Steven Railston

Manchester United writers Steven Railston and Jack Flintham propose different starting line-ups for the Premier League opener away to newly promoted Hull City. Both expect United to be competitive, but differ over the right-back, centre-back, midfield and left-wing choices. Benjamin Sesko's return to training is welcomed, while injuries or limited fitness involving Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo influence the suggested selections.

Michael Carrick must manage Bruno Fernandes’ minutes more carefully at Manchester United despite the captain’s desire to play every match. Fernandes has logged 27,863 minutes for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon and will turn 32 next month, making rest important for maintaining his effectiveness. Carrick recognizes Fernandes’ influence in connecting the team but says the squad must balance consistency with freshness. Manchester United have been overly dependent on Fernandes, so developing a midfield capable of winning matches without him is essential; a possible signing of Carlos Baleba could help ease that burden.

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Brighton to sign midfielder Carlos Baleba for £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons, after an initial £60 million bid with additional payments was rejected. The 22-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract but will not be immediately available because of an ankle ligament injury. His arrival would make him United’s third midfield signing of the summer and take their spending to £155 million, following the departures of Casemiro and an injury to Manuel Ugarte. United are also expected to pursue a left-back before the Premier League transfer deadline.

Manchester United have submitted a bid worth around £60 million plus add-ons for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, with an agreement expected but not yet complete. After Baleba, the club intends to sign a left-back, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall considered unlikely to be available and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly viewed as a realistic alternative. Racing de Santander’s Jorge Salinas is another option, although his low release clause raises doubts about United’s level of interest. Completing a left-back signing would fulfill the club’s stated summer priorities after strengthening midfield and potentially retaining Marcus Rashford.

Manchester Evening News writers predict that Manchester United will finish around fourth in the Premier League, with a stronger title challenge possible but Manchester City and Arsenal still expected to lead the way. They believe United should reach the Champions League knockout rounds, although most expect elimination by the last 16; domestic-cup prospects range from a trophy-winning League Cup run to another season without silverware. Matheus Cunha, Shea Lacey and Bryan Mbeumo are highlighted as players to watch, while Amad is tipped for a major revival. One writer expects United to lead the league early, and another predicts they could finish at least 20 points ahead of Liverpool.

Michael Carrick said Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United training in excellent physical and mental condition and can play centrally if required. He provided positive injury updates on Benjamin Sesko, Matthijs de Ligt and Karl Darlow, while Mason Mount remains a late decision after a minor knock. Carrick called Hull City a difficult opening opponent and said United are aiming to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. Manchester United are pursuing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba with a bid worth about £65 million including add-ons, while Arsenal appear set to keep Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Michael Carrick says Benjamin Sesko has returned to full training and could feature for Manchester United against Hull, although he is unlikely to start because of limited match fitness. Mason Mount is a doubt after a minor knock, while Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable as he completes rehabilitation from back surgery. New signing Karl Darlow is in contention for the squad. Hull City, promoted through last season’s play-offs, will host United in the opening Premier League match.

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot says the club is building something special under manager Michael Carrick and should approach every competition believing it can win silverware. Carrick led United back to the Champions League, and the club finished third in the Premier League last season. Dalot also reflected on Portugal’s disappointing World Cup exit, saying talent alone was insufficient and that the team must identify what is missing before future tournaments. United open the new campaign against Hull before fixtures against Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham.

Manchester United have 15 days left in the transfer window and are urged to sign a third midfielder, ideally a ready-made defensive No. 6 capable of replacing Casemiro's role. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined, but the midfield is considered short of defensive protection, while a potential move for Atalanta's Ederson has become less viable after he signed a new contract. Although a deputy for Luke Shaw at left-back is also needed, the article argues that midfield reinforcement should take priority as Michael Carrick seeks further additions to his squad.

Casemiro’s departure has removed Manchester United’s most effective aerial threat from set-pieces. Although the midfielder scored nine Premier League goals last season, eight were headers, and no current squad member scored more than one headed league goal. Harry Maguire is expected to carry much of the responsibility early in the season, while Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt face fitness or recovery concerns. Leny Yoro, along with other attacking and defensive players, will need to contribute if United are to maintain their set-piece threat.

Michael Carrick appears to have settled on nine Manchester United starters for the opening Premier League match against Hull: Senne Lammens, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Andrey Santos, Bruno Fernandes, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Dorgu. The right-back position remains a contest between Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, while Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans are competing for the final midfield place. Lisandro Martinez is expected to be eased back into action, while Matheus Cunha is short of full fitness and Benjamin Sesko has yet to feature in pre-season.

AC Milan defeated Manchester United 4-2 in United’s final pre-season match at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw. Harry Maguire gave United an early lead, Samuel Chukwueze equalized, and Patrick Dorgu restored United’s advantage after half-time. Alphadjo Cisse, Goncalo Ramos and Ruben Loftus-Cheek then scored for Milan. Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for United’s team in 20 months, coming on for the final half-hour, while United’s defensive performance was criticized despite some encouraging individual displays.

Seven Manchester United players, including Bruno Fernandes, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Joshua Zirkzee, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Matheus Cunha, spoke with former manager Ruben Amorim after United’s 4-2 pre-season defeat to AC Milan in Wroclaw. Amorim, who was sacked in January amid tensions with the club’s board, exchanged warm greetings with the players and acknowledged that he made significant mistakes during his time at United. His tenure produced the club’s worst Premier League win ratio, goals-conceded rate and clean-sheet ratio among United managers.

Manchester United face AC Milan in their final pre-season match, with the game marking Ruben Amorim’s first meeting with the club since becoming Milan manager. Manchester Evening News writers Tyrone Marshall, Steven Railston and Jack Flintham recommend line-ups designed to resemble the team expected to start against Hull on the Premier League’s opening day. Benjamin Sesko and Mason Mount remain unavailable, while Marcus Rashford could return in a United shirt. The writers generally favour Bryan Mbeumo at centre-forward, Matheus Cunha on the left, and a midfield featuring Youri Tielemans alongside Santos, with Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro preferred at centre-back.

Marcus Rashford increasingly appears likely to remain at Manchester United after Barcelona chose not to activate its £26 million purchase option. The article argues that manager Michael Carrick's calm, settled environment could give Rashford the stability needed to rediscover the form that produced 14 goals and 14 assists during his loan spell. However, Rashford's past inconsistency and disciplinary issues remain a significant risk, and his successful reintegration will depend on taking responsibility and maintaining his commitment.

Manchester United’s academy sides are preparing for the 2026/27 season after finishing as runners-up in their respective competitions last term. JJ Gabriel is expected to step up to Under-21 football while continuing to train with the first team, with a senior debut possible during the first half of the season. The Under-18s will open against Manchester City in a potentially important early title contest. Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick are expected to feature prominently, while United are pursuing Leicester midfielder Louis Page. The club is also improving its academy sales model through higher fees, buy-back rights and sell-on clauses, illustrated by Ethan Williams’ move to Peterborough.

Manchester United have sold 20-year-old academy winger Ethan Williams to Peterborough for a sizeable undisclosed fee. Williams, who spent last season on loan at Falkirk and featured in United’s pre-season tour, said he was ready to leave to advance his professional career. Peterborough manager Luke Williams praised his pace, directness and first-team experience, while the club hopes to mount a League One play-off challenge.

Michael Carrick's continued use of Patrick Dorgu as a winger during Manchester United's pre-season, including the match against Leeds at Dublin's Croke Park, indicates that he views Dorgu primarily as an attacking player rather than a defender. Although Dorgu showed defensive awareness and helped create Joshua Zirkzee's goal, his crossing and final delivery remain areas for improvement, while Marcus Rashford may currently be ahead of him in the left-wing pecking order.

Manchester United have included 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel in their squad for a Dublin training camp, giving him another chance to train with the first team under Michael Carrick. The club is seeking to demonstrate a clear pathway to senior football and retain Gabriel amid interest from leading European clubs before he reaches key academy recruitment ages. United have supported him with first-team exposure, access to senior figures and personal encouragement, while teammates and staff have praised his ability, character and potential to become a future homegrown star.

Benjamin Sesko has joined Manchester United's squad in Dublin after missing much of pre-season while recovering from a shin injury, raising fears that he could repeat the slow start of his debut season. Last year he lacked pre-season preparation, struggled for sharpness and scored only twice in the first half of the campaign before producing a much stronger run in 2026. Although he may have limited match fitness before the new season, Sesko is now settled in England, has some pre-season minutes available and is expected to play in a more chance-creating system. Manchester United will need him to start well because he is the club's only recognised senior centre forward, while an opening run against Hull, Ipswich and Everton could give him opportunities to regain form.

Manchester United supporters are urged not to demand both disciplined recruitment and impulsive spending in the same transfer window. CEO Omar Berrada has committed the club to a clear, value-focused strategy, and United declined to match the high fees that took Elliot Anderson to Manchester City and Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham. Instead, the club signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a comparable combined cost. Although United still need further midfield reinforcements, abandoning the stated plan to satisfy short-term fan impatience would risk repeating the wasteful recruitment of the Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold eras.

Manchester United face Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden in their fourth pre-season friendly after victories over Rosenborg and Atlético Madrid. Tyrone Marshall and Steven Railston propose alternative starting lineups, with both favouring Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount or midfield partner options, and a defence featuring players such as Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. Injuries or minor illnesses keep Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko out, while the writers differ over whether Youri Tielemans should start or enter in the second half.

Manchester United's planned sale of goalkeeper Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough for an initial £7 million, potentially rising to £14 million, has drawn criticism from some fans. The deal is defended as reasonable because Vitek is not yet ready to be a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper, Championship clubs have limited spending power, and another loan would leave him with only a year remaining on his contract. Vitek wants regular first-team football after three loans, while United will retain a buy-back clause and a 35% sell-on clause.

Manchester United may abandon their pursuit of Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, whose contract and Newcastle’s reluctance to sell could push his price to around £70 million. The club’s data department is identifying alternatives, with 19-year-old Jorge Salinas of Racing de Santander emerging as a cheaper option after an impressive promotion campaign and standout Under-19 European Championship. Salinas reportedly has a €16 million release clause and could provide competition and cover for Luke Shaw, while also developing into a future first-choice left-back. Barcelona are also linked with the defender.

Manchester United are close to selling goalkeeper Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough, with a buy-back clause expected to be included. The 22-year-old wants regular senior football after successful loan spells at FC Blau-Weiß Linz and Bristol City, while Senne Lammens is currently United’s first-choice goalkeeper. Vitek has two years left on his contract, and the move would become United’s second senior sale of the summer.

Manchester United must decide whether to offer Luke Shaw a new contract after the summer transfer window. Shaw is entering the final year of his deal without an extension option and is valued for his consistently strong performances, leadership and experience. However, his injury history raises doubts about his ability to handle a season of more than 60 matches. United’s decision will be influenced by whether they sign a new left-back, with Lewis Hall identified as an ideal long-term successor. A short-term contract with reduced wages and a possible extension, similar to Harry Maguire’s arrangement, is presented as a suitable model.

Michael Carrick appears likely to start Mason Mount, Andrey Santos and Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s midfield against Hull on August 22. Mount and Santos have impressed in deeper roles during pre-season, developing a promising partnership, while Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo will have less time to build match fitness and challenge for places. The increased competition represents a significant improvement on last season’s midfield options, with another signing also expected before the transfer window closes.

Manchester United’s Under-21 friendly against Altrincham highlighted several academy players who may leave during the summer transfer window. Toby Collyer could secure a permanent move if the right offer arrives, while Chido Obi may be loaned or sold. Jacob Devaney is expected to go on loan again after an impressive spell at St Mirren, and Dan Gore is viewed as a candidate for a permanent transfer. Habeeb Ogunneye, Louis Jackson, Diego Leon and Jack Moorhouse are also expected to depart, while Enzo Kana-Biyik and Ethan Wheatley are likely to be loaned again. The decisions will depend partly on Michael Carrick’s first-team squad requirements.

Amad Diallo returned to Manchester United's Carrington training ground after an impressive World Cup with Ivory Coast, where he scored decisive goals and created chances. His tournament form has revived confidence after an inconsistent season at United, during which he scored twice and provided four assists. The article argues that tactical changes, including the disruption of his partnership with Bryan Mbeumo, contributed to his decline, while Michael Carrick defended his broader team contribution. Amad's return to form could give Manchester United a significant boost next season and make him feel like a new signing.

Manchester United defeated Rosenborg 5-0 in a pre-season friendly in Trondheim. Shea Lacey opened the scoring with a composed finish after Joshua Zirkzee’s pass, before Zirkzee scored an excellent individual goal. Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams added further goals after Michael Carrick introduced several young players, with Jaydan Kamason supplying two assists. The performance gave Carrick encouragement, particularly from United’s academy players, ahead of the club’s next pre-season fixture in Sweden.

Shea Lacey scored in Manchester United's 5–0 pre-season win over Rosenborg and strengthened the case for a larger first-team role in the 2026/27 campaign. The 19-year-old, who has been compared with Manchester City’s Phil Foden, impressed with his finishing, movement and defensive work, while several other academy players also contributed goals and assists. Michael Carrick’s side showed a significant improvement from the defeat to Wrexham, although Rosenborg fielded a weakened team. Highly rated youngster JJ Gabriel did not play, but United are expected to give him opportunities during the summer.

Manchester United maintains it is not seeking to reduce season ticket numbers as it cracks down on ticket touting, acknowledging that some genuine supporters have been wrongly affected. Fan groups issued joint demands for the club to halt suspensions, retract unproven accusations, and clarify season‑ticket policies. The club denies revenue‑driven motives and says any cancelled season tickets will be reissued after appeals, leaving affected supporters awaiting outcomes.

Manchester United’s preseason opener against Wrexham underscored the need for an additional striker, with Joshua Zirkzee again showing he is more effective in deeper roles rather than leading the line. Benjamin Sesko remains the club’s only senior striker but is recovering from a shin injury, heightening concerns ahead of the new season. United are exploring experienced forward options to reduce reliance on Sesko, while Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain as he struggles to fit Michael Carrick’s system and may be better suited for a transfer to facilitate reinforcements.

Manchester United are preparing for Marcus Rashford to return for pre-season after positive talks, despite previously preferring a permanent transfer. Barcelona declined to sign him, and reintegration is now viewed as a realistic option as the club aims to preserve his market value. Rashford’s inconsistent performances, high wages and prior disciplinary issues remain concerns, yet he could strengthen United’s left flank if he regains form. The transfer window remains open, leaving the possibility of another twist in his future.

Sir Alex Ferguson praised Kevin Keegan's impact on Newcastle United and English football following Keegan’s death at 75. Ferguson highlighted Keegan’s emotional leadership, key signings and the lasting legacy he created during Newcastle’s most successful modern period. He recalled their rivalry and later friendly interactions, while Manchester United issued condolences acknowledging Keegan’s influence as both player and manager.

Manchester United’s crackdown on ticket touting has resulted in hundreds of season ticket holders receiving warning emails, with some accounts restricted and supporters facing possible bans despite denying wrongdoing. The club acknowledged that innocent fans may have been affected and offered an appeals process, though many await outcomes as the new season approaches. Supporters’ groups are working with those impacted as frustration grows over the club’s handling of the situation.