The Peoples Person

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he came very close to joining Tottenham Hotspur, detailing why the transfer collapsed.

Super Bruno

Fernandes enjoyed a breathtaking 2025/26 campaign with United, helping the club to a third-place finish and securing Champions League football.

He led the charge, contributing nine goals and 21 assists. By recording his 21st assist in the final game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion, he overtook Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry to claim the record for most assists in a single campaign.

Over the weekend, the Portugal international was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season. This is in addition to picking up United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and the 2025/26 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards.

After the win over Brighton, Fernandes was also presented with the Coca-Cola Playmaker award.

He is considered the favourite to scoop up the PFA Player of the Year award, which would complete a fantastic year on an individual level.

Fernandes has arguably been the best United signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era since arriving at the club from Sporting CP in January 2020. United forked out £67.6million to secure his services. But United could have missed out on Fernandes entirely, as he was painfully close to signing with Tottenham.

Fernandes’ revelation

Speaking on The Diary of A CEO podcast, Fernandes disclosed, “Yeah, I spoke with Tottenham, and we were very close to getting an agreement done. Then, in the last two days of the market, Sporting just said, ‘We’re not going to sell him. We’re going to keep him because we need him.’”

“Yes, because I wanted to play in the Premier League, because for me it is the best league in the world. It’s the most competitive one.”

“It’s the one that I think when you grow up, you dream to play for you know, like full stadiums, top clubs, top players.”

He added, “Obviously, I was lucky enough that my dream club to play in England was Man United, and obviously, Tottenham at the time was the option I had, and I was very, very happy to join them because they showed me the process that they were going through.”

United are said to already be keen on handing Fernandes a new contract to extend his stay at the club. His current terms expire in 2027, although the Red Devils retain an option to keep him for an additional 12 months.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Manchester United are about to make a major decision regarding their technical bench.

After sacking Ruben Amorim at the turn of the year, INEOS opted for the caretaker route rather than quickly appointing another permanent head coach.

Carrick has been a massive hit at United

That decision now appears to have paid off. Months after handing Michael Carrick the caretaker role, he has done such a fantastic job that the search for United’s permanent head coach was over before it even started.

With quality performances and impressive results: 10 wins, three draws and two losses, Carrick has revived a United side that many had written off. The 20-time English champions are primed to finish third in the league and make a return to Champions League football.

INEOS have been left with little choice but to hand the former midfielder the job permanently. They are now set to do exactly that, with credible reports suggesting United have proposed a two-year contract to Carrick, with the option of a further 12 months.

But it is not just Carrick getting a “promotion”; his backroom staff of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans are also in line for new deals. Alongside the trio, Craig Mawson is to continue as goalkeeper coach, having been promoted to the role following Amorim’s departure.

Andreas Georgson to return

Interestingly, Carrick’s backroom staff is also set to be bolstered by the return of set-piece coach Andreas Georgson. As Laurie Whitwell reports via The Athletic:

“It is anticipated Andreas Georgson, who was popular at United during the 2024-25 campaign, could be a contender to return. Georgson is currently at Tottenham Hotspur, having joined Thomas Frank’s staff last summer and stayed on.”

A renowned set-piece coach who has excelled in that department at Arsenal, Brentford and now Tottenham Hotspur, Georgson also spent time in the role at United.

Georgson had a short stint at United

Having joined in July 2024, he did not stay long, leaving when Erik ten Hag was sacked months later.

He will surely be relishing the chance to return and sharpen a United side that has been quite lethal from set pieces. This season, United are tied second with Tottenham (Georgson’s current club) with 18 set-piece goals, while Arsenal lead the chart with 21.

As good as the Red Devils are becoming in dead balls, landing a set-piece master like Georgson should certainly make them better, if not the best.

Manchester United are preparing for a vital summer, during which they are expected to invest heavily in the squad. A new midfielder remains at the top of the Red Devils’ priority list, with INEOS determined to sign a proper replacement for the outgoing Casemiro.

Having invested over £200 million in four players last summer, the English giants may need to spend a similar amount once again this year. They could be tempted to sign more than one midfielder, especially with Manuel Ugarte’s future also uncertain.

United, as such, have to raise funds to ensure their finances are in order to facilitate the summer’s activity. Securing qualification for next season’s Champions League could help bring in around £70 million, while recent reports have suggested that INEOS are hoping to raise around £100 million from player sales as well.

Another source of funds could be sell-on clauses inserted in the contracts of former players. One former academy star whose future could impact the Red Devils’ summer budget is Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood’s rise and fall at Old Trafford

Greenwood was once considered the future of United’s attack. A product of the club’s fabled academy, the Englishman caught the imagination of fans with his exquisite finishing, two-footedness, and pace.

He appeared destined for Old Trafford stardom before off-field issues derailed his career. After a loan spell with Getafe in LaLiga, Greenwood moved to Marseille permanently in the summer of 2024 and has already made a name for himself in France.

This season, the 24 year old has registered 25 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for the Ligue 1 club.

Mason Greenwood Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Ligue 130271564-2,294' UEFA Champions League88311-671' Coupe de France44631-345' Trophée des Champions111---90' Total434025106-3,400'

Source: Transfermarkt.

Greenwood’s form has ignited talk of a move away from the Stade Velodrome this summer amid rumours that he remains unsettled at the club. With former Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi taking charge at Tottenham Hotspur in March this year, there have also been talks of the Englishman’s possible return to the Premier League. An update on the matter has now emerged.

England return unlikely

According to TEAMtalk, Greenwood is unlikely to return to the Premier League this summer. The report states: “Mason Greenwood is heading towards a Marseille exit this summer following a breakdown in his relationship with the club, TEAMtalk understands, but he is unlikely to be heading back to the Premier League.”

“Sources have confirmed to us that tensions have developed internally and Greenwood’s relationship with Marseille boss Habib Beye has deteriorated significantly, whilst some have questioned his commitment in training and games. Sources have told us that the growing friction has now placed Greenwood on course to leave Marseille during the upcoming transfer window.”

The report insists that a move to Spurs is unlikely, adding: “There had been some speculation surrounding a possible reunion with former Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge at Tottenham Hotspur. However, we understand Spurs are not currently considering a move for Greenwood.”

United reportedly have a 50% sell-on clause in Greenwood’s deal, so his possible departure this summer could be of interest to INEOS. The report confirms that Juventus and Atletico Madrid have been monitoring the player all season and are considering a move this summer.

Final Thoughts

United significantly improved their attack last summer, but could be tempted to add another No. 9 to their squad this summer. Greenwood’s possible departure this year could help the Red Devils achieve that.

Feature image Miguel Medina via Getty Images

Manchester United have Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro as centre-back options.

Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw can also slot into central defence if called upon, and Mazraoui was brilliant there last weekend.

However, despite all these options, a centre-back signing remains firmly on the agenda this summer. Injury struggles among the more experienced defenders, combined with Yoro and Heaven not quite being ready yet, have left INEOS keen to add another seasoned centre-back to the squad.

Micky van de Ven eyed

A report relayed by The Peoples Person today, scrutinising the 20-time English champions’ situation and summer plans, has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven is the centre-back INEOS could be targeting.

However, two obstacles have quickly emerged in the pursuit of the Dutchman.

First, his move is only possible if Spurs are relegated. The North Londoners are very much at risk of dropping into the Championship. They will need to be at their absolute best to survive.

But even if they were to go down, United would still have Liverpool to worry about in the race for the Premier League speedster.

Ben Jacobs is claiming that if the defender were to choose between United and Liverpool, he would unquestionably pick the Reds.

The transfer guru says:

“If Liverpool entered the race for Micky van de Ven, the player would unquestionably choose them over Man United.”*

The fact that the Premier League insider says “if Liverpool enter the race” strongly suggests the Arne Slot side are not keen. Indeed, there were reports last month that they had cooled their interest.

Add to that the development of Ibrahim Konaté closing in on a new deal, alongside Jeremy Jacquet’s expected summer arrival, and Liverpool may feel no need to add another centre-back at all.

With the Merseysiders seemingly out of the picture, it is now firmly up to United to capitalise on Tottenham’s misfortune, should relegation become a reality.

Van de Ven’s Premier League experience, elite recovery pace, composure under pressure and quality in possession should certainly strengthen the Red Devils’ backline if they can get the deal done.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

Michael Carrick has put Manchester United on the brink of Champions League qualification with a 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend.

According to The Athletic, Champions League football would boost United’s bank balance significantly, allowing INEOS to plot ambitious raids.

One such move could be for one of Tottenham Hotspur’s best players.

Manchester United’s stance on Heaven and Yoro

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell claims that Manchester United are looking at the centre-back market.

Figures at Carrington highly admire Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro, and some believe they “will develop to be as good a partnership as Arsenal pair Gabriel and William Saliba.”

Heaven, in particular, delivered a resilient performance to help United keep a clean sheet at Chelsea.

However, the recruitment staff feel an addition is required to cope with the demands of Champions League football, with an imposing, left-footed defender high on their wishlist.

Manchester United want to sign Micky Van de Ven

Accordingly, Micky Van de Ven is being considered as an option heading into the summer. The Dutchman is expected to attract interest “whatever division Tottenham Hotspur end up in, and his departure is potentially on the cards.”

Needless to say, relegation to the Championship for Spurs would ease the exit path for the 25-year-old, who moved to North London from Wolfsburg in a £43 million deal in 2023. Van de Ven‘s contract runs to 2029.

Former Netherlands international Khalid Boulahrouz hailed the 6’4″ defender, describing him as “physically strong and incredibly quick.”

It is added that United currently aim to make four major signings, including two midfielders, an experienced striker, and a left-back.

As far as a proven goalscorer is concerned, United, if they really want to make a statement in the transfer market, could do a lot worse than test Bayern Munich’s resolve for Harry Kane.

The 32-year-old former Spurs talisman is enjoying a prolific campaign in Germany, spearheading Bayern’s attack as they try to win the Champions League. However, the aforementioned report does not mention Kane as one of the Red Devils’ targets.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

Manchester United’s recent defensive woes could tempt INEOS to strengthen the position in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils arrived at the weekend’s game against Chelsea with four first-team centre-backs missing due to injuries and suspension.

With Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez all unavailable, caretaker manager Michael Carrick ultimately opted for an unconventional centre-back pairing of Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui. The duo worked well together as United managed to come away from Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 18 April, with a 1-0 win.

The result turned out to be very important, given that fellow top-four rivals Aston Villa and Liverpool both picked up wins on Sunday, 19 April. Meanwhile, De Ligt remains sidelined with a long-term injury, and it is unclear whether he will return to action this season.

Elsewhere, Martinez’s fitness issues also remain a concern, while Harry Maguire is in the twilight of his career. The situation has seen the English giants linked with several top defenders of late, including Tottenham Hotspur stalwart Cristian Romero.

One of the best in the world

Romero initially joined Tottenham Hotspur from Atalanta on a season-long loan in the summer of 2021. The Argentine’s move was made permanent the following summer after some impressive performances in north London.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the world, and has been an omnipresent figure in Spurs’ starting XI since his arrival. The player’s aggression, leadership qualities, and dominance in both boxes have also endeared him to suitors across the continent.

This season, the 27 year old has registered six goals and four assists in 32 appearances in all competitions, all but one of which have come as starts.

Cristian Romero Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League232241921,873' UEFA Champions League88132-694' UEFA Super Cup111---90' FA Cup------- EFL Cup------- Total3231641122,657'

Source: Transfermarkt.

Atletico Madrid are reportedly eyeing the player as well. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the player has a release clause that will be activated if Spurs get relegated and that United have already established contact over a move.

The north London side are 18th in the Premier League after 32 games, and Romero is currently out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. An update on his future has now emerged.

Tottenham set Romero price

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur are willing to let the player go this summer for €60-65 million. The report states: “With Tottenham battling to secure their league status and facing financial pressure behind the scenes, Romero’s future has suddenly become far less certain than it once seemed, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.”

The report states that Spurs’ valuation could change depending on their financial position and league status, adding: “Tottenham’s leadership are now open to offers, particularly as part of a wider financial reset. The club are believed to value Romero between €60 million and €65 million, a figure that reflects both his quality and his long-term contract, which runs until 2029.”

“That deal gives Tottenham leverage in negotiations, but their financial position, and especially their league status, could influence how firmly they hold that valuation. If the club faces serious pressure, the asking price could shift.”

The report also mentions interest from Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and United, so the Argentine could ignite a bidding war for his signature this summer.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that Romero could be a fine long-term replacement for Maguire, while his leadership qualities would be an added bonus to the dressing room following Casemiro’s departure. However, United should be wary of Romero’s disciplinary issues, with the Argentine picking up six red cards during his five-year stay with Tottenham Hotspur.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Manchester United are hoping to take advantage of the precarious situation at Tottenham Hotspur, who currently find themselves in the relegation zone.

The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi, who was on United’s list of managerial candidates, has so far done little to instil structure and confidence in the Tottenham Hotspur squad, who are in freefall.

With six games to play in the Premier League, the North London giants are two points from safety, behind West Ham United. However, their Premier League rivals are not waiting around to explore the possibility of luring their stars, having already made a move.

Cristian Romero ready to walk away

According to SportsBoom, Manchester United have made early enquiries for Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero.

In De Zerbi’s first game on the touchline against Sunderland, Romero suffered a serious knee injury, which has ruled him out for the season. As such, he may have already played his final game for the Europa League champions.

The report claims Romero is heading for a dramatic exit this summer despite having more than three years left to run on his contract in London.

He is poised to become “one of the most sought-after free players in the game” thanks to a relegation clause.

It is understood that the centre-back has a clause in his current deal that allows him to leave if Spurs go down.

Manchester United want Cristian Romero

The World Cup-winning defender has allegedly “no interest in playing Championship football, the writing is already on the wall.”

The report claims United have already shown interest in Romero, as they look to add proven quality to their defence.

Cristian Romero Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

Appearances23 Minutes per game81 Touches per game 62.9 Key passes per game0.5 Interceptions per game1.3 Tackles per game2.5 Clearances per game4.1 Aerial duels won per game3.2 (72%)

Recently, ESPN revealed that United’s recruitment staff are closely studying this summer’s list of free agents “as a way of potentially bolstering the squad without burning too much of a hole in the budget.”

Accordingly, Romero should be a no-brainer for the Red Devils if he becomes available on a free transfer following Tottenham’s relegation.

The 27-year-old is a tough-tackling, front-foot defender who has proved his pedigree in Italy and England.

However, the Mancunians face competition for Romero’s services as several clubs in the Premier League and Europe are circling, aware that a player of his “calibre becoming available on a free transfer is a rare opportunity.”

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

Since beating Crystal Palace 1-0 on 28th December, Tottenham Hotspur have yet to pick up a Premier League win.

Now, Tottenham find themselves in a deeply tricky situation, sitting 18th in the league table and at very real risk of relegation.

With six games to go, the North Londoners face urgent pressure to reverse their fortunes. They need to string together wins to climb out of the drop zone.

But as they look to battle Nottingham Forest and West Ham for Premier League survival, the question must be asked: what if Spurs actually get relegated?

Such a scenario would be shocking, especially for a club once considered part of the Premier League’s big six, now facing the possibility of dropping into the Championship.

Even so, if that shock occurs, Premier League clubs would be quick to raid the Lilywhites for players they feel are too good for the second tier.

Which Tottenham Hotspur players would Rio Ferdinand love at Manchester United?

Well, if Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand were handed a role as the Red Devils’ head of recruitment this summer, he would find it hard to sanction moves for most Spurs players in their current form. However, there are two he could certainly consider:

“Not right now, no,” he responded on Rio Ferdinand Presents about which Tottenham player he would take to United.

“Can’t think of any that I’d take, especially the way they’re playing now. Van de Ven, maybe. Van de Ven and Djed Spence, actually. Djed Spence.”

Coincidentally, Ferdinand settles on two options that his former club might actually need.

Spence as Luke Shaw’s deputy

Ineos are keen on signing a left-back to rotate with Luke Shaw next season, with Patrick Dorgu tipped for a left-wing role. Djed Spence, who can operate at both left-back and right-back and has been one of the standout full-backs in the Premier League this season, could therefore prove a shrewd acquisition.

Van de Ven to answer the need for another experienced centre-back

As for Micky van de Ven, the Leeds game, and the very real possibility that United could be without an experienced centre-back against Chelsea, underlined the pressing need to recruit a top centre-back in the summer.

The Dutch speedster has everything it takes to shine at the highest level, and he could prove a brilliant defensive addition should Manchester United manage to prise him away.

So, if Tottenham are relegated, INEOS would be wise to move quickly for both Spence and Van de Ven; they could be a significant upgrade to the options available to help United challenge on multiple fronts next season.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a shock contender to rescue Manuel Ugarte from his Manchester United misery, but a European rival is leading the race to secure his signature, according to the latest report.

Failing to adapt

Despite the Red Devils spending the entire summer window in 2024 tracking Ugarte, no one at the club was able to spot the obvious issues he would face in adapting to Premier League football. The 24-year-old Uruguay international had lost his place in Paris Saint-Germain’s starting eleven after Luis Enrique decided his limitations on the ball were too severe to justify his strengths without it.

However, Ugarte’s worst performances that season came in the Champions League against Newcastle United, with the Magpies’ midfield duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali overwhelming their Ligue 1 counterparts en route to a 4-1 demolition at St James’ Park. Ugarte was simply incapable of matching the speed and strength of the Tyneside club, despite his reputation as a ball-winning enforcer – an immediate red flag for any English side who may have been interested in his services.

In conjunction with his obvious weaknesses in possession, it is baffling that United agreed to pay over £50 million to sign him (£42m up front, £8.7m in add-ons); firstly, a player his club were so desperate to shift; and, secondly, one who would clearly struggle in the Premier League.

United are open to Ugarte’s departure this summer provided a suitable offer arrives. From a PSR perspective, the former Sporting CP star would need to be sold for around £25m to break even – a price his abject performances in a red shirt have done little to justify.

Galatasaray expressed interest in a deal in January, though the Red Devils were reluctant to further weaken a position which is already low on bodies. The Turkish champions are expected to revisit a move this summer.

Juventus are also in the running, though Serie A clubs are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, often preferring convoluted loans to straight transfers.

Interestingly, there is even interest in England for Ugarte’s services, with Aston Villa and Newcastle keeping close tabs on his situation at Old Trafford. However, TEAMtalk reveals Spurs are also understood to be tracking developments.

Spurs enter the race

“Juventus are long-term admirers, while Premier League sides Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham have all previously tracked his situation and remain informed on developments,” the report states. “Villa are open to adding a new midfielder this summer, with the future of Ross Barkley in doubt, while Newcastle could lose Sandro Tonali, who is open to a move away from St James’ Park.

“Spurs, meanwhile, are expected to rebuild their squad this summer under new manager Roberto de Zerbi following another dismal Premier League season.” However, the Lilywhites’ pursuit would rest entirely upon “whether they avoid relegation” or not, given they sit just one point clear of the bottom three with the worst form in the division.

TEAMtalk concludes that a move to one of United’s rivals is unlikely, with Galatasaray considered the frontrunners.

“A move to Turkey is currently viewed as the most likely outcome. Galatasaray are well-positioned to finally secure a deal for Ugarte in the coming months, and United have no qualms about letting him go.”

Final Thoughts

United’s priority this summer is to overhaul their midfield, given Casemiro‘s departure is imminent after INEOS decided against renewing the 34-year-old Brazilian‘s contract. Two new options are expected to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams, with a host of targets in the Premier League under consideration as INEOS seek to learn from the mistake they made with Ugarte.

In an ideal world, the club would likely want to shift the underperforming Uruguayan alongside his South American teammate, with a third midfielder arriving in his place. However, this will be dependent on receiving a fee in excess of £25m, which feels far-fetched if Galatasaray are leading the race for his signature.

But if one of England’s elite, such as Spurs, were to jump the queue, the prospect of a better price would dramatically increase.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

Manchester United picked up just a point against Bournemouth as a comedy of errors saw them throw away their lead twice on Friday night.

First, referee Stuart Attwell and VAR, and then Harry Maguire’s reckless challenge, allowed the home side to cancel out Bruno Fernandes‘ strike from 12 yards and an own goal from James Hill.

However, it must be underlined that United’s midfielders yet again struggled to dictate the game, allowing Bournemouth to enter the final third several times.

Manchester United interested in Archie Gray

Manchester United are targeting a number of Premier League-proven midfielders heading into the summer transfer window. Now, a surprise name has entered their shortlist.

According to SportsBoom, United are hoping to sign Archie Gray on the cheap if Tottenham Hotspur get relegated.

Gray has been a rare shining light for Spurs, who find themselves 16th in the league table.

As things stand, the Englishman has pledged to stay in North London even if Tottenham get relegated to the Championship.

However, United will reportedly test Spurs’ resolve for their 20-year-old midfield gem, as relegation would “cost them a whopping £250million with an exodus of players also expected.”

European powerhouses estimate Archie Gray’s price tag

It is added that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with Gray and “believe £55million would be enough to score the talent’s services given Spurs’ woes.”

Gray joined Tottenham from Leeds in a deal worth £40 million in 2024 after coming through their ranks. He comes from a family with a deep connection to Leeds, the Red Devils’ fierce rivals.

Considering his ties to Leeds, it would be very difficult for United to convince the young midfielder to move to Manchester. However, as far as his profile and potential are concerned, the Mancunians have set their sights on a terrific footballer.

Gray is an accomplished passer, capable of slowing things down as well as quickly progressing the play into the final third. Out of possession, he is aggressive in his pressing and is good at defending in wide areas.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images