If Manchester United's midfield is still the same when the transfer window ends -- and it's still an "if" at the moment -- then the question will be: Is it enough?
Casemiro has departed and Manuel Ugarte is facing a long road back from a serious knee injury. Arriving this summer have been Andrey Santos from Chelseaand Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a combined fee of £85 million. The marquee signing that many supporters expected has not arrived. Not yet, anyway.
Three players considered targets at one time or another -- Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes -- have moved elsewhere. A deal for Atlanta's Brazilian international Édersoncollapsed after issues were raised during the first part of his medical.
So with less than a week to go before Man United open their Premier League campaign against Hull City on Saturday, head coach Michael Carrick is set to pick his midfield from Santos, Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Mason Mount has been used in central midfield during preseason with some success, but he has missed the last two games with a foot injury. Tyler Fletcher -- son of former Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher -- is considered an exciting prospect, but still only a prospect at 19 years old.
Whoever gets the nod in United's season opener, there will be fans debating whether the team's midfield is ready for the new season.
United haven't ruled out signing a third midfielder. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga (both Real Madrid), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Manu Koné (Roma) and Marc Bernal (Barcelona) are among the names who have been discussed -- some more seriously than others.
The club also have interest in adding a left back to provide competition for Luke Shaw; Myles Lewis-Skelly -- whose future at Arsenal is up in the air -- can do both.
There's still over a week to go before the transfer deadline on Sept. 1 and Carrick has made it clear that he would like more signings before the end of the window. And in the same interview given to reporters at United's training base in Ireland last week, he outlined why he believes the midfield in any team is so important.
"Being a midfielder [during his playing career], that's kind of how I've seen the game," he said. "In some ways, it helps because you're kind of connected to all parts of the team over time. I'm not saying you have to be a midfielder to be a good coach, but I think it's just how my reference points are in some ways.
"What I feel has worked over the years, what kind of football I think the supporters want to see as well -- hopefully that fits together. Naturally, midfield is a big part of the teams that I've coached and been part of because that's just naturally how I see the game."
Carrick insists that even without more signings his midfield has a good "balance."
Fernandes, captain and talisman, is likely to start every game when he's available; Santos is the only recognized defensive midfielder; Mainoo had success next to Casemiro in the second half of last season and has the ability to start attacks but also thrive in the spaces around the opposition penalty box; Tielemans has filled a number of roles during spells at Leicester and Villa whether it's as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box midfielder or playmaker.
Carrick has already spoken to Tielemans about what he expects from him.
"I won't share too much," Tielemans said, when asked about the conversations. "He has got his structure. He wants to have the ball, he wants to press in certain ways. It might be different from what you are used to, what I have been used to before, but they are logical things in my opinion.
"So for me, nothing changes, but it just needs to gel together. Then when you follow those principles, then you can add your offensive qualities, especially in the last third where everything is a bit more in freedom, without obviously overcommitting and keeping the defensive line in place, then I think we can do good things."
United fans will hope he's right. United's current midfield boasts plenty of technical quality, but the debate will be about whether it needs more physicality and athleticism. Teams fielded by both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim were criticized for "not having enough legs."
Carrick was part of what's considered by some supporters to be the club's last great midfield. He won the Champions League in 2008 alongside Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves, with Anderson and Darren Fletcher on the bench.
Since then, United have spent more than £600 million on central midfielders with precious little to show for it. There's an argument that only Fernandes, signed from Sporting CP in January 2020, has been the one real success during that time.
United will hope that, over time, Santos and Tielemans can add themselves to the list. But for now, on the eve of a new season, many fans are left wondering whether it will be enough.
Amazon’s cameras officially went live at Carrington this morning, which happens to coincide with the Carlos Baleba news.
Nearly ALL #mufc staff have been shock by the news, apart from the recruitment team, who all had a big smile on their faces. [@SullyTalkz]
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Takeaways from @FabrizioRomano YT:
-Baleba is REALLY REALLY close to MUFC
-Deal is moving to FINAL STAGES
-BHA want a little bit more, next improved proposal will probably get the deal done
-Baleba was fighting for move, offered himself & NEVER took any other approach
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@FabrizioRomano via YT:
"The summer transfer window for Manchester United definitely hasn't ended yet.
I expect a minimum of two transfers, a left-back and a striker."
1️⃣[@FabrizioRomano] #MUFC
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MUFC have held discussions with the player side of Jorge Salinas. Data team rate him highly and seen as a high potential player. David Raum also on the list and liked. United assessing all LB options even after Carlos Baleba deal advances. @UtdDistrict @sullyexcl
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Arsenal are working on transfers for both James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United.
Arsenal are confident that deals for both players can be agreed this summer.
[@SamJDean]
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Carlos Baleba wanted to sign for #mufc last summer and looks finally set to get his move. United feel a package of around £70m would represent value, but still some work to do - @StevenRailston
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Carlos Baleba made clear to his camp his only dream since August 2025: Manchester United.
Baleba agreed personal terms with #MUFC one year ago but Brighton closed the doors; now negotiations at final stages.
The agreement player-United remains valid: he only wants United. @FabrizioRomano
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sometimes you don't need to pretend you knew about every deal. i didn't know about baleba and i can tell you 99% of the others journos didn't either. full credit to ornstein, best in the business. united only brief it to him now when the deal is close. mount 3rd cm / louis page@sullyexcl
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 “Hearing that the club STILL wants a left-back after Carlos Baleba”. #MUFC [@SullyTalkz]
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Takeaways from @TheAthletic article by Jessica Hopkins on MUFC target Myles Lewis-Skelly:
-Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick says they are not actively looking at selling homegrown players but if RIGHT OPPORTUNITY came up, right for them & the club they'd obviously consider that
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Talks between Manchester United and Brighton resumed for Carlos Baleba in recent weeks after it became apparent his ankle ligament injury was not as serious as first feared, and he is expected to be fit towards the end of September. [@SimonJones_DM]
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mufc are close to a full agreement with Brighton to sign Carlos Baleba. United already have a five-year contract ready for him to sign when the club to club deal is formally concluded [sky]
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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné is the subject of strong transfer interest from Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea. Roma values the French international at around €50 million after rejecting earlier proposals
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Manchester United haven’t ruled out signing a third midfielder. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Alex Scott, Angelo Stiller, Adam Wharton, Manu Koné and Marc Bernal are among the names who have been discussed - some more seriously than others. #MUFC [@RobDawsonESPN]
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Juventus are working to move Jonathan David on with Joshua Zirkzee coming in. Talks underway with Manchester United for a loan with option to buy for the Dutchman.
[@CorSport]
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Myles Lewis-Skelly LOVES Arsenal and wants to STAY.
If Arsenal were to decide on a late-window sale, Manchester United would be ready to make a move.
But for now, the door is CLOSED.
Lewis-Skelly wants to remain at Arsenal, and the club have given neither him nor his representatives any indication that they want him gone.
The priority is clear: MLS wants Arsenal.
[@FabrizioRomano]
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Napoli have asked Manchester United about Joshua Zirkzee. However, they need to wait for a departure before moving concretely. [@DiMarzio]
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Negotiations between Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes are still ongoing and the relationship is very good.
There is neither panic nor a breakdown.
The club is protected by the option until 2028.
There are several things to determine: the salary (Rashford's return must be taken into account with his salary), the contract length, and the release clause.
(@FabrizioRomano)
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Marcus Rashford must alter his body language and show that he has the "hunger" to play for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney has said.
Rashford is back at United following the conclusion of his loan move to Barcelona last season. He made his first appearance for the Red Devils in almost two years when he came on as a substitute in the 60th minute of United's preseason defeat to Ruben Amorim's AC Milan last weekend.
He was frozen out of United by Amorim in December 2024, joined Villa on loan in January 2025 and then spent last season on loan at the Spanish champions -- who did not exercise their right to turn the loan spell into a permanent move.
Michael Carrick is now the United head coach and he has spoken about Rashford positively, and has said that "he gives [the team] something a little bit different."
On Stick to United -- a new show hosted by United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney and football content creator Mark Goldbridge on Disney+ -- Rooney said that he wants to see Rashford play succeed at United but called for the England international to improve his body language.
"It's such a strange one with Marcus. We know he's got the ability, he's shown that, but has he got the hunger? Does he want to play for Manchester United?" he said.
"I've been there, in 2010, when I asked to leave the football club. Then I stayed. You have to rebuild the relationship with the fans and the easiest way to do that is work hard and work on your body language.
"You could have a bad game, you could give the ball away and make mistakes, but if the fans see you working hard and putting in a shift for the team, they'll accept that to a certain point. I think Marcus' body language, even when he came on, it isn't great. He might have to work with someone to make his body language look better.
"I think his work rate has to improve," Rooney continued. "If he wants to be at the football club, he just has to knuckle down [...] He's the one player that could go and get my goalscoring record.
"I don't want to see Marcus Rashford doing well at Aston Villa or doing well at Barcelona. I want to see him doing well at Man United and scoring goals for Man United. But that means he has to get his head down and work his socks off. Be more positive. Play with a smile on his face."
Rashford registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barça and also featured for England at the World Cup, in which they reached the semifinals.
"If he [Rashford] is back playing for United and he wants to be here, I think he has to have a real close look at who's around him. Only he can say who those people are around him who he really trusts. Keep them close to him, go into training and work hard, get himself right. If he does that, he'll be fine," Rooney continued.
"He has to change his body language, whether he likes it or not, to get fans back onside," he added. "It's on him and no one else. He has take responsibility if he's here because, if not, the fans will turn very quickly."
When asked by Goldbridge if Rashford being back at United might work out, Rooney said he's "hoping" but isn't convinced.
"Marcus is still in his twenties, he's still physically in top condition. Whatever's happened, whatever concerns or distractions he had that stopped him from playing a top player for Man United, he has to somehow find a way to get rid of them."
@alex_crook: “I was quite interested to see Wayne Rooney come out and say that maybe Carrick has been LEFT a bit short in the window.
“Who's Rooney’s BEST mate? Carrick. So I'd imagine that he's echoing a private conversation there.
“And maybe putting a bit of PRESSURE on the board. They've got to do business because the squad is not deep enough”. #MUFC [@talkSPORT]
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Harry Maguire: “Hopefully one day, they [Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro] are the MAIN two centre-half partnership at this club.
“And they're winning the BIGGEST trophies. Hopefully they're the strongest partnership in world football.” [@DanyalHKhan]
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Real Betis have blocked a potential move for Antony, denying Manchester United around €18m in the process.
ABC report, in their Tuesday print edition, Betis have rejected a €50m approach for the Brazilian, thus denying Manchester United a potential sell-on fee in the process.
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Ivan Toney and Jean-Philippe Mateta are two of many names #mufc are monitoring for the striker position, but only if Joshua Zirkzee departs.
Both are seen as experienced and lower-cost options. Nothing advanced on Zirkzee’s departure yet [@sullyexcl]
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Takeaways from @mjcritchley via @TheFPLWire YT:
-MUFC plan at the beginning of the summer was atleast 2 midfielders and another if possible
-His hunch is that we see more movement on left-back than midfield
-The momentum has shifted for a variety of reasons
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Marcus Rashford has had THREE opportunities to leave Manchester United for other Premier League clubs, so far this transfer window.
Understand Rashford’s sole focus is on Manchester United.
No intention from the player’s side to pursue a Premier League move, as it stands.
@SamC_reports
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Harry Maguire on squad depth / new signings:
“When you play for this club, you want competition for places and it's so important that we have a huge squad.
I'm at an age now where they can bring in as many as they want, bring in all the best players. I want to win all the trophies and be greedy about it, but it's up to the club.
I'm sure they're working hard out there to try and bring in the right players. The more, the merrier. The stronger squad that we have, the more opportunity we have of winning these trophies and that's what it's all about when you play for this club.
We've got a good depth of squad, but of course, I'm sure they're working hard on helping us and bringing more in.”
[@DanyalHKhan]
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Benjamin Šeško and Matthijs de Ligt are training with the Manchester United group at Carrington this morning. NO Mason Mount. #MUFC [@DanyalHKhan]
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MUFC targeting left-back before window closes. Hybrid midfielder desired.
Myles Lewis-Skelly still seen as possible despite his performance in Community Shield.
Jorge Salinas cheaper option, potentially meaning United try for Lewis Hall next summer
@lauriewhitwell
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Manchester United new deal proposal has been sent to Bruno Fernandes in May.
The negotiations continue on length of contract, salary, €65m clause
included into current deal.
No Galatasaray move planned this summer: #MUFC want him to stay.
@FabrizioRomano
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The midfield market for #mufc may depend on market opportunities. If no good opportunity arises, United will stick with the current squad [@FabrizioRomano]
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“Someone like Sander Berge, who I think United could get for around £40 million,” said Whitwell when weighing up INEOS’ options
Liam van Nistelrooy is beginning to follow in his father’s considerable footsteps, producing a clinical finish for PSV’s U19 side.
The 18-year-old scored as PSV defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the semi-final of the Otten Innovation Cup, sending the Dutch side through to face Palmeiras in the decider.
With his father Ruud watching from the stand, Liam raced clear of the Chelsea defence before delicately lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. It was a finish reminiscent of the former PSV and Manchester United striker’s trademark composure inside the penalty area.
The Poignant Irish Connection Behind Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Goalscoring Son
While his famous surname has naturally attracted attention, there is also a poignant Irish story behind his first name.
Appearing on The Overlap, Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed that his son had been named after his former Manchester United teammate Liam Miller.
Van Nistelrooy and Miller shared a dressing room at Old Trafford after the Cork midfielder joined Manchester United from Celtic in 2004.
Miller made 22 appearances for the club before leaving permanently for Sunderland in 2006, having also spent time on loan at Leeds United. He later represented Queens Park Rangers, Hibernian and several Australian clubs before returning home to play for Cork City.
The midfielder earned 21 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland and scored once for his country.
Miller tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer in February 2018 at the age of just 36. His death prompted an enormous outpouring of grief across Irish and British football.
Later that year, a benefit match between Manchester United legends and a combined Celtic and Republic of Ireland selection attracted approximately 45,000 people to Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff were among the former stars involved in an emotional tribute to the Corkman.
Ruud’s decision to name his son Liam offers another lasting connection to his former teammate.
The younger Van Nistelrooy has been with PSV since joining their U10 set-up in 2017. He signed his first professional contract in April 2025, committing his future to the Eindhoven club until the summer of 2028.
He has since progressed to U19 level and his composed finish against Chelsea suggested that some of his father’s goalscoring instincts may have been passed down
BREAKING: Bruno Fernandes is in contract talks with #MUFC amid major Galatasaray offer of €20m per year.
Fernandes, 31, wants to stay. #MUFC insist he’s not for sale. But negotiations ongoing over new deal.
Current terms run to 2027 +1 for captain
[@lauriewhitwell]
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Manchester United has a concrete interest in Joaquin Seys, but he will not be allowed to leave, even in the event of a record offer of the order of the transfer of Chrístos Tzólis to Arsenal. @HLN_BE
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The consortium, led by the Glazer family along with a Saudi partner, is interested in purchasing Al-Ittihad.
[Hattan Al-Najjar]
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Bayern chief scout Nils Schmadtke is on the verge of being dismissed. Schmadtke was brought to the club by Max Eberl in autumn 2024, and is one of his closest confidants. Eberl was recently informed that he will have to part ways with Schmadtke, who has recently faced criticism internally
Christopher Vivell is a candidate to replace Schmadtke. Vivell is currently head of scouting at Manchester United. His contract runs until summer 2027
[@kessler_philipp, @mano_bonke]
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Andy Mitten:
"I think #MUFC keep getting in situations where players indicate that they WANT to join the club.
"And then selling clubs are reluctant to sell, or the transfer fee goes way out of proportion, or other clubs come in with much higher wage offers."
[@TOTDevils]
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Ethan Ennis signs permanent deal at Stockport County.
United part of deal is:
🔴 50% sell on clause
🔴 Buy-back clause
🔴 Matching rights on sale
@NathSalt1
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Takeaways from TOTD:
-Mitten says MUFC working STRONGLY on new LB (Laurie reiterates), trying to get couple of deals done + stressed won’t overpay
-Amass LOAN looks more likely
-Laurie says LB is the area they most attentive towards
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Takeaways from @alex_crook via @talkSPORT
-One to keep an eye on is David Raum who has a 34m release clause in his contract.
-MUFC also have long-standing interest in Carlos Baleba.
-Lewis Hall would WELCOME MUFC move but NUFC say he is NOT for sale likely
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Kieran Maguire said: “Manchester United have the capacity to spend a lot more.
“Some high earners off payroll plus Champions League participation has created plenty of headroom
“However, United owed £405m in unpaid transfer fee instalments on previous purchases at 31 March 2026, so this will act as an anchor on their ability to spend, but it is not insurmountable.“
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West Brom has STARTED talks with Manchester United for Toby Collyer over a PERMANENT move
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West Brom have approached #mufc over a potential move for Toby Collyer.
#wba exploring permanent move for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Collyer spent first half of 25/26 on loan at the Hawthorns but a calf injury cut his time at the club short.
w/ @SkySportsLyall, @alihampsonsilk
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@JacobsBen on Adam Wharton:
"It's so late in the window. Crystal Palace's perspective is that they don't want to lose the player now or entertain offers for him, and that's natural. And yet, could we potentially see a twist?
Manchester United have had Adam Wharton on their list for quite some time. They're still assessing options for a third midfielder.
Earlier in the window, I was told by a source that he was too similar in profile to Kobbie Mainoo, but now United have to assess: do they want nobody or somebody?
Carrick has said that more depth is needed, and of course, Chelsea have a long-standing interest in Adam Wharton." #MUFC #manutd[@talkSPORT]
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TV PICKS FOR #MUFC
More changes in October
Sat 10 Oct - Tottenham Hotspur (H, 5:30pm) - Sky Sports
Sun 18 Oct - Leeds United (A, 2pm) - Sky Sports
Sun 25 Oct - Bournemouth (H, 2pm) - Sky Sports
Sat 31 Oct - Chelsea (A, 12:30) - Live on TNT Sports
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Takeaways from @JacobsBen via @talkSPORT YT:
-Zirkzee & Juventus is one to watch between now & end of window
-Louis Page could be 1st team player or part of first team squad
-Lewis Hall NOT looking likely but would love to get him
-MUFC likely to make 1 if not 2 signings
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Galatasaray are prepared to double Bruno Fernandes’ wages in a bid to entice him away from #MUFC
Turkish champions preparing €50m offer including add ons.
United adamant Fernandes is not for sale.
The €65m release clause in his deal this summer expired last month
@TelegraphDucker
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mufc are in the market for a left-back and it remains to be seen if they seek to bring in another midfielder or forward.
— @TelegraphDucker
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@StevenRailston (1️⃣) on United's finances:
"Money is there. It definitely is, but the message we received this summer from people in the club was clear: we don't intend to splash the cash, we don't intend to significantly exceed our budget, and we must maintain discipline.
However, when the latest financial data was published in May—and I emphasize that we're talking about theoretical calculations—it emerged that the club could spend £300 million on transfers this summer. Manchester United would then make repayments under a revolving credit facility, which in practice works like a credit card and gave the club significant flexibility in terms of spending.
Now, however, we must maintain discipline. We're looking at everything from a long-term perspective, and spending £300 million would undo all the work done over the past two years, which included squad reduction, cost-cutting, and other cost-saving measures.
The money is there, however, and it needs to be spent, because if they don't, they'll simply let Michael Carrick down." #MUFC
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Yesterday, one of Turkey's three biggest clubs got in touch with Rashford's agent to learn the Englishman's expectations.
3️⃣[@yagosabuncuoglu]
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Intermediary George Gardi - who managed the moves of Osimhen and others - believes he can get Marcus Rashford to Galatasaray - Sportwitness citing Turkish media who are not the most reliable
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Marcus Rashford is currently expected to stay at Manchester United beyond the summer.
But his future isn’t completely settled, which is why Michael Carrick and the squad have avoided making any definitive comments on the England international. [Simon Stone]
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Collyer is another #mufc feel they could command a sizable fee for although the increased numbe fixtures the club expect to play this season European qualification, may well increase the number of opportunities to impress for those on the fringes of the squad
[@ChrisWheelerDM]
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Takeaways from @MikeKeegan_DM via @MailSport:
-Harry Amass could leave Manchester United for £7m fee
-Toby Collyer as well who could demand a sizable fee
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Man Utd monitoring Kim Min-jae
On their CB shortlist. Tracking Bayern situation if available. He's settled in Munich, pushing for starts. #MUFC @cfbayern
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Maguire: "I got along very well with Ruben [Amorim] and his entire staff. It was nice to see them again. I'm happy that he has a new opportunity to prove himself and show everyone what an excellent coach he is. I'm sure he'll succeed. I have nothing negative to say about him. It simply didn't work out at Manchester United. He's at the helm of a great club and I hope they'll have a great season." #MUFC
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Harry Maguire on Marcus Rashford:
“As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure. You saw when he came on, he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He's a huge threat.
I've played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that playing against him and playing with him in training is going to help us.”
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“Ayden Heaven is primed to START against Hull City as Lisandro Martinez works his way to FULL match fitness.” #MUFC [@lauriewhitwell]
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There is always the possibility that Manchester United sign a lower-profile left-back this summer, then revisit Lewis Hall in 2027, when Shaw will be out of contract.
[@TyMarshall_MEN]
@TyMarshall_MEN on if a move for Lewis Hall completely out of the question:
"I think it's very, very UNLIKELY. I think it only changes if Hall really PUSHES to leave Newcastle and United make an EXCEPTIONAL offer, but neither of those feel likely at the moment.
If Hall handed in a transfer request and pushed for it, then I think United would have a look and try and make it HAPPEN. They would probably be willing to PAY MORE for a player who makes it clear they want to move to Old Trafford.
But as I say, I'm not sure Hall will do that and it would be a SHOCK to me if it happened now."
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Marcus Rashford made his first Manchester Unitedappearance in 20 months as he came off the bench in their 4-2 defeat by AC Milan.
Wearing the No 9 shirt, Rashford was introduced on the hour mark for his first United appearance since December 2024, when Ruben Amorim - now coincidentally in charge of Milan - was just two months into his spell at Old Trafford.
Rashford had limited involvement, touching the ball just 13 times, but he did have one golden opportunity to mark his return with a goal. He latched on to a pinpoint pass from Lisandro Martinez over the Milan defence and raced through on goal, only to be unable to get a shot away.
Despite being handed the high-profile No 9 shirt, United have stressed that squad numbers have yet to be finalised ahead of the new Premier League season.
Manchester United were made to suffer at the hands of Ruben Amorim after they rounded off pre-season with a puzzling 4-2 defeat against AC Milanin Wroclaw.
Despite taking the lead inside two minutes through Harry Maguire’s header, United never looked quite right all afternoon against this dynamic Milan side, ultimately paying the price after Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty
There was plenty of motivation on both sides and while Amorim hugged each and every United player that was in the starting line-up, it was he who had the last laugh thanks to goals from Samuel Chukwueze, Alphadjo Cisse, Goncalo Ramos and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
A week out from the start of the Premier Leagueseason, Daily Mail Sport assesses some of the biggest challenges facing Michael Carrick and his staff this week…
THINGS GO LEFT
It was telling how much of Milan’s joy came down United’s left side in what should be the clincher to adding a new left back this summer.
Chukwueze, who scored himself, had acres of space to pick out Cisse at the back post for the equaliser at 2-2 and it was his cross to the far post for Ramos that teed up the third Milan goal. Loftus-Cheek broke free down the same side and scored to make it 4-2.
United know that left back is an area of weakness and with plans for Harry Amass to depart this summer, relying solely on Luke Shaw, who is a solid player but lacking the legs of his younger days, is an enormous gamble that this match showed would be a mistake.
Carrick made it plain when speaking to reporters that United need more before the September 1 transfer deadline and given this game will be a huge part of the analysis for Hull City and other upcoming Premier League opponents, failure to act and bring in a new left back will leave Carrick needing to get creative to find a solution.
It was imperative before the match but took on an even greater significance by the time this one was done.
LEGS REQUIRED
Speaking of new signings, United need to add more dynamism and more legs into central midfield.
Andrey Santos has been the standout player during pre-season and early on here Youri Tielemans looked like he was finding a groove, particularly when he skipped aside his marker and played a delightful through ball for Amad, who was fouled.
But there were signs here that that partnership cannot be a fits-all solution and that, even with the returning Kobbie Mainoo, United simply have to add a midfielder who can cover more ground and cover up for the areas of, particularly, Tielemans’ game that are lacking.
United went in to the pre-season with the idea of adding three midfielders, only for that to cool given the form of Mason Mount in the first few games.
Mount was not involved here after going off early in the Paris Saint-Germain game and with director of football Jason Wilcox in attendance for this one, the evidence couldn’t be clearer that United are sorely lacking in the middle.
If that continues, they will be too easy to play through. Your move, Ineos…
RASHFORD IS BACK… BUT FOR HOW LONG?
Marcus Rashford pulled on the United shirt for the first time since December 2024 and wore the No 9 shirt, although the club were eager to stress that shirt numbers are still very much undecided for the season ahead.
That wrinkle aside, there was moments of real purpose, commitment and at times excitement from Rashford, a player that nobody around United has categorically ruled out selling or moving on.
It has been known for some time that United are open to moving off the £325,000-a-week attacker, not least given they have Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha at left wing.
Dorgu scored here following a Milan mistake but he cannot be compared to Rashford as an elite left winger.
There are a line of suitors for Rashford, some of which he wouldn’t be open to joining and others that don’t appeal to United.
But if the window closes and Rashford is still in a United shirt, Carrick needs to make the England international a key part of the project to make sure he gets absolutely everything he can out of him.
CARRICK BALL NEEDS PACE
A lot of the concern from this performance was just how easy at times it was for Milan to stifle United both in and out of possession.
Too often United became very lethargic and static with the ball, while out of possession it was a litany of mistakes that pockmarked this day to forget.
Against Atletico Madrid, PSG and Leeds United, there was so much pace to the way United pressed and passed the ball around. When that disappears, as it did here, the problems become crystal clear.
High intensity and high energy is crucial to the way Carrick wants United to play this season.
If that isn’t evident at Hull, the newly-promoted side will fancy their chances of punishing United just like Milan did. The blueprint to stopping United is now clear: slow them down.
This writer (Robbie Walls) was there for Kobbie Mainoo's real breakout moment in May 2022, the then-16-year-old starting in midfield as Manchester United claimed the FA Youth Cup in front of a bumper Old Trafford crowd.
There's no denying that two-goal hero, Alejandro Garnacho, was the headline attraction for United's U18 side then, but there remained a buzz around Mainoo too. It was easy to see why.
Even then, it felt clear that the Stockport native was destined for big things, a class above his colleagues despite having been among the youngest of the lot.
In the years since, many of that starting lineup and squad have flown the nest, but Mainoo remains front and centre under this new Michael Carrick regime.
Kobbie Mainoo & Co: Where Man Utd's 2022 FA Youth Cup side is now
It hasn't quite been a repeat of the Class of 92, but the 2022 crop can be considered a successful bunch, with starting goalkeeper, Radek Vitek, only recently sealing a £7m move to Middlesbrough, having been Bristol City's Player of the Year last season out on loan.
For the rest of the backline, recent years have largely been spent in the lower leagues of English football, with Louis Jackson - who was a late call-up to replace Tyler Fredricson - the only one of the four still at the club.
Looking to the midfield, it was Mainoo who sparkled in the number six role alongside Dan Gore, the latter man in line for another temporary or potentially a permanent exit from United this summer, after recent stints on loan at Rotherham.
Ahead of the young pairing, the playmaking berth belonged to Isak Hansen-Aaroen, the Norwegian subsequently moving on to Werder Bremen before joining Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in January. He's still waiting to live up to his early potential.
On the flanks, Sam Mather now plies his trade in Turkey, while on the opposite side, the aforementioned Garnacho has seen his stock plummet in recent years, now on loan at Aston Villa following a wretched debut season at Chelsea.
Charlie McNeill, now of Sheffield Wednesday, led the line that day, while his replacement, Joe Hugill, is currently in a rich vein of form in Scotland, scoring 11 in his first 22 games for Kilmarnock after signing in January.
The other most notable member of the bench that day was Maxi Oyedele, the 22-year-old now a Poland international and a potential star in the making at Strasbourg, with eyebrows raised at the decision to sell him on the cheap.
At a time when midfield depth is needed, perhaps Oyedele could've aided proceedings. Alas, INEOS will need to look to the market again for reinforcements.
Michael Carrick: “We are disappointed, we didn't play well today. We need to learn from it. We need to improve, some of the boys played their first minutes. It’s a different reason anyway, NO excuses. We just didn't play well today”. #MUFC [@ManUtd]
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Ruben Amorim gets his first win as AC Milan boss by beating #MUFC 4-2, with three goals in 14 minutes coming down United’s left side.
Marcus Rashford makes his return 20 months on from last United game.
Bruno Fernandes misses second pen in two games
@lauriewhitwell
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Marcus Rashford on bench for #mufc and is the No9 today. Club stressing these are not Premier League numbers. It’s only for this match. Season numbers out next week @katwalshy1
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No Louis Page in the squad today for LCFC. Was speaking to @SamC_reports last night about his potential move to United. Reckon it could be closer now.
@SamMartinFPL
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Het Nieuwsblad focuses on the possibility of the 21-year-old Joaquin Seys moving to Old Trafford and shares their take.
The newspaper makes it clear it’s their own information. Neither Michael Carrick’s side nor the La Liga winners have contacted Club Brugge for Seys and Tresoldi respectively
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According to The Sun, Arsenal and United will be making enquiries into Jack Hinshelwood’s availability, and it is believed an offer in the region of £43million to £51m should be enough to get a deal done.
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There are staff members at Manchester United working in backroom roles that spoke freely in Dublin after the game against Leeds about just how much determination is inside the group to get one over Ruben Amorim, more so than Milan. [@NathSalt1]
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Senne Lammens on his first pre-season with #mufc:
“My first preseason with the team. Last year was a bit on that line there, everything went very quick.
“[This Year I] Got time to settle in, but now, I couldgrow with the team a little bit in preseason, and also the way we ended last season, the good feeling we had, we try to get that going as well, this preseason, and to this new season.
“I think that, I mean, the games we played have been good. I'm happy that I could play as well in the last game against leagues, and hopefully tomorrow [vs AC Milan] as well.
“So we'll get a good preseasoning for me, too. And then start the way we ended last season.”
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Manchester United are extremely pleased with Matthijs de Ligt’s progress in his recovery, with the defender reportedly ahead of schedule.
De Ligt is working hard to get back involved with the squad as quickly as possible. [@MENnewsdesk]
Manchester United and Tottenham have discussed a potential move for Freiburg striker Igor Matanović.
Matanović recorded 15 goals and 4 assists in 50 appearances last season.
[@JacobsBen via @UnitedStandMUFC]
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The youngster (Louis) Page from Leicester City, that's heading in a positive direction for Man United. It's Man United versus Arsenal, but United are growing in confidence there. So even though it feels like it's been a quiet few weeks and a disappointing few weeks, no doubt, for Man United fans. I still expect them to pull out a couple of signings between now and the end of the window. - Ben Jacobs
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Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford back in the #mufc squad to face AC Milan. Still no Sesko
🧤 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦
Lammens, Mee, Heath
💪 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦
Dalot, Mazraoui, Amass, Dorgu, Heaven, Maguire, Shaw, Yoro, Martinez
⚽️ 𝗠𝗜𝗗𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦
Tielemans, Mainoo, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher, Collyer, Santos, Fernandes
🥅 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦
Lacey, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Amad, Rashford, Cunha, Gabriel
@TyMarshall_MEN
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Takeaways from @alex_crook via @talkSPORT:
-Baleba is a player attracting interest from NUFC
-MUFC have been keen on Baleba for the last couple of windows but it does NOT look like they're going to pursue that interest this time around
-NOT convinced fee will be £65ms
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Russell Martin also confirmed that the club have rejected an offer for Louis Page. The 18-year-old continues to be linked with Man United and Arsenal.
As it stands, he'll be in the squad for Notts County tomorrow. @joshhollandLCFC
Russell Martin has confirmed Leicester have rejected a bid from Manchester United for Louis Page #lcfc #mufc
@XtraLeicester
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Man United have held club-to-club talks with Newcastle United for Lewis Hall. It is understood that there is yet to be a significant breakthrough, but United remain interested in Lewis Hall after planning talks with his club earlier this month. #MUFC
[@UtdNadd, @UtdDistrict]
PS not sure about reliability of this, source could be speculating
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Youri Tielemans asked about advice he would give to JJ Gabriel:
“Trying to learn from the best who are in training. To take the best out of everyone and then keep it for yourself.
“Train, be pro, try to do everything as well as possible but enjoy yourself.
“That's the main thing, as long as he enjoys it and then he wants to learn. The rest will come naturally.
“Biggest challenges for young players? I think the main thing now is social media, not to get carried away. Do your work, trust that everything will happen.
“Enjoy yourself on the pitch, don't try to listen to people. They hype you up and then bring you down as quickly, so just do your thing, enjoy yourself, and work”. #MUFC [@RioMeets]
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Amorim has a new bomb squad : Tomori, Fofana, Odogu, Nkunku, Terracciano, Gimenez and Estupinan.😁
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𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃! Manchester United will wear their third kit for the FIRST time against AC Milan tomorrow
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Arsène Wenger on the two biggest mistakes of his career:
“Certainly Cristiano Ronaldo. I thought it was possible. If we had been a fraction quicker a few days because we had the agreement and Manchester United came in five or six days later.
So, at the start of my career, Cristiano Ronaldo. At the end of my career, N’Golo Kanté.
Kanté was easy. He played for a club in Paris called Suresnes, where one of my best friends was director. He told me, ‘Please, I have a player. He’s unbelievable. Nobody wants him in France.
He took him in his car and travelled with him from club to club. Finally, a club in Division Three in France took N’Golo Kanté.
It’s an unbelievable story. You could make a film about N’Golo Kanté as well.
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Juventus wants to sign German leftback David Ruam (28) from RB Leipzig.💣🔥
He is currently monitored by Manchester United as his contract expires in 2027.
(Source:@Gazzetta_it)
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Steve Bruce on Paul Scholes saying if him and Nicky Butt are players now, they would choose Man City over Man Utd:
“That's a big statement from Scholesy and I'm not so sure I quite live with it! The history and the tradition of Man United, I don't know how you turn down Man United. It's not until you walk in there that it really grasps you of how big the football club is.
Obviously, Elliot Anderson chose different. Interesting to see if money was equal, then who do you choose? Man City have of course they've paid for their success. Man Utd is Man Utd.”
[@talkSPORT]
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Southampton have joined the race for Manchester United midfielder Dan Gore as they explore a permanent deal for the academy graduate.
Ontheminute.com understands that the Saints are monitoring the 21-year-old alongside Sheffield United and Swansea City. The interest gives Gore several possible routes away from Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER UNITED are prepared to move for Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly but consider his valuation to be too high.
Well-placed sources say Arsenal want considerably more than the £45million touted as the asking price for Lewis-Skelly.
A source said Arsenal were holding out for closer to £60m.
United would settle for Lewis-Skelly, 19, as their left back recruit amid difficulties prising Lewis Hall from Newcastle.
But United have already considered a number of Premier League-based targets to be overpriced.
The club have spent a restrained £85million on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans so far this summer.
Tielemans had a £35m release clause at Aston Villa and arrived after a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson collapsed..
Lewis-Skelly is available for transfer after Arsenal bolstered their midfield with the £75m addition of Bruno Guimaraes at the weekend.
England international Lewis-Skelly is a left-back by trade but is also capable of playing in defensive midfield, another area United want to strengthen.
Sources say any transfer for Lewis-Skelly could be complicated as a number of agents are attempting to help facilitate a deal.
Lewis-Skelly is represented by his mother, Marcia, who has carefully managed her son’s career since he was a schoolboy.
Lewis did a master’s degree in football business and passed the Fifa exam to become a qualified agent.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta restricted Lewis-Skelly to only two Premier League starts for the first eight months of last season amid reservations over his lack of maturity.
Lewis-Skelly then started in five of Arsenal’s final six matches, including the Champions League semi-final win against Atletico Madrid and final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea have also been offered the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly after Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid.
United are in the market for a left back as Luke Shaw, 31, is out of contract next year.
The club have tracked Lewis-Skelly for several months but considered Hall to be the more attractive option.
Manchester United have made an enquiry for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. He is valued at £42m.
Other clubs are also interested whilst Crystal Palace have already made an offer.
[@sebnonda]
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Manchester United are having to be FLEXIBLE with both their transfer targets and budget.
The plans they had in place around March have NOT materialised, meaning the club now has to adapt their strategy in the market.
[@RobDawsonESPN] [@UnitedStandMUFC]
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"There's obviously interest there from United for Lewis Hall because he ticks a lot of boxes, I just think that in terms of optics for Newcastle given the summer they're going through...
It's HIGHLY UNLIKELY!" [@RobDawsonESPN, @UnitedStandMUFC]
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@RobDawsonESPN on why #mufc haven't necessarily made a 'marquee signing':
"I think it's a DIFFICULT situation for Manchester United
"Say Elliot Anderson for example, there's no surprise he had a lot of suitors, with that situation I go back to what happened with Antoine Semenyo in January.
"United were well in for Semenyo, they knew he had a release clause, Omar Berrada likes deals with release clauses as there's just a set price there's NO UNITED TAX, they thought City were nowhere near, he [Semenyo] has his first meeting with City and the wage demands are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the week before.
"The fee is completely manageable, but if you can't match what City are offering wage-wise, then it's a PROBLEM because either you say 'we're going to pay you this money' and that affects the entire dressing room and wage structure, or you just say 'WE'RE OUT OF IT!'
"And that simply happened with Anderson, Tonali and, to an extent, Matheus Fernandes."
[@RobDawsonESPN, @UnitedStandMUFC]
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The match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Croke Park will be the largest crowd ever at a soccer game in Ireland.
All 82,000 tickets for Wednesday evening’s game, priced between €50 and €155, have been sold – and some have made their way on to the black market at seven times the going rate. @IrishTimes #MUFC
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There is nothing new about Lewis Skelly, Arsenal wants a big one to sell him, not an amount between 35-40 that is being reported. (@SullyTalkz)
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SunSport understands that Armer signed a pro deal last Friday, before flying out with Carrick’s squad for the pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain.
Although United offered Goodwill Kukonki a contract extension in March 2025, the complete lack of mention on the club’s retained list points toward a potential summer exit. - Katherine Walsh
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Takeaways from @TheAthleticFC on Myles Lewis-Skelly:
-MLS wants to stay
-AFC NOT actively selling MLS, if expected departures (proven MORE DIFFICULT) fail then would be WILLING TO ENTERTAIN OFFERS for a wider group
-No room at CFC
-"fits the bill" at MUFC (looking at CM+LB)
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Lewis Hall is/was the main target approved by all departments, and is Carrick's preferred choice for the left-back position. (@SullyTalkz)
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Senne Lammens and Matheus Cunha could make their first appearances of pre-season today as Manchester United face Leeds United at a sold-out Croke Park.
Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford remain unavailable.
[@Tymarshall_MEN
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Manchester United hand out 9 professional contracts to the following academy players:
Jacob Watson
Neithan Barbosa
Albert Mills
Louie Bradbury
Charlie Hardy
Cameron Byrne-Hughes
Jayden Ngwashi
Nathanial Junior-Brown
Rafe McCormack
Godwill Kukonki not in the list.
On this, told there’s optimism on all sides regarding a pro deal for Noah Ajayi.
Really talented player who #mufc have no intention of losing this summer
@NathSalt1
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Manchester United have shown interest in Camavinga because they are looking for a player who can play in MIDFIELD AND LEFT BACK. @TheAthleticFC
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Manchester United are ready to open talks with Club Brugge about a £30million deal for left-back Joaquin Seys after being knocked back by two of their targets.- Samuel Meade
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Chelsea and Manchester United have turned down the chance to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly after they were contacted by an intermediary associated with the Arsenal left-back.
It is understood that Lewis-Skelly is determined to fight for his place at Arsenal despite the increased competition at left-back and in midfield.
@DKingTelegraph
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Rio Ferdinand: “Rashford is back at Manchester United at the training ground. He's like a purring Ferrari. He looks fit, he looks ready. And do you know what, there's a smile on his face and there's a little spring in his step.
I hope he stays and he will be like a new signing at the football club.”
[@RioMeets]
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Well-placed sources say Marcus Rashford is keen to stay put and fight for his place at Manchester United.
There has been interest from some teams in the Premier League but nothing concrete.
It is understood Rashford would prefer not to move to Turkey, where Fenerbahce are keeping tabs, or Saudi Arabia as he still has ambitions to play at the top level.
[@katwalshy1]
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