Scott Trotter

Manchester United remain linked with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, whom former United players reportedly admire. Quinton Fortune calls Baleba exceptionally talented but questions whether the Cameroon international warrants Brighton’s reported valuation of more than £100 million, particularly given his limited goal output and current ankle injury. United previously valued him closer to £60 million and have since signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, making a move less likely despite Brighton being open to offers.

Manchester United scouts reportedly watched Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias score a hat-trick in a 5–1 win over Kudrivka. The 20-year-old Brazilian, valued at about £30 million, has attracted interest from United, Arsenal, AC Milan and Porto, with an official bid expected. United’s assessment reportedly describes Elias as a potential top-level centre-forward suited to the club’s pressing and transition-based system. The club is seeking another striker amid Joshua Zirkzee’s expected departure and has also been linked with midfield, full-back and attacking reinforcements.

Manchester United came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2–1 in a pre-season friendly, with Mason Mount and Andrey Santos impressing in central midfield. Former United player Jesper Blomqvist praised their performances and said Michael Carrick should be pleased, while noting that returning players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans will face fierce competition for places. Mount was also urged to avoid injuries and maintain his momentum, while youngster Shea Lacey received praise for his impact and Bryan Mbeumo scored twice.

Casemiro made a difficult home debut for Inter Miami, scoring an own goal while attempting to cut out a cross in a 2–2 draw with Columbus Crew. Luis Suárez and Noah Allen put Inter Miami ahead, but Brais Méndez's late equaliser denied them victory. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder completed 90 minutes and also came off the bench to play alongside Lionel Messi, fulfilling a long-held ambition. His transfer has also attracted an MLS investigation after Inter Miami settled with LA Galaxy over the right to sign him.

Jadon Sancho is training with 10th-tier Flixton FC to maintain his fitness while searching for a new club after his Manchester United contract expired in June 2026. The former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund winger has reportedly received an offer from Qatari club Al Rayyan, where he could join Aleksandar Mitrovic. Sancho was also recently seen in Portugal.

Real Madrid have extended Aurelien Tchouameni’s contract by three years, protecting the French midfielder from leaving for free and potentially increasing his transfer price. Manchester United previously conducted background checks and remain interested if he becomes available, but any move may depend on Real Madrid’s pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri and the possibility of Vinicius Junior joining Arsenal. United have already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to their midfield under Michael Carrick, while City continue to resist selling Rodri and have offered him improved terms.

Italy have opened talks with Pep Guardiola about becoming their new national team coach following their failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed discussions are underway and acknowledged that hiring Guardiola would require a financial exception due to his high salary demands. Guardiola, who recently left Manchester City and remains tied to City Football Group in an advisory role, is one of several candidates considered by Italy’s new technical leadership, alongside Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini. Malago emphasized that dialogue with Guardiola will continue while Italy assess profiles suitable for the role.

Pep Guardiola has met with Italian Football Federation leaders Paolo Maldini and Leonardo as they seek to appoint a new national team head coach following Italy’s World Cup qualification failure and recent leadership resignations. Although Guardiola currently holds an advisory role within the City Football Group that technically restricts him from taking another coaching job, Manchester City’s ownership is not expected to block a move. Other candidates under consideration include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo. Guardiola has also been linked to the England and Brazil national team roles amid broader calls for him to return to management after leaving Manchester City earlier in the summer.