with Jaydan Kamason providing two assists and Amass contributing a goal and an assist. Michael Carrick praised the young players for expressing themselves, while Lacey, Mount, Maguire and several academy prospects were singled out for strong performances.

Enzo Maresca has begun his tenure as Manchester City's head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola after previously working as his assistant. At his first press conference, Maresca said Rodri would return after surgery, rest and a post-World Cup holiday, while emphasizing that Jack Grealish remains a City player and that it is his duty to coach him. He expressed confidence in the club's structure and outlined an aggressive, possession-based style focused on winning. The live coverage also examines City's transfer activity, including the arrivals of Elliot Anderson and Monga, Phil Foden's new contract, and potential moves involving goalkeeper James Trafford, while reporting that City want to keep Rodri despite interest from Real Madrid.

Manchester United secured midfielder Andrey Santos for £50m, offering the regular first‑team football he struggled to attain at Chelsea. Despite strong performances on loan at Strasbourg, he could not displace Chelsea’s established midfielders and grew frustrated by limited minutes. Chelsea’s decision to sell has divided their supporters, with some believing his potential could make the move a long‑term loss for the club. Analysts suggest United may have secured a bargain if Santos fulfils his projected development.

Manchester United have completed five summer signings: Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur, and free transfers Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson. The club have also confirmed several departures, including Andre Onana on loan to Trabzonspor, Rasmus Hojlund's permanent move to Napoli, Sekou Kone and Elyh Harrison on loan, and multiple players leaving at the end of their contracts. Marcus Rashford's future remains unresolved as he prepares to return to Carrington.