Kasra Moradi

Manchester United are reported to be closing in on Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, following major midfield spending on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The column argues that director of football Jason Wilcox should immediately pursue Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall to provide cover and a long-term successor for Luke Shaw. Hall could cost £60–70 million, although Newcastle reportedly consider him untouchable. Alternative targets include Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys and Racing Santander teenager Jorge Salinas, who has a £13.7 million release clause. The piece concludes that adding a left-back is essential to prevent an injury to Shaw from undermining Michael Carrick's season.

Sixteen-year-old Kai Rooney has returned to action for Manchester United after a season-ending injury suffered in March. He featured in the club’s 23-man squad for the Otten Cup in Eindhoven, where United lost 1–0 to hosts PSV, with further matches against Palmeiras and Adelaide United scheduled. Rooney had a productive 2025/26 season, contributing goals and an assist for the Under-18s, appearing at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup, and winning youth honours before signing his first-year scholarship contract in July. Manchester United expects him to play a significant role for the Under-18s and Youth Cup campaign, although he has not yet begun senior-team training.

Jose Mourinho’s first summer as Manchester United manager in 2016 included a major squad clear-out alongside four high-profile signings costing about £145 million. Fifteen players were sold, released or loaned out, generating roughly £8.5 million. Their subsequent careers varied widely: Dean Henderson became the standout success after developing through a series of loans and winning major honors with Crystal Palace, while Paddy McNair, Andreas Pereira, Nick Powell and Joe Rothwell built solid careers elsewhere. Others, including Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, James Wilson and George Dorrington, struggled with injuries, inconsistent form or limited opportunities, while James Weir eventually retired and moved into travel work.

Manchester United are set to regain most of their World Cup players before their pre-season match against Paris Saint-Germain. Michael Carrick is expected to select Senne Lammens in goal, with Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in defence; Bruno Fernandes, Andrey Santos and Mason Mount in midfield; and Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu in attack. Tielemans, Mazraoui and Amad are projected to begin on the bench, while Rashford, Mainoo and Martínez remain absent after reaching the World Cup’s final week.

Anthony Joshua reportedly paid an approximately £120 laundrette tab immediately after earning £15 million for his 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko. The laundrette owner, Muqeem Bakhtari, said Joshua had remained a regular and modest customer since before winning Olympic gold. Joshua is due to return to the ring in Saudi Arabia against Kristian Prenga, ahead of a potential bout with Tyson Fury, with the fight available through DAZN.

Harry Maguire has suggested Manchester United may make further signings this summer, saying he wants a competitive squad capable of challenging for major trophies. United have already strengthened midfield with Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, added goalkeeper Karl Darlow and recruited winger Tynan Thompson. The club’s next target remains unclear: links include Rafael Leao and a further midfielder, while pursuits of several other players have failed and Warren Zaire-Emery is considered an unlikely acquisition. The transfer activity comes ahead of Michael Carrick’s first full season as manager after United secured third place and Champions League qualification.