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01 Sep 2026 18:34:46
With the clock ticking towards tonight's 11pm deadline, the name suddenly dominating Manchester United social media is Jorge Salinas.
The 19-year-old Racing Santander defender has been linked with United throughout the latter stages of the window, but the rumours have noticeably intensified today, with reports suggesting United could yet decide to simply trigger his €16m (£13.7m) release clause.
Spanish reports have previously named United as serious contenders for Salinas, while deadline-day claims suggest the collapse of Atlético Madrid's move may have opened the door. There has also been talk of United exploring a loan with an option to buy, although Racing's relatively modest release clause makes a permanent deal seem far more logical.
There is a note of caution: the Manchester Evening News reported earlier today that United were leaning against paying the clause, so this is certainly not one to describe as close yet.
But as a transfer, it makes a lot of sense.
Salinas can play left-back and centre-back, giving Carrick competition and cover for Luke Shaw immediately while also fitting United's recent strategy of recruiting young players with significant upside.
Shaw enters the final year of his current contract next summer, so Salinas wouldn't necessarily prevent United returning for their preferred long-term option – hopefully Lewis Hall – in 2027.
For around £14m, it could therefore be a very smart bridge signing:
Competition for Shaw now.
Cover at centre-back.
Huge development potential.
And Hall can remain the long-term target.
Louis Page – Another One To Watch
United are also working on a deal for Leicester City youngster Louis Page.
The 18-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of Leicester's brightest prospects, and the Manchester Evening News reports that United are attempting to agree a deal before tonight's deadline.
This would clearly be more of a future-focused signing than someone expected to immediately change Carrick's first XI, but it fits the recruitment pattern we've increasingly seen under the new structure: identify elite young talent early rather than paying enormous fees for it several years later.
So with only hours remaining, the two names to keep an eye on are:
Jorge Salinas – potentially the surprise first-team defensive addition.
Louis Page – another high-upside signing for the future.
Salinas is the one that could genuinely change how we feel about the end of this window.
At around £14m, I'd be tempted to just trigger the clause and get it done.
1.) 01 Sep 2026 19:45:17
Seriously doubt anything will happen now.... God I hope im wrong and a rabbit is pulled out of hat, but talk about differ.
2.) 01 Sep 2026 19:53:09
Won't be happening, sadly. There's nothing out there of any substance to suggest United are anywhere near close to a deal. The only reports are on the Leicester lad, but that's also being reported now as unlikely.
I don't know much about the left back, apart from a few clips. But the reported value of the release clause mostly makes it a no-lose transfer. It's peanuts in modern football.
3.) 01 Sep 2026 20:13:50
Watch us not sign a lb and then Luke Shaw get one of his usual injuries that'll keep him out for weeks... guaranteed to happen and make the board look even worse.
4.) 01 Sep 2026 20:37:09
I don't see the point in signing an unknown quantity for lb and letting Amass go for peanuts. Page would be great, but I'd rather see Amass given a chance than sign Salinas. If we get a lb then Hall or Raum is the way forward.
5.) 01 Sep 2026 20:50:29
Paige playing tonight, do unless he signed and was immediately loaned back, it seems unlikely he will be a Utd player.
Media reports suggest Salinas and Balde are not signed either.
6.) 01 Sep 2026 23:04:56
Window closed, so in Luke Shaw we must trust and hope he can play 50 odd games without injury.
7.) 02 Sep 2026 02:25:56
Alaba and Benzema on one-year pay-as-you-play deals, anyone?
8.) 02 Sep 2026 06:50:20
Luke Shaw getting injured is a potential problem, but him staying fit could also be a problem. In the first 2 games, he's been beaten more than once, leading to goals. He was never the quickest, and he's getting slower.
9.) 02 Sep 2026 10:13:19
Luke Shaw will 100% get injured.... I don't really know what to say about the idiots that run this club anymore. You have to laugh or you will cry!
10.) 02 Sep 2026 18:31:23
Shambolic end to the transfer window.
Incompetency displayed and a lack of ambition.
13 Jul 2026 22:18:11
I think Tielemans and Santos could prove to be two really shrewd signings.
Tielemans brings proven Premier League quality, experience and composure, while Santos gives us energy, physicality and plenty of potential. I'd still love to see us add one of Alex Scott or Carlos Baleba as well, although both would probably cost serious money.
One interesting name tonight is António Silva from Benfica. Bournemouth are reportedly interested, with a fee of around £20m being mentioned.
He's only 22, already has huge experience for his age and was regarded as one of the best young centre-back prospects in Europe not too long ago. His progress may have stalled slightly, but at £20m, surely he's worth United taking a serious look?
Young, technically strong, comfortable on the ball and still with plenty of development ahead of him. It feels like the sort of calculated gamble that could look incredibly shrewd in a couple of years.
Anyone watched enough of him recently to know whether the hype is still justified?
1.) 14 Jul 2026 00:24:50
We have our CB projects in Heaven and Yoro. Won't bring in another without moving one of them on.
2.) 14 Jul 2026 09:36:54
Martinez might move on so might Maguire. Neither is likely, but possible.
I'd be hopeful either will move on, but like you say, Db, unlikely this summer.
3.) 14 Jul 2026 09:56:07
I think, ideally, we need a strong first choice cb and lb if we really want to kick on next season.
I can handle not seeing us buy another forward, unless Rashford does actually leave.
4.) 14 Jul 2026 11:22:04
If we don't buy another forward who actually plays up front, Sesko can't play all the games. He struggled with just the prem games, apparently has still not recovered, and still has a lot to learn anyway. Mbeumo was not great at playing No 9, so what are we left with?
5.) 14 Jul 2026 11:37:24
I think you have to be looking at Yoro and Heaven being the next cb pairing in the future for us. Hopefully there will be plenty of games where they both play together this season, especially in the cups.
Martinez, Maguire and de Ligt all need moving on for me and replacing over the next 12-18 months. Neither are going to make us title winners.
Maguire, although a nice guy, should have been sold years ago.
And all have their injury issues. If any bids come in this window I would be looking to accept and try to get a cb or two in.
Same with the full backs. I always worry with our defence. We do give a lot of chances away.
6.) 14 Jul 2026 12:11:18
I think Ismaila Sarr would be a good fit if available at the right price. Can play across the front 3 and up top. Energetic, scores goals and proven prem form.
7.) 14 Jul 2026 14:27:06
For a striker, we should be looking at a Danny Welbeck-type striker. One who's got good experience and quality but knows they won't start every game. He might be old, but he would be a better option off the bench than Zirkzee.
I can see Obi getting some minutes next season if he stays, but I still feel a loan would be better for him. That's the only way we're going to get him to develop and see if he can cut it. U21 is a big drop down.
8.) 14 Jul 2026 20:06:04
I think there will be one more midfielder, a DM, then it will be one out, one in.
Eg, Zirkzee out = Mateta in.
I agree Silva is good value at £20M at face value, but he's out of both the Benfica and Portugal teams. He can't dislodge an aging Otemendi. Might be worth waiting and seeing.
9.) 15 Jul 2026 10:01:39
Asking for Martinez to be moved on sounds mad to me. The man is unreal this World Cup. A definite keep for me.
10.) 15 Jul 2026 16:52:01
I have seen all Argentina matches, Banjoe. I love Martinez but he is a liability defensively in most of them.
26 Aug 2025 22:31:49
Real and Atletico keeping tabs on Mainoo over a potential loan deal. Personally hoping its just media clickbait!
1.) 27 Aug 2025 05:56:42
A Real midfield containing Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Guler, Bellingham and Valverde and a Athetico team who have just spent €30m on Cardoso from Betis to partner Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo De Paul.
If he wants minutes on the pitch then these are probably not the best two teams to be linked with, that is why it’s either idle paper talk because United generate clicks, or an agent stirring.
{Ed077's Note - should I point out that De Paul has joined Inter Miami earlier this window ?
2.) 27 Aug 2025 08:05:21
Interesting discussion on Muppetiers about what’s really going on with Mainoo.
Fuelled by agent who wants new contract / more game time
Mainoo being gradually prepared to take over Bruno when he leaves for Saudi next summer and will hopefully partner Baleba.
3.) 27 Aug 2025 08:31:33
I am not worried about Mainoo going. We have not managed to complete a sale in 2 months of negotiating.
Cant see us suddenly completing one in under 5 days.
4.) 27 Aug 2025 06:20:59
Sorry Ed, early in the morning, thought he was still there.
{Ed077's Note - NW
5.) 27 Aug 2025 12:45:02
Listen to mitten. Muppeteers is an aggregator.
6.) 28 Aug 2025 10:37:18
Lets be honest about Mainoo, he's a talented young player with potential. He isn't a top level player right now. Maybe his first season and his run the Euros final with England has made him think he's further along in his career than he actually is.
Right now he's a talent young player who had a purple patch for the first 8 months in the first team while he benefitted from having the surprise element over his opposition. He then had an injury hit season where he struggled to match his first season performances.
Yes he has a lot of potential, and if he works hard and develops his game then I'm sure he can be a regular first choice player for us.
But right now he isn't that player no matter how much us fans want him to be the Messiah.
He struggles in a midfield two and to be completely frank while he looked good individually when he played in a midfield three with Casemiro and Bruno, it didn't improve our performances as a team. Games still reassembled a basketball match with teams running right through the heart of midfield where we left far too many large gaps.
The reality is that the midfield issue cannot be solved by any of our current midfielders. In fact it's not even entirely a midfield issue.
Yes we need a more athletic and positionally intelligent defensive player in there than we currently have in the squad.
However, half the problem is still that the team overall loses it's compactness as the game wears on. Our defence later in games stops pressing as high and drops deeper which increases the amount of space the tiring legs in midfield need to cover. Which is why Amorim has subbed a couple of CB's in the games this season, to try and get the defence to push higher up and close those gaps.
While the new No.10's are yet to fully adapt to the role they need to play. They need to both offer attacking creativity, but they also need to drop deeper when we don't have the ball to help form a 4 man box midfield. The issue we have had so far is Cunha has had to play as the false 9 in games due to Zirkzee being injured and Sesko still settling in. Which means he hasn't managed to get to grips with the role fully yet. Then Mbeumo joined later and is still clearly trying to get back to full fitness to the level needed, as well as having very little time to be coached the role.
The two man midfield is not the real problem, lots of teams line up with a double pivot. The real problem is that we haven't got the right blend of skill sets and quality amongst the midfield options, along with the rest of the team struggling to implement the tactics successfully for the entire 90 minutes.
If the defence can push high for the whole game and the No.10's can drop deep when we don't have the ball then we actually have 5 players in the middle of the pitch (CCB who steps up, both midfielders, and both No.10's) when the opposition have the ball.
This issue is more about how the team play together as a team and move together as a unit. Once they get that the performances and results will start to improve.
We saw it against Arsenal where we did it so well that Arsenal retreated into their shell and hung on. We started doing it against Fulham, but the confidence of the players wobbled and the defence started to drop deep along with Bruno pushing further forward trying to force the goal which totally opened us up in the middle of the park allowing Fulham to take control of the game.
The strength of a clear structured system is it can allow a team to play greater than the sum of its parts. The weakness of it is that it only takes one player to not do their job properly and it starts to break down,
7.) 28 Aug 2025 14:02:58
I'd say probably a year ago Mainoo was one of our better players, and more England too. His best position is difficult to pin down. I thought he wasn't quite right for those no.10 roles but still managed to contribute a lot in an attacking sense.
Past 6 months I have no idea what's happened. All seems to have changed since he cut his hair!
As a Utd follower for about 4 decades I've been treated to and always associated Utd with some of the best centre forwards in the world and always a great pulse or cog in the middle the whole team evolved around. Sadly we've had neither since Fergie left.
8.) 28 Aug 2025 16:34:29
A lot of players burst onto the scene then get found out. Their habits, the preferences, even their tells get noticed and leant and the more the play the more game film there is the more that everyone understands how they play and how to play them. Its up then for the player to add more strings to his bow find ways to hurt you thst cpunter your counter to what he is good at.
With Mainoo you don't press because his great at recieving and turning into space and taking one or two players out of the game whilst he isn't strong he has a low centre of gravity and uses his body well here.
Mainoo for example bevomes a totally different player if people start dropping off allowing him turn and he starts hitting 40 or 50 yard passes. Suddenly you have a massive headache in how to deal with him.
Hjulmand certainly did a bit of this at Sporting. The big thing with Hjulmand though is defensively his reading was exceptional which covered for his lack pace. Mainoo isn't at that point yet by a long way.
Mainoo needs to develop his game like all players. I think that's at least in part why he has seemi gly regressed. He hasn't so much as others have adjusted how they deal with him.
A lot of players have difficult years 2 and 3 whilst they work out what got them through a decade of youth and reserve football isn't going to carry them through EPL.
06 May 2025 11:36:18
Fernandes linked with Al Hilal again. The money being talked about, if true, could significantly help with a squad rebuild.
Personally I worry replacing his assists and goals may make any deal bad but have seen one quote as €120 million. Would be about £80 million after Sporting Sell on fee and final amount of. amprtized deal.
1.) 06 May 2025 12:02:38
Would be crazy letting him go right now. He contributes so much in terms of goals and assists. Would be one hell if a gamble.
2.) 06 May 2025 12:16:01
I think it is upto the players. If he wants to leave, let him leave.
3.) 06 May 2025 17:56:37
I would be shocked if Bruno wants to play in such a league at this time, I appreciate money talks, but maybe in couple of years.
But if he did go we got mega problems, him and Cas are only good players we got.
4.) 06 May 2025 20:03:03
Only thing on my mind is Fernandes is 30, 80 million is roughly 240 to spend and means we shouldn't need to sell Garnacho or Mainoo this summer.
Its not going to happen but at that fee it surely makes the powers that be question it, if it were to come to fruition.
5.) 06 May 2025 20:31:08
Fernandes turns 31 in September. Every player has avalue, especially if the Saudis come in with a lucrative offer.
6.) 06 May 2025 22:54:53
By all accounts the fee could be even higher than that. There has to be a price at his age and our present standing.
7.) 07 May 2025 05:47:08
I think this is one of those situations where no matter what happens the club are likely to be seen to be doing the wrong thing.
On one hand Bruno is our captain, our leader on the pitch and currently our best and only player close to being world class. Losing him would absolutely have a negative impact on the team, at least in the short term. While there are absolutely no guarantees that any money he brings in would be spent on the team or if it was that it would be spent wisely. Remember when Spurs sold Bale and bought 3 or 4 players with the money. None of them came close to providing even a quarter of what Bale did.
On the other hand he is 31 in September, on huge wages, and will only decline on the pitch. When that happens is anybody's guess. Maybe he does a Modric and keeps playing at a high level for another 5 or 6 years, or maybe his body starts giving up on him over the next couple of seasons. He has after all worked it harder than most, rarely injured, playing the majority of available minutes every year for the past 5-6 years or more. Does he even know how to slow down and manage himself? While if the rumours of a record British sale price are true then it isn't an offer the club can dismiss out of hand. Sacrificing Bruno in the short term might be the better option for the club in the long term. It helps rebalance the wage structure by getting another higher earner off it. While if the money is reinvested well in the squad then we could bring in 4 maybe even 5 players who if even half of them go on to be vital first team members means that we've improved the team overall.
Whatever happens the naysayers will be out in force. If we sell him then we lack ambition, and have lost our best player. If we keep him then the moment his form drops they will say we wasted the opportunity to sell him for a huge fee and the club is being mismanaged.
For what it's worth I've changed my view over the course of the season. At the start I even suggested that we might need to sell Bruno as he might not be a great fit for Amorim and that he wasn't the long term solution. I likened it to Liverpool selling Coutinho after Klopp joined. He didn't quite fit the system and the funds helped buy key players who did.
Yet now I'd say it makes more sense to keep him. I've seen how valuable he has become for Amorim. A key player who helps set the managers vision on the pitch. He has adapted his game and shown that he can do so and still put in top class performances. He has grown as a leader on the pitch, with some of the pettiness and rubbishhousery being cut out of his game. While he his experience is vital for what is becoming a much younger and inexperienced squad. His professionalism has never been in doubt, he trains hard, and is committed to the club. I think we lose vital things needed for the rebuild of this squad if we sell him, things that just cannot be replaced. For that reason I think it's best we keep him.
However, that's just my opinion. Ultimately this decision needs to be in the hands of the player. If he wants to move on and take the insane wages on offer then it will be the right time to part ways. I won't begrudge him that opportunity, nor will I hold it against him. I'd thank him for all he's given us and wish him well. Then move on and see how we can use the money to improve the squad. If his head is turned then there is no point in keeping him. Likewise, if he listens to the offer and decides "no thank you" then it reconfirms his dedication to us and proves he is the right man to captain us over the next few years.
I hope he stays as we are a far better team with him than without him.
8.) 07 May 2025 06:03:28
If he wants to go, let him go.
9.) 07 May 2025 06:59:03
I don’t think anyone heard Bruno say he wants to go to Saudi league, I don’t think anyone even seen any drop off in his standards that show he may want to leave…. So basically it’s just noise, even if the club like the sound of 100 million plus if he don’t want to go, he don’t go, I am not saying that if a RealMadrid was not looking for a Modric replacement he would not be straight on the plane and who could blame him, but I really can’t see at this stage of his career him going to Saudi, even at 30-31 he does more running then most of our players and certainly better than them all.
10.) 07 May 2025 08:39:36
The press is reporting a British record fee which would be north of £118m. Bruno turns 31 next season, with the issues at the club financially and from a playing staff standpoint we would be crazy to turn down the cash. Bruno’s original contract lapsed so his net book value doesn’t have any debt on it.
We have players coming to the end of their contracts that need replacing (Heaton, Evans, Eriksen and Lindelof) . Players that are likely to leave that need replacing (Malacia, Sancho, Rashford and Antony) hopefully we receive a decent fee for these players. Players that can’t be relied upon due to ongoing injury issues (Shaw, Mount, Martinez) and players that the club would like to replace (Onana and Casemiro) .
The above doesn’t event take into account that we are short on both sides of the fullback role, we desperately need another midfielder and an established striker.
Rangnick was right about needing open heart surgery, we have just left it 3 years and spent an incredible amount of money since he left poorly. Hopefully those days are over.
I personally think we sell, reinvest and rebuild.
11.) 07 May 2025 09:23:21
Redseven and if he doesn't want to go?
12.) 07 May 2025 11:07:36
I think the choice will be his. He obviously had a chance to make a Saudi move recently and approached the club to convince him or the direction and that they still wanted him, which they did. Maybe the same situation arises in the coming weeks.
13.) 07 May 2025 15:43:31
If he’d rather stay, then that’s good too.
14.) 07 May 2025 15:52:12
Hope he stays. The club will be able to buy and build without selling Bruno.
Sure if we sell Bruno, we have a few extra quid, but there is no guarantee we replace that quality. I'd rather build with him than without.
15.) 08 May 2025 17:50:06
I'm indifferent to be honest. That goes for any player in the squad. I doubt bruno wants to leave if he doesn't then that's good. We have other players to sell.
If he wants to go amd take a reported 65m tax free season i certainly wouldn't blame him. The free reported would be well received.
I think he will stay. I think he will want to stay.
I think the manager would sacrifice lots of others like garnacho and rashford or even mainoo before bruno.
We need to sell 100% profit players i think it will be rashford and at least 1 other. If we don't make cl then it will probably be rashford plus 2 others.
09 Aug 2024 21:06:19
Any truth that progress has been made on De Ligt and Mazraoui? Plettenberg tweeted they will join in Aug, Further positive and ongoing talks.
{Ed002's Note - The options remain as I have explained. Prices need to be agreed.}
1.) 09 Aug 2024 21:14:21
Thanks Ed, I may have got hopefully optimistic lol. Have a great weekend.
{Ed002's Note - And you.}
2.) 09 Aug 2024 21:19:32
Really done see de ligt as a good option, high fee high wage, very similar to Maguire maybe a bit better in the tackle.
Be interested to hear what ed001 thinks about MDL I think he would really struggle with the speed of the prem especially in a high line.
{Ed001's Note - I don't rate him at all, Ed77 calls him the Dutch Harry Maguire and I think that is a decent approximation, though De Ligt is better on the ball. He played a few games in midfield early in his career and looked much better in there, but as a defender he lacks massively. His reading of the game is not good enough to make up for his lack of pace and his positioning is, at best, dodgy. I really do not see him as a good choice at all.}
3.) 09 Aug 2024 22:44:05
De Ligt feels like an unusual one for me, especially as we already have Maguire who appears to be going nowhere. He’s also not shone at Juventus and Bayern.
JB is the signing for me at centre half from Everton and hope it happens.
4.) 10 Aug 2024 08:41:14
Ed, Bayern want to buy his replacement for 20m less. Red flags all over the place.
But if he is just a back up to share the load, I'm hoping it turns out to be an inspired piece of business.
5.) 10 Aug 2024 08:50:04
Personally I'd avoid both MdL and Mazraoui. While I think Mazraoui is a better fit stylistically, his injury record is appalling.
Bayern don't tend to sell good players who go on to bigger and better things. In fact the only player I can think of to leave Bayern and achieve greater success is Toni Kroos.
Every other player I can think of that has left Bayern have either taken a step down or declined upon leaving.
There is a reason why Bayern are prepared to sell Mazraoui and MdL this summer and it's not because they are being forced to buy financial pressures. They are selling them because neither are considered good enough or value for money.
While we are struggling to sell our cast offs let's not do other top clubs a favour by buying theirs.
6.) 10 Aug 2024 08:58:09
I get the doubts, but not the Harry M comparisons.
Maguire problem is that he has poor positioning and compounds it with abysmal mobility. MEL's positioning may not be the best, but it is far better than Maguire's, and his mobility is at least reasonable.
He's also noticeably better on the ball.
7.) 10 Aug 2024 09:09:28
Too tall, too small, too slow, too injury prone, too whatever.
This dream team of half a dozen people above ten Hag have identified these players. Do we know better?
8.) 10 Aug 2024 09:42:07
Half a dozen above ten hag identified him? Did they spenno? Remember Eth extended his deal not signed a new one he still has a level of control over signings MDL seems a very ETH signing.
9.) 10 Aug 2024 10:57:56
I’ll leave it to the essayists and forum experts to decide.
10.) 10 Aug 2024 11:28:21
Rumours are that he is facing criminal charges for ramming another car and driving off. Sounds like he will fit in well at old Trafford. It's nearly a prerequisite to have players at the club that are in trouble with the law.
I hope we go back to Everton and stay well away from MDL.
11.) 10 Aug 2024 15:53:08
Some people are never happy, deligt is an upgrade on what we have, as is mazraoui, no?
Philip_hunter2003's banter posts with other poster's replies to Philip_hunter2003's banter posts
28 Aug 2026 16:51:31
{Ed's Note - Philip_hunter2003 has posted a new article entitled, What Can United Realistically Get Done Before Tuesday?
1.) 29 Aug 2026 01:43:44
Philip, you had me until the strikers. Good post, lad.
2.) 29 Aug 2026 06:04:44
Good post, mate, but Sorloth is absolutely useless. If we get him, we may as well forget about it, haha.
Mateta could be done, I think.
20 Aug 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Philip_hunter2003 has posted a new article entitled, Baleba Talk Shifts United Focus to Left-Back
1.) 20 Aug 2026 14:59:25
Midfield should now be sorted for the next few transfer windows at least (assuming we get Baleba over the line).
With Mainoo (21), Santos (22), and Baleba (22), we have three of the best young midfielders in the league in our squad now.
While we also have Bruno (31), Tielemans (29), Mount (27), and Ugarte (25) to add some experience.
You'd also hope maybe one or two of: Sekou Kone, Cristian Orozco, Jim Thwaites, Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher might make the step up to the first team squad to eventually replace some of the older players as they leave.
Shea Lacey looks like he will get a chance this season, possibly as Bruno's understudy in the No.10 position.
At most our midfield might need a tweak here and there over the next 5 - 7 years or so.
Given that we spent heavily in the forward line last summer, now having the options of: Dorgu, Cunha, Rashford, Thompson, Sesko, Zirkzee, Chido, Mbeumo, Amad and Lacey. Again our forward line might need a small tweak here and there over the next 5 years or so, mostly replacing outgoing players or those that don't develop as we hope.
Lammens looks like he will be our long-term No.1, with another 10 years of top level football ahead of him.
We also have Yoro and Heaven in defence who should develop into our first choice centre back pairing over the next few years.
Meaning that the only positions that still need rebuilding is the full back positions, along with another CB or two as the likes of Martinez and Maguire move on.
To be fair to INEOS, they've managed in 2 or 3 transfer windows what Ed Woodward wasn't able to do in over a decade and rebuild this squad into a cohesive team.
19 Aug 2026 18:29:22
{Ed's Note - Philip_hunter2003 has posted a new article entitled, Baleba Talk Shifts United Focus to Left-Back
05 Aug 2026 10:37:39
Vitek off to Middlesbrough for £14 million including potential add-ons, also includes a 35% sell-on fee.
Wishing him the best of luck!
1.) 05 Aug 2026 10:46:27
Good to get him moved on. Sounds like a decent fee. Happy days.
2.) 05 Aug 2026 11:42:12
Hope there is a buy back clause.
3.) 05 Aug 2026 12:09:29
It's peanuts. Others sell players for £40m; we get offers of £6m, £14m. Is he going to be a first choice keeper for them?
4.) 05 Aug 2026 12:26:12
It looks as though he is being brought in to be their first-choice keeper. Vitek was reportedly Boro's top goalkeeper target after they decided they wanted an upgrade in that position, and they're even trying to register him in time to play against Wrexham on Friday.
The £14m isn't all guaranteed upfront. Reports say it's initially around £7m, rising through appearances and potentially promotion. United have also protected themselves with a 35% sell-on clause, matching rights and, importantly, a buy-back option.
So I think it's a decent deal. Vitek wanted regular first-team football, which United couldn't promise him, but there's still a route to bring him back if he develops into a top keeper.
It's been a busy day for outgoing goalkeepers too, with Altay Bayindir also heading to Celta Vigo on loan. That deal reportedly includes a €4m option to buy, with the final fee potentially changing depending on appearances.
5.) 05 Aug 2026 13:41:18
Good deal. Better getting sell-on percentages and buy-backs rather than eke out a few million now. Best we could have gotten for Vitek is 20m, but his potential is really good.
6.) 05 Aug 2026 14:06:54
Absolutely shocking by United. 6 million for one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship last season.
Coventry have just paid 22.5 million for Carl Rushford, who was on loan with them last season.
Should be getting at least 15-20 million guaranteed for him.
7.) 05 Aug 2026 15:52:42
Some add-ons are very easy to achieve, and if he was worth what people think he is, the current ownership would get that number. House cleaning is going on and needed.
04 Aug 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Philip_hunter2003 has posted a new article entitled, What United Still Need in the Transfer Window
1.) 04 Aug 2026 08:29:55
I think lb is now the biggest priority, Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Antonee Robinson, Adrien Truffert, and Maxim De Cuyper are probably the best options available.
Then I think we'll move for a third midfielder. Carlos Baleba is, I think, the club's top choice, but they won't overspend on him (or anyone). I think, with what we have signed already (Tielemans and Santos), along with Mainoo, what we lack is a physical, athletic midfielder. Other options could be Tyler Adams, Manu Kone or Sander Berge, who both offer EPL experience as well as having the right profile.
Given we have Mainoo and Santos, it makes sense to bring in someone who has a little more experience.
Beyond those two positions, I don't think we will sign anyone else unless we see players leave, and Rashford and Zirkzee will need to leave before we bring in another forward.
I also doubt we'll bring in another cb unless someone leaves, despite the obvious injury concerns.
2.) 04 Aug 2026 10:52:25
Shappy, I'm not sure Zirkzee needs to leave for another forward to come in. I see him as more of an understudy to Bruno than to Sesko, if he stays.
Maybe, the club don't think he has what it takes to be a top level number 10. Maybe, he doesn't want to do it long term and wants to be a false 9, or maybe, he just doesn't want to be stuck behind Bruno for a season or two. He played that role a few times last season, though, and imo looked better there than as a striker, so maybe there's a future for him there.
Bruno is the clear first choice there for now, but he's not getting any younger, and there will be more games to be played now we're back in the Champions League.
There should be chances for someone to start building a case to be his long term successor, and if Zirkzee can do it, that seems more sensible than selling him for peanuts now, just to spend at least 2-3x as much next summer on a young CAM.
Hell, if Bruno leaves next summer (he'll be 33 just a few weeks into the season...), we could end up having to bring in a first-team ready replacement, which could easily cost well over 100m if the market is anything like this summer. If we need an understudy as well, we could easily be looking at 150-200m on one position.
3.) 04 Aug 2026 11:45:21
I actually believe that things will flow once Rashford is sold / loaned. I believe the club was banking on Ugarte to go, but the injury hurt that option. My gut says United will sign one of:
MF - Beleba / Camavinga / Scott
LB - Hall / Truffart
I also believe the backup striker will be shelved until January as Cunha, Mbuemo, Mount are viewed as options there.
4.) 04 Aug 2026 12:39:18
Mount as backup striker??? Really??
5.) 04 Aug 2026 14:44:34
I see Zirkzee as a 10 as well.
Holds the ball up well. Decent touch.
I'm just not convinced he's suited to the EPL, and he would look good on the continent.
Lovely hair, though.
6.) 04 Aug 2026 14:56:25
You have a slightly unhealthy obsession with Zirkzee, Stevie.
7.) 04 Aug 2026 15:20:52
Nearly as pretty as Blind?
8.) 04 Aug 2026 16:32:43
I don't see Zirkzee as a striker suited to the Prem, but he has a very good touch and is one of the better finishers at the club. I actually quite like him, but he can come across as lazy on the pitch.
He might do ok for the team in Europe, where it's a little slower paced. But I'd be worried if he was the main striker if the team has injuries.
Left back should be a priority. I like Lewis Hall, as do United, apparently.
I just can't see Newcastle wanting to sell any more players, so they will likely demand a crazy fee.
Can't see Baleba joining. The fee Brighton wants will probably be a lot more than he's worth and a lot more than United are willing to pay.
I don't think any of the midfielders being linked will join. I have a bad feeling they will say Mount can do a job there, as he's done ok playing in pre season. I hope that's not the case.
9.) 04 Aug 2026 18:38:46
Tony, says the man still going on about Daley. ?
Philip_hunter2003's rumour replies
19 Aug 2026 18:22:07
Carlos Baleba Close – Is a Left-Back Now All Manchester United Need?
Manchester United appear to be on the verge of completing what could be one of the most exciting deals of their summer, with Carlos Baleba close to joining from Brighton.
Sky Sports reports that United are close to a full agreement, with a five-year contract already prepared and the 22-year-old expected to travel to Manchester ahead of a medical once the final details between the clubs are concluded. The overall deal is expected to be worth in excess of £60m.
If United get this completed around that sort of figure, I think it represents excellent business.
Baleba is only 22, already has extensive Premier League experience and gives Michael Carrick something his midfield has been crying out for: power, athleticism, recovery speed and the ability to carry the ball through pressure.
Perhaps most encouragingly, this isn't a name United have suddenly turned to late in the window. Sky Sports says Baleba has remained one of the club's leading targets, with United having enquired about him as far back as the January window.
He would join Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, completely transforming the midfield options available to Carrick. Tielemans arrived for £35m and Santos for around £50m earlier this summer.
Suddenly United can choose from the likes of:
Baleba – Santos – Tielemans – Mainoo – Bruno – Mount
That is a completely different midfield group from the one United entered last season with.
£60m+ for Baleba? I Think That's Very Good Business
Transfer fees have become ridiculous, but context matters.
United aren't potentially paying £60m-plus for a player approaching 30 with little resale value. They're buying a 22-year-old Premier League midfielder who could conceivably occupy the position for the next seven or eight years.
Brighton's valuation of Baleba was being reported at more than £100m only last summer, when United were also interested but unwilling to go anywhere near that figure.
Getting him now for a figure potentially much closer to the £60m mark therefore looks particularly attractive.
There will obviously be some concern over the ankle ligament injury he suffered during pre-season, but Sky reports that the problem is not expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Assuming the medical presents no concerns, this feels like exactly the type of signing United should be making.
Young.
Premier League proven.
Huge physical upside.
Still capable of improving significantly.
And bought for the team rather than because he is the biggest name available.
So What Do United Need Now?
For me, the priorities have changed considerably.
A few weeks ago I would have said:
1. Defensive midfielder
2. Left-back
3. Striker
4. Possibly left wing
If Baleba signs, I think that becomes much simpler.
1. LEFT-BACK – THE FINAL MAJOR PIECE
This is now comfortably the biggest remaining weakness in the squad.
Patrick Dorgu looks increasingly dangerous playing higher up the pitch, while Luke Shaw is currently the only natural senior left-back.
Dalot and Mazraoui can fill in, but United are back in the Champions League and will be competing across four competitions. Building the season around Shaw remaining available every week would be an enormous gamble.
Sky Sports reported only days ago that United still need a left-back following pre-season, while Carrick has openly said he wants further additions before the window closes.
Lewis Hall
Hall remains my preferred option.
He is 21, English, Premier League proven and has the technical ability to play as a conventional overlapping full-back or step inside and help control midfield.
The problem is Newcastle.
United have already made an enquiry and Newcastle have told them Hall is not for sale.
That doesn't necessarily mean the conversation is finished – particularly this late in a transfer window – but United would almost certainly have to make Newcastle an offer sufficiently large to force them to reconsider.
If the price isn't completely ridiculous, he's the one I'd push hardest for.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
This has now become much more interesting.
The Guardian recently reported that Lewis-Skelly has been offered to United, with Arsenal potentially looking for around £45m.
United are understood to be considering the possibility.
At 19, his upside is enormous.
He can operate at left-back but also has the technical qualities to play in midfield, which gives Carrick another tactical option.
£45m for Lewis-Skelly versus potentially considerably more to persuade Newcastle to sell Hall is a genuinely interesting decision.
If Arsenal are really willing to sell to United, I'd be looking very closely at it.
Antonee Robinson
Robinson remains another credible option and has been monitored alongside Hall.
He would probably provide the most immediate certainty: proven Premier League quality, tremendous engine and excellent going forward.
The downside is simply age profile.
Robinson is approaching 29 whereas Hall is 21 and Lewis-Skelly only 19.
If United are going to spend £40m-plus, I'd prefer them to secure someone capable of owning the position for the next five-plus seasons.
David Raum
The Guardian has also named RB Leipzig's David Raum among the players United could assess.
At 28 he would again be more of an immediate solution than a long-term investment, but he's an experienced attacking left-back and could become relevant if Hall proves impossible and United decide Lewis-Skelly isn't the right profile.
My left-back order
1. Lewis Hall
2. Myles Lewis-Skelly
3. Antonee Robinson
4. David Raum
Hall remains my favourite, but at a reported £45m, Lewis-Skelly suddenly becomes very tempting.
Do We Actually Need Another Striker?
A few weeks ago I would have said yes.
Now?
I'm increasingly thinking no – at least not this summer.
And interestingly, that appears to be where United themselves are heading.
Sky Sports reported that, as things stand, another forward is unlikely, with Marcus Rashford's return providing Carrick with another solution up front.
Rashford has been fully reintegrated under Carrick and travelled with the squad for the final stages of pre-season.
That changes the calculation considerably.
United already have:
Benjamin Šeško
Joshua Zirkzee
Marcus Rashford
Matheus Cunha
Bryan Mbeumo
with several of those players capable of operating centrally.
Šeško should remain the first-choice No.9 and continue developing.
If Rashford genuinely buys into Carrick's project again, there is little point spending another £50m-£70m on a Watkins or Mateta simply to add another body.
Rashford can play through the middle when necessary, Cunha can operate centrally, Mbeumo can move inside and Zirkzee has shown encouraging signs during pre-season.
That is plenty of attacking variety.
Save the money.
Give Šeško the opportunity to become the striker United bought him to be.
Give Rashford a clean slate.
And reassess the position next summer if necessary.
Left Wing Can Wait Too
The same argument applies on the left.
Dorgu has looked increasingly interesting further forward and Carrick clearly sees attacking potential there.
Add a reintegrated Rashford and Cunha's ability to start from the left and suddenly United aren't desperate for another winger either.
That gives them:
LW: Rashford / Dorgu / Cunha
CF: Šeško / Rashford / Zirkzee / Cunha
RW: Mbeumo / Amad
That is a very healthy collection of attacking options.
Rather than buying another winger simply because one is available, I'd rather United wait until next summer and decide what they actually need after a full season under Carrick.
Just Get the Left-Back
If Baleba crosses the line, I'm genuinely struggling to remember a recent United transfer window that has felt this coherent.
United haven't simply accumulated names.
They appear to have identified weaknesses and attacked them.
Andrey Santos adds energy, mobility and enormous potential.
Youri Tielemans adds experience, passing quality and control.
Carlos Baleba would add power, ball-winning ability and athleticism.
Rashford's return potentially removes the need to spend heavily on another attacker.
Dorgu's development further forward provides another attacking option.
Which leaves one glaring hole:
Left-back.
Get Lewis Hall or Myles Lewis-Skelly through the door and, for me, you can shut the transfer window.
There will always be another player supporters want.
There will always be another exciting name linked.
But at some point you have to allow a coach to work with the squad you've assembled.
A final window of:
Andrey Santos ✅
Youri Tielemans ✅
Carlos Baleba ⏳
Lewis Hall / Myles Lewis-Skelly ❓
Marcus Rashford reintegrated ✅
would be an exceptional summer.
Then it's over to Michael Carrick.
For the first time in quite a while, United wouldn't simply have a good starting XI.
They'd have a squad that looks capable of competing properly across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Get the left-back and let's go.
17 Jan 2026 11:39:33
Id love to see us bid for Hackney from Boro. Lad looks good, 25 to 30 mill, meaning hopefully we can get one of Wharton/Anderson in summer (Maybe both depending on leavers)
30 Sep 2025 09:24:18
Personally it feels like the narrative surrounding Amorim has changed, and a new manager will be in place soon. I have a feeling Liverpool will be his last game with a new manager starting after that as there is a decent run of games until new year.
04 Aug 2025 14:54:30
Cant help but feel we missed a rick on Joao Palhinha. Loan with option to buy would have got us through this year, or maybe any other deals, including loans impact our ability to bring in the striker we want.
23 May 2025 12:08:32
In my opinion I think the potentials are Bruno Fernandes potentially sold for £120m. Rashford linked with a £40m move. Garnacho, despite his talent, might be off for £50m. Sancho could go for a cut-price £20m. Add to that a list of expiring contracts — Eriksen, Lindelöf, Heaton, Evans — and you’re looking at a significant reset both on the pitch and on the wage bill.
But what does this mean in real financial terms, especially under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)?
Estimated Player Sales and PSR Profit Impact
Player Sale Fee (£m) Original Cost (£m) Book Value Left PSR Profit (Est. )
Bruno Fernandes £120m £47m ~£5m ~£115m
Marcus Rashford £40m Academy product £0 £40m
Garnacho £50m Academy product £0 £50m
Jadon Sancho £20m £73m ~£30m ~–£10m (loss)
Estimated PSR Profit: ~£195 million
Because Rashford and Garnacho came through the academy, 100% of their sale fees count as profit in PSR terms. Bruno, with most of his transfer cost now amortised, would also register a massive profit. Even with a Sancho loss, the total PSR profit is significant.
Wage Bill Relief
Player Weekly Wage Annual Saving
Fernandes £240k £12.5m
Rashford £300k £15.6m
Garnacho £50k £2.6m
Sancho £350k £18.2m
Eriksen £150k £7.8m
Lindelöf £120k £6.2m
Heaton £40k £2.1m
Evans £40k £2.1m
Total Estimated Wage Savings: ~£67 million annually
This creates vital breathing space under both PSR and the UEFA Squad Cost Ratio, even though United will not be in the Champions League next season.
---
So, What Can United Spend?
Under PSR, you can’t lose more than £105m over three years, but player sales and cost-cutting can offset this. With ~£195m in PSR profit and a leaner wage bill, United could reasonably reinvest around £200m–£250m, if structured smartly.
How?
Buy a player for £50m on a 5-year deal = only £10m/ year hit to PSR.
Spread your rebuild across 4–5 signings on these terms, and you stay well within your financial limits.
Other Factors:
No Champions League = a £40–60m revenue hit.
Still paying instalments for past transfers (Antony, Casemiro, etc. ) .
Need to budget for agent fees, bonuses, and future wages.
Philip_hunter2003's banter replies
05 Aug 2026 12:26:12
It looks as though he is being brought in to be their first-choice keeper. Vitek was reportedly Boro's top goalkeeper target after they decided they wanted an upgrade in that position, and they're even trying to register him in time to play against Wrexham on Friday.
The £14m isn't all guaranteed upfront. Reports say it's initially around £7m, rising through appearances and potentially promotion. United have also protected themselves with a 35% sell-on clause, matching rights and, importantly, a buy-back option.
So I think it's a decent deal. Vitek wanted regular first-team football, which United couldn't promise him, but there's still a route to bring him back if he develops into a top keeper.
It's been a busy day for outgoing goalkeepers too, with Altay Bayindir also heading to Celta Vigo on loan. That deal reportedly includes a €4m option to buy, with the final fee potentially changing depending on appearances.
16 Jul 2026 11:20:18
Mental thing for me is it was literally signposted in prior games. Attack Argentina, they struggle and look vulnerable. Try to hold on to a lead and they will punish you. So naive. ?
12 May 2026 12:35:07
Mourinho is historically one of football's best short-term elite managers, but his intense, confrontational style often creates diminishing returns after 2-3 seasons, leaving clubs needing significant cultural or tactical rebuilding afterward.
27 Aug 2025 19:31:25
At that price we can just pray we have a good sell on % inserted. Went from 70, to 50 to 35 to 40 : (.
10 Jun 2025 16:45:16
Just enjoying watching them play again would be great right.