Kieran Horn

Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt returned to Manchester United training ahead of the Premier League opener against Hull City, giving manager Michael Carrick a double injury boost. Matheus Cunha also trained after a knock, while Mason Mount remained absent and is unlikely to feature unless he returns later in the week. Sesko and De Ligt are expected to be managed cautiously after lengthy absences, with their possible returns projected for late August and September or October respectively. Tom Heaton remains out with a hamstring injury, Manuel Ugarte faces an extended absence until 2027 because of a serious knee ligament injury, and new signing Karl Darlow continues to recover from an unspecified issue.

Marcus Rashford has reportedly returned to Manchester United’s pre-season squad and is excited to work with manager Michael Carrick, who featured in his debut. His future remains uncertain after Barcelona declined to activate the buy-option in his loan deal, although a possible transfer could reopen if Ferran Torres leaves. Manchester United have also reportedly been offered Arsenal midfielder and left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly in a potential swap for Rashford, a proposal supported by former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon but considered highly unlikely. Talks over Rashford’s future are expected this week, with the player still understood to prefer a move abroad.

Turki Al-Sheikh has withdrawn from a proposed controlling investment in Derby County, citing delays in the Independent Football Regulator’s approval process that left insufficient time to prepare for the season. The Saudi businessman had previously caused surprise by claiming Manchester United was in advanced negotiations with a prospective buyer, though he clarified that he was not the investor. Sir Jim Ratcliffe subsequently dismissed the claim and defended the Glazers. Al-Sheikh has also previously explored investment opportunities involving Bristol City.

Manchester United players whose contracts were signed under the club’s previous system can receive Champions League-related pay increases without meeting the new 60% playing-time threshold. Marcus Rashford is expected to regain a 25% wage uplift worth about £4 million annually after United finished third in the Premier League, while Mason Mount and Andre Onana also benefit. The added costs are complicating efforts to sell Rashford and Onana and are limiting United’s ability to recruit midfielders, despite reported deals for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Rashford, previously made available for transfer, now appears increasingly likely to stay at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million via a release clause, and former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has called the deal the best signing of the summer. Mikel praised Tielemans’ versatility, passing, set-piece ability, goal threat and intelligent reading of the game, while acknowledging his lack of pace. United have also signed Karl Darlow and Andrey Santos, taking their summer spending on the latter two players and Tielemans to £85 million. Michael Carrick’s team are expected to add further reinforcements, with left-back and midfield priorities including Lewis Hall, Jorge Salinas, Antonee Robinson, Manu Kone, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Tyler Fredricson has completed a permanent move from Manchester United to Lausanne-Sport on a three-year contract after 11 years with the club. The 21-year-old defender issued an emotional farewell, while teammates including Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and academy friend Kobbie Mainoo sent messages of support. Fredricson made four senior appearances for United, including three in the Premier League, after progressing through the club's youth system.

Manchester United have confirmed that academy graduate Tyler Fredricson is joining Lausanne-Sport permanently, subject to registration. The 21-year-old defender, who joined United at under-9 level, made four senior appearances and was praised by the club for his professionalism and development. He will join the Swiss side alongside United midfielder Sekou Kone, while Manchester United continue to focus on departures and pursue further midfield additions.

Manchester United are considering a €60m bid for Paris Saint‑Germain midfielder Warren Zaire‑Emery, a player they first targeted in 2023. With recent midfield signings already secured and other targets identified, United see the 20‑year‑old as a potential addition amid his fluctuating game time under Luis Enrique. PSG value him closer to €80m, and it is unclear whether he would leave. United have also been monitoring attacking options, though Crysencio Summerville is set to join Al Hilal. The club prepares for the new season with Marcus Rashford expected to remain and return to action after the World Cup.

Alex Scott has rejected a new contract offer from Bournemouth, increasing Manchester United’s chances of securing the midfielder for a fee expected to be around £60 million. United have already strengthened their midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and continue to assess Scott and Manu Kone as options, with competition from Arsenal and Chelsea appearing limited. Additional transfer considerations include potential moves involving Tyler Adams, Crysencio Summerville and Iliman Ndiaye, while Marcus Rashford’s future may influence attacking plans. United’s preseason preparations continue amid evolving squad decisions.