Manchester United

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We've been asking you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Nathan: Mexico's Gilberto Mora - so impressive down the wing. Just 17 years old but such a skilled hard-worker who also tracks back and doesn't give up. Tackles players twice his size and wins the ball. Great skills.

Jack: Ayyoub Bouaddi. He is a proper centre-midfielder who can carry the ball and also recover it. I'd pay the £70m for him before someone else does. Felix Nmecha from Germany is also a player I would sign.

Rob: Well, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill might be worth a punt after his display against Germany. I'm sure someone in Europe will make him an offer. Given that he still plays in Paraguay, I'm sure he would be very interested in an opportunity to play in the Premier League.

Bob: After seeing Japan play at this World Cup, I can see why in previous seasons United have kept tabs on Zion Suzuki in goal. Would be an ideal choice as a number two to Senne Lammens.

Keep telling us who you've seen playing at the World Cup you'd like in United's squad

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Despite no signings so far this summer, Marcus Rashford is a Manchester United players again.

His contract - the biggest at the club - also runs until 2028.

Barcelona opted not to trigger a £26m transfer for the 28-year-old, currently on World Cup duty with England, last month.

United's current stance is that they will not entertain another loan to Barca. Unless he finds a new club in the meantime, he will also return for pre-season training three weeks after his World Cup commitments are over.

Club officials are portraying a sense of calm, stating, quite rightly, it is seven weeks before the first Premier League game at Hull City and almost nine before the transfer window closes.

'We are going to sign players' – is the assurance. How they play, not whether they are a big name or not, will be the judgement on which their status is measured, it is being stressed.

Whether that is enough to appease many of the club's supporters – buoyed by last season's unexpected Champions League qualification and desperate for new arrivals – is another matter.

Read more on United's plans

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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For the second time in a week, Manchester United have missed out on a midfield target.

On 25 June, Manchester City agreed a club record £116m deal with Nottingham Forest for United's first-choice Elliot Anderson.

Now Tottenham have agreed to pay West Ham £85m for Mateus Fernandes.

United were keen on both. The issue is how much it would have cost to bring them to Old Trafford.

But, as June flips into July, out of contract players such as Casemiro and Jadon Sancho have now left. Others, most significantly Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana, are Manchester United players again.

So far, no-one has come in and, beyond Rasmus Hojlund, whose £38m exit was confirmed in May following Napoli's qualification for next season's Champions League, and those out of contract, no-one has left.

United have agreed a £35m deal with Serie A outfit Atalanta for Ederson but his late call-up to the Brazil squad means his medical will not happen until Carlo Ancelotti's side – who play Norway in the last 16 on 5 July – are out of the competition.

But they want at least one, and possibly two, more midfield options.

They have most recently been linked with Bournemouth's Alex Scott, although Arsenal have already been told the 22-year-old is not for sale and his current club are keen to tie him down to a long-term contract.

A second Bournemouth midfielder in Tyler Adams and Brighton's Carlos Baleba have also been mentioned.

Another name being floated is Felix Nmecha, a former academy player at Manchester City.

Nmecha is well known to United's director of football Jason Wilcox, who was formerly head of City's academy.

The position of Real Madrid's France international Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be monitored but the feeling at this stage is that he will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

There are likely to be other names being considered as well.

United sources are adamant their recruitment strategy is the right one and point to the relative success of last summer to prove it.

• Read more from Simon

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We asked for your views on Manchester United pulling out of the transfer for West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes, as Tottenham agree a deal.

Here are some of your comments:

John: Manchester United have made it obvious they want to put profits before trophies. We will finish up with no midfield next season.

Isaac: I feel like he is the one player who had room to flourish but the figure was always going to be a determinant. Sad to see him go, especially to Spurs. We should not be losing out to teams with no Champions League to offer.

Luis: I'm very disappointed with us not chasing the Fernandes deal - look at how good Declan Rice has been for Arsenal. We need at least three midfielders, especially with the extra 10-15 games we will play and the injury to Manuel Ugarte. It just seems all the club is focused on is cutting costs and wanting to build a new stadium when we need to focus on the squad now. I can understand they don't want to splurge on players as we have done in the past, but if this club wants to succeed we need to start taking more risks.

Simon: This is just a repeat situation of the same old problems. If we're not careful, we will waste all the good work that Michael Carrick has put in.

Mark: Personally, I don't think we're missing out at all at the reported £85m. Years gone by United have been ridiculed at throwing big money on transfer fees so, in my honest opinion, it's correct not to pay that asking price.

Nigel: I feel the management are right to only want players to join if they are committed to United. We have lost a lot of money overpaying for players who weren't fully committed and whose performances showed it.

Nigel: If Fernandes decides to go to Spurs then it's his loss. He'll regret it.

Ian: Draw a line under it and move on, no way is he an £85m player. Move for Aurelien Tchouameni or Sandro Tonali.

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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has yet to feature for England at the 2026 World Cup with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson emerging as Thomas Tuchel's preferred starters in central midfield.

When Rice was injured for the final group game against Panama, Tuchel made a tactical change to start Morgan Rogers and then Jordan Henderson was preferred to come on from the bench.

While former United striker Wayne Rooney has called for the England boss to play Mainoo ahead of Anderson when England face DR Congo in the last 32, BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast host Gaz Drinkwater and guest Jay Motty have branded the lack of minutes "insulting".

Gaz said: "The biggest insult of all, for me Jordan Henderson coming on ahead of Kobbie Mainoo is ridiculous."

Jay added: "I'll go even further, I think the biggest insult of all is that Kobbie Mainoo's not starting for England.

"I don't think you need Rice and Anderson in the group stages and I know Rice was injured but that should have been the opportunity then for Mainoo to start and he still wouldn't start him. You've moved Bellingham deeper and started Rogers.

"You don't need two players that are similar. They're very good. I'm not saying Rice and Anderson aren't good players, but do you really need Rice and Anderson against Ghana or against Croatia even? I don't think you do.

"I think Mainoo and one of Rice and Anderson, it's probably going to be Rice isn't it because of his experience and the fact that he's an England stalwart, works perfectly. We saw it in the Euros.

"It worked perfectly and got us to the final and for some reason Tuchel prefers having these two sort of similar players and even then when one of them is injured, he shuffles it and even going further than that when you're rotating players around with substitutions, he still won't bring Mainoo on.

"The thing that baffles me about this is Mainoo is a better player than Jordan Henderson. I think he's got more talent. I think he's fitter. That's probably the least controversial opinion I've ever had. I don't even think Jordan Henderson would disagree with that one to be honest with you."

Listen to the full episode of The Devils' Advocate on BBC Sounds

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Marcus Rashford's rise from being raised by a single mother in Fallowfield, Withington and Wythenshawe to a Manchester United hero and key figure in England's World Cup 2026 squad is detailed in the latest episode of Homegrown Heroes on BBC Radio Manchester.

Rashford's former youth coach and past managers speak to his ability, as BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater talks you through his journey over the last decade in becoming a Manchester icon.

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Sami Mokbel and Simon Stone
BBC Sport

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Tottenham have agreed an £85m deal to sign Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.

The north London club saw off competition from Manchester United, who were unwilling to match the fee agreed by Spurs - which is a guaranteed £85m without add-ons.

The 21-year-old was viewed as a primary target for Tottenham after their £80m bid to sign Sandro Tonali was rejected by Newcastle.

• Read more on the story

Fernandes was understood to have an open mind about where he goes, with his agent Jorge Mendes speaking to both Tottenham and Manchester United.

Manchester United are sticking to their position of only being willing to buy players at what they consider to be right valuation.

They did like Fernandes but felt their stance paid off last season when they believe patience was rewarded with the right players coming in at right price.

United were not convinced Fernandes really wanted to play for the club.

The priority at Old Trafford is strengthening the central midfield area and they have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but his arrival has been delayed by a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.

United's players are due to return for pre-season training on 9 July and so far, other than out-of-contract duo Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, Michael Carrick's squad remains as it was at the end of last season, with no significant departures or arrivals.

The plan to sell Manuel Ugarte will now have to be shelved after his serious injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay. Meanwhile, Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee is still at the club, and sources have dismissed rumours around the exit of midfielder Mason Mount.

Is this a mistake? Are you concerned Man Utd missed out? Tell us

Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have joined Arsenal by expressing interest in Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Lille want at least £70m for the 18-year-old and to keep him on loan next season. (Mail), external

Meanwhile, Liverpool, Arsenal, United and Borussia Dortmund are interested in 25-year-old Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano, who scored for Japan in their World Cup last-32 defeat by Brazil. (Bulinews, via Nikkan Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Mateus Fernandes' future should become clearer over the next few days as Manchester United and Tottenham and battle it out to sign the West Ham midfielder.

Fernandes was not intended to be part of the first lot of Hammers players that returns for pre-season training next Monday.

However, it is anticipated a formal bid is close to being made which is likely to bring the situation to a head.

Fernandes is understood to have an open mind about where he goes, with his agent Jorge Mendes speaking to both Premier League clubs.

It is not thought there is an immediate need for West Ham to sell the player to comply with financial regulations, although manager Nuno Espirito Santo knows there will have to be departures following relegation to the Championship.

Manchester United have been keen admirers of the 21-year-old and remain in talks with West Ham. However, it has appeared Spurs were more likely to reach the Hammers' asking price, thought to be about £80m.

The priority at Old Trafford is strengthening the central midfield area and they have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but his arrival has been delayed by a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.

United's players are due to return for pre-season training on 9 July and so far, other than out-of-contract duo Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, Michael Carrick's squad remains as it was at the end of last season, with no significant departures or arrivals.

The plan to sell Manuel Ugarte will now have to be shelved after his serious injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay. Meanwhile, striker Joshua Zirkzee is still at the club, and sources have dismissed rumours around the exit of midfielder Mason Mount.

Borussia Dortmund's Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 25, is ready to reject a move from Newcastle he prefers a switch to Manchester United. (Bild, via Sport Witness), external

AC Milan are ready to bid £21.5m for Mason Mount, but United do not want to sell the midfielder. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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It feels like Brazil are on track, and a big part of that is down to Matheus Cunha. He is the key to a lot of what we are doing so well.

It is quite funny to be saying this because usually the Brazil public expects a classic number nine to be leading our attack, and Cunha is different to what the fans are normally looking for.

He is more of a nine and a half. Someone who can play like a nine, but also a 10 to link play and create for others.

So he is not like Ronaldo, Adriano or Romario, some of our great strikers of the past 30 years, but because he can also score goals - he has three so far at this tournament - he is not a playmaker, either.

Instead, he gives the team something that Brazil have maybe never had before, in terms of a centre-forward anyway.

In some ways, Cunha reminds me a lot of my old Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino in the way he is always dropping deep, and giving the defender marking him a doubt about what to do.

If the defender follows him, it gives more space and freedom to Vinicius Jr and Bournemouth's Rayan. If the defender leaves Cunha, then he has time to play between the lines, get on the ball and look for passes or shoot.

Cunha seems very happy and comfortable with his role, including the defensive side of it when he starts the press or plays almost like a number six in front of the midfield, and it seems to be working for the team in terms of the balance it gives to our attack.

Back home, more and more people are thinking Cunha is the answer and I just hope he continues like this.

Yes, other teams will know about him now, and what he does - but he is such a clever player, he will still not be easy to stop.

Read more on Cunha's impact for Brazil

A new episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast has just gone live.

Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath discuss new stadium plans, midfield injuries and why Kobbie Mainoo should be starting for England.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Since Manuel Ugarte's £50.8m arrival from Paris St-Germain in 2024 he has not reached the heights anticipated during his time at Old Trafford and his last appearance was when he started the home Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April.

It was widely anticipated he would move on this summer, either permanently or on loan.

Now those plans are in doubt after his injury at the World Cup, with thoughts at Manchester United focused on the wellbeing of the player.

United have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer, with the expectation at least two or three new players would be added.

The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson. However, plans for the 26-year-old to have his medical before the start of pre-season training on 9 July had to be scrapped when Ederson earned a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

Now the intention is for Ederson's medical to take place once Brazil's campaign is over and then the player to return to Carrington after the mandatory three-week rest period.

United had been keen on Elliot Anderson but backed out of discussions when the cost, both transfer fee and wages, they would have to pay to get him out of Nottingham Forest became clear.

Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to lead to an agreement over a fee, with Tottenham also keen on the former Southampton man.

United also rate Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who was one of four players who travelled with England for their pre-World Cup training camp despite missing out on selection in Thomas Tuchel's squad, and they had a bid turned down last summer by Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba.

It remains to be seen if a lengthy injury to Ugarte would affect the amount of money United have available to buy players.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Marcus Rashford finally got his chance to press his claim ahead of Barcelona's Anthony Gordon in England's World Cup win over Panama on Saturday and did enough to suggest Thomas Tuchel should keep faith with the Manchester United forward, who had a successful loan spell at Barca last season.

Rashford was England's dangerman in the first half and also had opportunities after the break, although he was sometimes let down by a lack of support and some wayward finishing.

"We tried and tried. Marcus was just unlucky," said Tuchel. "He is pushing and pushing like always. Every time I bring him on, he is super reliable.

"Everyone is trying. I'm not upset with players who try. You need a bit of luck, you need momentum and we will get there."

They were words that suggested Rashford will get another chance in the last-32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST).

Read more on Rashford and England's need to improve

Hit play below to hear more from Rashford or listen on BBC Sounds here

Midfielder Mason Mount has been offered to AC Milan for a potential reunion with former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. (MilanPress - in Italian), external

However, there has been no contact between the clubs so far over a potential move. (Manchester Evening News), external

Monaco's French midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, 25, has told Manchester United and Liverpool that his priority is to join Paris St-Germain this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Marcus Rashford still wants a return to Barcelona after last season's loan spell, but the La Liga side are ready to wait until late in the summer transfer window to complete a deal for the forward. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on whether Manchester United will have enough in their goalkeeping department for 2026-27, if Andre Onana secures a return to Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan.

Here are some of your comments:

Remy: As he is contracted until 2028, a permanent move would be preferable, but another loan would be fine as long as they cover his wages. Having him off our hands for another year is enough for me!

Nigel: It's a shame we couldn't sell him. I certainly don't want him back.

Tony: Goalkeepers at United have always had a problem. If they are our number one, they will rarely get a game and therefore look elsewhere. I would poach Jordan Pickford from Everton, he will relish the challenge with Lammens.

Mark: It should be Senne Lammens and Radek Vitek as the first-choice and second-choice goalkeepers. They can push each other. We don't need to be spending more money on a goalkeeper when other positions need strengthening.

Tim: We should try to get Angus Gunn in as our second-choice goalkeeper on a free - and keep Vitek if possible.

Nick: If Manchester United want a solid and experienced back-up goalkeeper, they should go for Stefan Ortega on a free transfer. He did a decent job at Manchester City for four years. Failing that, we should bring Sam Johnstone back to Old Trafford, providing Wolves don't want a daft transfer fee for him.

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History shows us why there is no need to panic about England's draw with Ghana on Tuesday, but it also underlines why it is important we immediately bounce back.

Since 2006, every World Cup winner has dropped points in their first or second group game - but what they have also done each time is go on to win their group.

I'm confident England will do that too, by beating Panama on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if Thomas Tuchel makes three or even four changes to his team after such a disappointing result and performance.

The biggest call for him to make is probably what he does with his wingers.

I didn't think Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke were positive enough against Ghana, they didn't attack their defender enough when we got the ball to them out wide.

Their crossing was really poor as well, and often it didn't beat the first man. Our delivery from set-pieces wasn't great either, but in open play the service from the wingers was pretty much non-existent.

That's why I think Tuchel will change it up - and Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka have definitely done enough when they have come on in both games to get a chance to start.

What I want to see from both of them is more energy and more directness in one-against-one situations by trying to go past players.

There also needs to be more forward passing rather than taking the easy option by going sideways or backwards.

Read the full article here

Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn, 30, has emerged as a possible target for Manchester United after being released by Nottingham Forest. (Sun), external

Hull City have made United goalkeeper Radek Vitek a target after he impressed on loan at Bristol City last season. (Mail), external

Bruno Fernandes is set to stay at Old Trafford, with the midfielder telling some of his team-mates know he has no intention of leaving following interest from Saudi Arabia last summer. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Michael: Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi looks ready-made to replace Casemiro. He may only be 18, but if you're good enough, you're old enough. Another player I'd love to see at United is Norway's Antonio Nusa, a really exciting player who's comfortable on either wing, he would add another dimension to our attack.

Alistair: Scotland's Ben Gannon-Doak. Plays as a winger or midfield. Has Premier league experience. Is still only 20. Is nearly out of contract so should be a reasonable price. For some, the fact he was a Liverpool player may be a problem. But I would rather win matches and be entertained, he can definitely entertain. And he would certainly win matches.

Warren: Netherlands' Crysencio Summerville. Quick, exciting, highly skilled and dynamic. Brilliant off the ball too. Exceptional link-up play.

Josh: Switzerland's Johan Manzambi is exactly the sort of young, athletic player that could complement Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko to build a great attacking team.

Aiden: I think we need USA's Antonee Robinson, who can provide pace and mentor players like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. He can rival Luke Shaw and give us more depth. Even though he is 28-years-old, I think we need depth and another option other than Shaw when we play more games next season.

Tell us who you have scouted here