Kieran King

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says he cannot predict when the independent commission will issue its verdict on Manchester City’s 115 alleged financial-rule breaches. The charges cover alleged inaccurate financial information, player and manager payments, UEFA Financial Fair Play and Premier League sustainability rules, as well as non-cooperation with investigations. Masters acknowledged that the process has taken longer than expected but said the rules require allowing it to reach its natural conclusion. Manchester City maintains its innocence, while Enzo Maresca offered no substantive comment on the case.

Gavi has rejected Manchester United’s interest and intends to remain at Barcelona, despite United being prepared to meet the club’s reported £35 million valuation. The 22-year-old midfielder is contracted until 2030, enjoys Hansi Flick’s trust and has recovered from a serious knee injury to return to Spain’s World Cup squad. His decision leaves Michael Carrick searching for alternative midfield targets before the September 1 transfer deadline, while United face criticism over limited summer spending compared with rivals such as Chelsea and Manchester City.

Manchester United are expected to reject an ambitious Galatasaray offer for Bruno Fernandes despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract. United consider Fernandes, who recorded nine goals and 22 assists in 37 appearances during the 2025/26 season, not for sale and want to negotiate a new long-term deal. His contract includes a £56 million release clause, but the club reportedly would not approve a departure so close to the new Premier League season. Head coach Michael Carrick and Fernandes have both indicated that the player is likely to remain at Old Trafford.

Manchester United could revisit their interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, who has been placed on the transfer list and excluded from the club’s remaining pre-season matches. Casado prefers to stay in Europe rather than move to Saudi Arabia, while Barcelona are seeking at least £25.6 million. United are not currently targeting him after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, with a new left-back a higher priority. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is their preferred target, although Newcastle are trying to retain him.

Mason Mount is a doubt for Manchester United's pre-season match against Leeds United after suffering a foot knock during the draw with Paris Saint-Germain. He missed training on Monday and Tuesday, with manager Michael Carrick stressing that the club is taking a cautious approach. Lisandro Martinez has returned to the squad, while Marcus Rashford has resumed training. United have two pre-season matches remaining before facing Hull City and are continuing to strengthen midfield after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while monitoring further targets including Lamine Camara, Iliman Ndiaye and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to sell Marcus Rashford but will not allow him to join Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester City, nor loan him to Chelsea, Aston Villa or Tottenham. Rashford returned to pre-season training after a successful loan at Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals and supplied 14 assists, but Barcelona declined its £26 million purchase option and signed Anthony Gordon instead. Rashford may seek a new club, attempt to regain a place under manager Michael Carrick, or remain at United until his contract expires in 2028.

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have rejoined Manchester United's squad in Dublin after receiving an extended break following England's 2026 World Cup campaign. They travelled with several teammates and new arrivals, while Lisandro Martinez remains absent after Argentina's World Cup run. Michael Carrick's team will train in Ireland, face Leeds at Croke Park and then play AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture. Rashford returns after Barcelona declined a £26 million purchase option following his loan spell, and he is expected to compete with Matheus Cunha for a starting role as United prepare for the new season and a return to the Champions League.

Manchester United are finalising a season-long loan move for Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus, with personal terms reportedly agreed and an option to buy under discussion. United had preferred a permanent sale, but Juventus, led in negotiations by chief football officer Fredric Massara, are close to securing the Dutch forward after his poor scoring record and reduced role at Old Trafford. The move would follow expected departures for Radek Vitek and Altay Bayindir, while United continue to target Newcastle's Lewis Hall and remain linked with Aurelien Tchouameni.

Fenerbahçe have entered the race to sign Marcus Rashford and are reportedly prepared to spend heavily on the Manchester United forward. Rashford is due to return to United for pre-season after a productive loan at Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists, but Barcelona declined its £26 million purchase option. United value him at about £30 million and would prefer to avoid selling to a Premier League rival. Manager Michael Carrick is expected to give Rashford an opportunity to regain his place, although a summer transfer remains possible. Rashford has previously been reported to be reluctant to move to Turkey.

Mateus Fernandes said Roberto De Zerbi’s personal approach, including regular conversations with him and his family, was a major reason he chose Tottenham over Manchester United. The 22-year-old Portugal international also cited encouragement from former Sporting CP teammate Pedro Porro. Tottenham signed Fernandes from West Ham for a club-record £85 million after he had suffered relegations with Southampton and West Ham. Manchester United responded by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while continuing to be linked with Aurelien Tchouameni.

Manchester United came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2–1 in a pre-season match in Stockholm, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring twice. Mason Mount impressed in a two-man midfield alongside new signing Andrey Santos, contributing creatively and defensively. Captain Bruno Fernandes praised Mount on Instagram with the message “Class bro,” while Mount said he enjoys leading by example under manager Michael Carrick.

Manchester United may sell Marcus Rashford this summer, with Tottenham reportedly willing to meet a £30 million asking price. Rashford is due to return from a successful loan at Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals and supplied 14 assists, after the Spanish club declined its £26 million purchase option. His £325,000 weekly wages could complicate a Tottenham move. Rashford announced his departure from Barcelona in an emotional statement, while former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin said Tottenham could suit him by offering a central role and regular football.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Amos says he should have left the club when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, rather than remaining until his contract ended in 2015. Despite making only seven first-team appearances, Amos valued his development under Ferguson and recalled the manager's personal approach to managing young players. After leaving United, he built a career with Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic, Wigan Athletic and Port Vale, helping Wigan win League One and Port Vale secure promotion from League Two. Now a free agent training with the Professional Footballers' Association, the 36-year-old believes he remains capable of playing in the Football League and hopes to find a club before the Carabao Cup begins.

Manchester United have enquired about Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr as they assess options to strengthen their wide positions. Sarr, a lifelong United supporter, is open to a move after a standout season for Palace and an impressive World Cup with Senegal. United will evaluate multiple targets, with any move potentially influenced by Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future. Interest in West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville appears to have ended as Al-Hilal close in on his signing. The article also notes United’s new 2026/27 away kit.

Alex Scott favours a move to Chelsea despite Bournemouth rejecting a £64 million bid, complicating Manchester United’s interest in the midfielder. Bournemouth maintain he is not for sale, hoping to extend his contract, while Scott remains intent on leaving. Chelsea’s pursuit follows unsuccessful moves for Granit Xhaka, as Manchester United continue strengthening their squad with recent signings.