The Peoples Person

Is Scott McTominay’s time at Napoli running out?

That is the question many have been left asking, especially given the reports currently circulating about the former Manchester United star.

Having been sold to Napoli in the summer of 2024 for around £25 million, the Scottish international quickly became a hit at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Indeed, he played a pivotal role in Naples, firing the Partenopei to the Scudetto with 12 goals and six assists in 34 league games.

Moreover, his high work rate, box-to-box energy, and sharp finishing did not just earn him the Serie A MVP award but also secured him a Ballon d’Or nomination, where he finished 18th in the final rankings.

Top clubs circling

With such form, it was surely only a matter of time before Europe’s top clubs began plotting to steal the high-flying United academy graduate away from Naples.

In fact, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed that Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United are all keen to sign McTominay.

While the same report suggested the midfielder could be open to leaving, fresh hints and claims have since emerged about where his future may lie.

What McTominay thinks of a Napoli exit

In a revealing piece titled “Scott McTominay partying in Italy, throwing doubt over transfer rumours”, suggestions that he was unhappy in Naples were firmly dismissed.

Now, McTominay has directly addressed the speculation.

“I’m really happy in Naples,” he told Sky Sports Italy via Area Napoli; a statement widely interpreted as an attempt to put the rumours to bed.

Given he’s enjoying his football, thriving in a key role, and basking in the added fame, one would wonder why McTominay would want to walk away from it all.

His desire to stay is understandable, and from United’s perspective, it should be well-received.

After all, a Premier League return to join a direct rival would have been a bitter pill to swallow.

Napoli’s response to exit links

Nevertheless, reports suggest Napoli are now working to tie him down to a new deal.

Given his comments above, he will likely commit his future to the club.

If so, that will be enough to deter further interest, sparing United the headache of facing a revitalised McTominay, whose box-crashing runs continue to torment Italian defences and hand Napoli a decisive edge.

So far this season, he has netted four goals in eleven appearances. And with Kevin De Bruyne sidelined, the creative burden may now fall to him to sustain Napoli’s attacking spark.

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Manchester United u21s hosted Tottenham Hotspur in a Saturday lunch time kick off at Leigh Sports Village.

Heading into the match with a perfect record of six wins from six, United looked to extend their win streak and re-take the top spot in the league with Ipswich overtaking first place with an earlier kick off.

First half

The first chance of the match came the way of the visitors as the ball came to Oliver Irow at the edge of the box. He forced a good save from Dermot Mee, who was able to get down quickly to his left.

Shea Lacey began to pull the strings in the first half with two delightful reverse passes in quick succession to send Gabriele Biancheri and then Jayce Fitzgerald free down the right channel.

Biancheri looked for the cutback but with no options, the striker opted to test the keeper with a powerful shot from a wide angle which was parried away.

Fitzgerald subsequently looked to cutback into the box to find a teammate but could only find a Spurs white shirt.

Lacey then curled a cross into the box which was taken down incredibly by Biancheri under the pressure of two defenders before he fired into the bottom left corner to give United the lead.

Spurs were causing danger of their own at the other end though, two chances in the matter of minutes were both cleared off the line by United captain Jacob Devaney, who has been a key figure in United’s perfect start to the season.

Just before the half hour mark, Jack Fletcher had his effort cleared off the line after United forced a turnover high up the pitch.

Biancheri made it 2-0 in the 37th minute after a great bit of teamwork.

Diego Leon initially stepped up to win the ball before Jack Fletcher played a pass through the lines that was held up by Biancheri. He laid it off to Jayce Fitzgerald who made a reverse pass to James Scanlon on the left side of the box. Scanlon centred for Biancheri to slide in from five yards out.

Spurs pulled one back just before the break, the ball bounced around the United box but United failed to clear before Callum Olusesi bundled the ball into the net to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Second half

On the hour mark Diego Leon went on a sensational charging run, shrugging off two Spurs’ players before finishing with his weaker foot for his first goal in the red of Manchester.

An awkward fall saw Lacey stretch his shoulder, forcing him off minutes later. He could later be seen icing his shoulder on the bench.

A late Jack Fletcher free kick fizzed across the face of goal as Chido Obi swung his head and missed before Biancheri steered the ball wide at the back post.

Biancheri got his well deserved hat-trick in stoppage time though, after combining with Jack Fletcher to finish the match 4-1.

Match facts

United: Mee, Helafu (Ngwashi 76), Devaney (C), Armer, Leon (Mantato 67), T. Fletcher, Fitzgerald, Lacey (Obi 67), J. Fletcher, Scanlon, Biancheri

Unused subs: Murdock, McAllister

Goals: Biancheri 16, 37, 90+6. Leon 60 | Olusesi 41

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Manchester United are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in a heated transfer race for Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.

While Man United enjoyed a successful transfer window, with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko all finding their form since arriving at Old Trafford, the team still needs to improve its form, with an erratic run of results leaving them in a frustrating 10th place in the league standings as a result of their inconsistency.

Perhaps bringing one of the most consistent Premier League performers to the club would help United improve their fortunes.

Target acquired

This past summer, The Peoples Person noted that United reportedly began monitoring Semenyo.

Ultimately, they decided against sealing a deal for the forward, given Bournemouth’s steep valuation of the player.

Yesterday, there appeared to be a sudden change of heart, with United seemingly convinced to spend big on the Ghana international despite previously not wanting to pay over £55m for the player. This, despite his valuation drifting north of £75m since then.

Still, even if they fork out the money, United could struggle to get a deal over the line, given that they may face some stiff competition for the player.

Transfer battle incoming

This morning, TEAMtalk reported that Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move for Semenyo.

“Tottenham will try to properly assess the level of competition before committing to a bid for Antoine Semenyo in 2026, but still view the attacker as a target, TEAMtalk understands,” the report read.

“Sources believe they are currently the club most interested in signing him, but with an exit still some way off, there is expected to be a battle for his signature when the time comes.”

“Manchester United remain keen on Semenyo, but an offer will depend on the state of their squad build at the moment – as well as their league position,” the article concluded.

While Spurs may seem like the team most interested in Semenyo at present, United would do well to strongly consider a move for the Ghanaian given his scintillating form in the league.

With existing Premier League standout performers Cunha and Mbeumo already making their mark at Old Trafford, United could continue this successful blueprint by signing another proven talent from the world’s most competitive league.

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Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba has taken another twist as the transfer battle for the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder heats up according to the latest report.

Spurs join the hunt

Sports Boom reveals Tottenham Hotspur have “joined the race” for Baleba alongside the Red Devils after making contact to strike a deal.

Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou in north London this summer, is said to be an “admirer” of the 21-year-old midfielder.

Liverpool have also been identified as a potential suitor with the Merseyside club closely monitoring the situation at the Amex Stadium ahead of a potential raid in January.

United’s bitter rivals in the north west have also been linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson – two alternatives under consideration at Old Trafford.

But Baleba appears to remain the Red Devils’ first-choice target to upgrade Ruben Amorim’s engine room with the Cameroon international “highly-rated” by United’s head coach, according to Sports Boom.

In fact, Fabrizio Romano even contends United’s pursuit of Baleba will be influenced by Amorim’s position at Old Trafford, suggesting if the former Sporting manager is dismissed by INEOS the club may not follow up their interest next year.

Baleba has his heart set on Old Trafford

INEOS remain fully committed to Amorim, however, and are prepared to give him more time, and potential investment in January, to get things right at the Theatre of Dreams.

And if Baleba is revisited as a target, Sports Boom reveals United have an inside track on their Premier League rivals as the midfield starlet wants to join the Mancunian club as his priority.

“Our sources understand Manchester United is the 21-year-old Cameroon international preferred destination when the January transfer window opens,” the report states.

Brighton are very unlikely to be willing to entertain offers in the winter window, however. And even if they were, the possibility of United stumping up the £100 million plus fee it would take to get the Seagulls to do business is even more remote.

But this is equally true for Liverpool and Spurs with clubs reticent to spend huge sums in January, meaning any successful pursuit of Baleba will come next summer.

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Manchester United appear to have revealed what they hope to do with Kobbie Mainoo as the transfer race for the midfield prodigy heats up.

While a standout performer over the course of the past season, Mainoo has had limited minutes on the pitch this season, missing out on both of Man United’s first two Premier League games.

His first appearance came in the dismal EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town, where he struggled to find his groove.

Still, this performance has not dampened the rising interest that a multitude of clubs have expressed in him, with Tottenham Hotspur attempting an audacious swoop for the player before the transfer deadline arrives.

The race is on

Chelsea have been linked with the youngster, reportedly discussing a £70 million asking price back in January, which has allegedly fallen to £45 million.

Italian giants Napoli have also emerged as potential suitors, with the team also looking to sign Rasmus Hojlund in an audacious double swoop.

Then there’s Newcastle United, who reportedly also entered the fray – a move which could allow United to fetch more money from a potential deal.

Still, the player himself would also need to decide where he wants to play his football going forward.

Mainoo reveals his true desire

Earlier today, The Peoples Person relayed that Mainoo desires to remain at United, although he would like to leave the club on loan as a means of getting more minutes on the pitch.

Still, this hasn’t dissuaded Tottenham Hotspur from pursuing a sneaky late deal, with United responding in a way that voices their true feelings on the academy graduate.

United respond to Spurs

“Tottenham Hotspur have explored the possibility of signing Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, sources have told TEAMtalk, with initial contacts understood to have taken place on Thursday,” TEAMtalk reported this morning.

“Tottenham have moved quickly to open the door, believing he could flourish under manager Thomas Frank’s set-up,” the article continued, before revealing United’s stance.

“Sources have told TEAMtalk that Man Utd officials are reluctant to sanction any departure, instead wanting him to work his way into manager Ruben Amorim’s side to earn a new contract. That stance was reiterated on Thursday, even as Tottenham sensed an opportunity.”

It’s clear that United are acutely aware of Mainoo’s enormous potential, and should this latest report prove true, United fans would surely be relieved to see that United are attempting to avoid offloading a talent who could surely serve the club well for years to come.

Still, with the transfer window closing on September 1, it’s difficult to know what dramatic late moves could be made as United scramble to build their squad for the season.

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Manchester United appear to be ramping up their efforts to sign young up-and-coming stars this summer as they seek to secure their long-term future.

With the new Premier League season underway, it has been a busy transfer window for the club, with no signs of Man United’s transfer ambitions slowing down.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko have all added significant firepower to United’s attack, but it has so far seemed that the club is largely satisfied with its current defensive lineup.

That is, until a fresh update.

A centre-back target emerges

Last week, The Peoples Person relayed that United have taken an interest in Fenerbahce’s Yusuf Akçicek.

Exhibiting his talent at the back in the U19 Süper Lig, Akçiçek has also seemingly attracted the interest of Aston Villa.

This comes as little surprise, with former United manager Jose Mourinho even comparing him to Raphael Varane.

Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the running for the Turkish youngster, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly sending representatives to watch him in action.

As such, it appears that United need to act fast in order to sign the teenager. Interestingly, it appears that they already have, if new reports are to be believed.

The race is on

Sabah [via Sport Witness] reported that Manchester United sent officials to Turkey to “take a closer look at the youngster.”

The report claimed that Tottenham Hotspur also happened to send their own officials to Turkey, presenting themselves as rivals to United in what could become a heated transfer race.

While United’s attack has been a clear area of focus this summer, signing a promising new defender such as Akçiçek could prove to be a prudent move, especially since Lisandro Martinez remains injured and Harry Maguire continues to age.

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Manchester United have been trying to move on Alejandro Garnacho since the summer window opened. So far, an exit has not materialised.

It is not because of a lack of interest with Saudi Arabian sides, and plenty of European clubs chasing his signature.

But the Argentine seems hellbent on moving to Chelsea, who have, until now, only offered lowball proposals or swap deals. In fact, the Stamford Bridge outfit only want to spend £30 million on the 21-year-old.

INEOS value him at least £50 million, which makes a lot of sense given the prices Anthony Elanga, and Noni Madueke have fetched.

Garnacho only has eyes for Chelsea

The Blues want to take advantage of the fact that the Carrington graduate only has eyes for them. So desperate is the Argentina international to move to London that he is ready to watch from the stands if he does not get his desired switch.

That is why the Red Devils have an ace up their sleeve. As per Givemesport, they have given the green light to Tottenham Hotspur to approach them regarding a deal for the United No.17.

The 20-time English league champions are aware that the only way for them to get Chelsea to up their offer is if they encounter competition for the winger’s signature.

Spurs, who missed out on Eberechi Eze, could potentially try and land the ex-Atletico Madrid academy ace as a replacement.

Spurs invited to join the fray

They had been credited with interest in the versatile forward in the recent past. INEOS would welcome the prospect of a bidding war.

“Manchester United are hoping that Tottenham Hotspur will choose to re-enter the race to land Alejandro Garnacho as influential figures at Old Trafford have accepted that Chelsea will only come close to meeting their demands if they are facing competition for an agreement, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

“Manchester United have given Tottenham the green light to come back into the frame to sign Garnacho, according to GMS sources, as there are fears that they will be forced to allow him to join Chelsea for a cut-price fee if no other suitors are prepared to put cash on the table ahead of the summer transfer window slamming shut on September 1.

Hoping for a bidding war

“Tottenham used intermediaries to gauge what would be needed to recruit Garnacho and also made checks on his desire to leave Manchester United earlier in the transfer window, GMS sources have learned, resulting in his current employers being keen for the north Londoners to return to the market for his signature.

“Manchester United are resigned to the fact that Garnacho already has his heart set on being confirmed as Chelsea’s next arrival, GMS sources understand, but key decision-makers are desperate for Tottenham to provide him with an alternative destination as it would increase the possibility of a bidding war taking place.”

It will be interesting to see if Spurs’ entry can spur Chelsea to improve their offer. Hopefully, this saga can come to an end soon.

Amorim needs help in midfield and in goal, and with Garnacho not part of his plans, his sale could be key in unlocking further reinforcements.

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Manchester United are prepared to listen to offers for Kobbie Mainoo, who has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Mainoo was a notable absence from Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup in the Premier League opener, especially as the academy midfielder enjoyed an encouraging pre-season.

Amorim also overlooked Mainoo in the second half, as he replaced Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte with the hosts trailing 1-0 against Arsenal.

Manchester United could sell Kobbie Mainoo

According to Givemesport, United are willing to “sacrifice” Mainoo to offset their “huge summer outlay.”

United are interested in signing a defensive midfielder this summer. However, they have splurged £200m on revamping their frontline.

The 20-year-old midfielder is “up for grabs at £60m” as the club’s hierarchy try to avoid potential PSR issues. United are supposedly looking to get rid of Alejandro Garnacho for the same reason.

Spurs set their sights on Mainoo

It is further claimed that Spurs are “waiting to take the bait.” The England international has emerged as a potential transfer target for the North Londoners in the final days of the transfer window.

James Maddison recently suffered a potential season-ending injury. As such, Thomas Frank is keen to sign a new attacking midfielder.

Spurs have failed in their pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. The former has renewed his contract at Nottingham Forest and the latter has agreed to move to North London, but to join Arsenal.

Mainoo is not a like-for-like replacement for Maddison, but the United midfield gem fits their “brief for a young, dynamic midfielder.”

Interestingly, Amorim frequently used Mainoo in the advanced position behind the striker last campaign, as the United head coach had some worries about his defending. Still, the youngster impressed with his close control and link-up ability in the final third.

As such, it is difficult to see Ineos giving up on him so quickly and selling him, especially to their Premier League rivals. It is best to take the claim with a pinch of salt.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a move that could put them ahead of Manchester United and other rivals in the pursuit of Brentford skipper Nathan Collins.

United interested in Collins

There remains a small chance that United will make reinforcements to their defensive department before the close of the summer transfer window.

There is a desire to beef up Ruben Amorim’s backline options following the exits of Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans at the end of June. It’s also worth noting that Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained in February and will almost certainly need time to fully get back up to speed.

But, with United also looking at making additions in midfield and potentially between the sticks, a defensive signing may be entirely contingent on player sales.

The Red Devils are still trying to offload the likes of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. Rasmus Hojlund is another player who looks set to leave the club amidst interest from Napoli and AC Milan.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United have earmarked Collins as a surprise target.

Collins has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Brentford from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2023. The Bees forked out £23m to land the Republic of Ireland international.

It was stated that United are not the only party chasing Collins, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also named as admirers of his.

Now, CaughtOffside relay that Tottenham are preparing to step up their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Tottenham intensify Collins chase

CaughtOffside claim that Tottenham are “upping their efforts” to beat their competitors to Collins’ services. Thomas Frank is eager for a reunion and North London and contacts between the two clubs are expected to commence imminently.

Regarding where United currently stand on Collins, CaughtOffside explain, “Manchester United are also in the mix, but their financial situation means they’d need to sell players before making a serious bid.”

“Numerous sources have confirmed that this is expected to put them at a disadvantage in the race.”

Liverpool have the funds to swoop in for Collins but their primary objective is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

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The ongoing legal row between INEOS – the company of Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – and Tottenham Hotspur has taken a surprise turn.

Tottenham sue INEOS

Soon after Tottenham beat United in the Europa League final, it emerged that the London club had started legal proceedings against INEOS over a terminated sponsorship deal.

INEOS and Tottenham struck a five-year deal in 2022 for the petrochemicals company to be the side’s official 4×4 vehicle partner.

The agreement was reached before Ratcliffe completed his partial investment in United, became co-owner and assumed operational control from the Glazer family.

However, in March 2025, INEOS exited the partnership with Tottenham, three years into the five-year agreement. This prompted Tottenham to file a commercial claim against Ratcliffe’s firm. It’s believed that Tottenham sued INEOS for more than £11m over an alleged breach of contract.

Tottenham claimed INEOS missed the £5m-plus instalment due on December 1, as well as an earlier inflation-adjusted payment of nearly £500,000. Thomas Frank’s side are also seeking an additional £5,275,974 in damages.

Now, according to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe’s INEOS have hit back, countersuing Tottenham.

INEOS fire back at Tottenham

The newspaper reveals that INEOS are countersuing Tottenham for more than £1m, accusing them of holding sponsorship talks with Audi linked to the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023.

INEOS said about the development, “The particulars of claim make no mention of a highly significant series of events by which the club, unbeknown to Ineos, started negotiating with a major competitor to Ineos with the intention of granting rights to that competitor which were exclusive to Ineos under the agreement.”

“On or around 3 August 2023 (i.e. early in contract year two), Todd Kline of the club (“Mr Kline”) indicated to Ashley Reed of Ineos (‘Mr Reed’) that the club had been in discussions with the German car manufacturer Audi AG (‘Audi’) in connection with rights which were the same as, or substantially similar to, the rights granted to Ineos under the agreement and/or the club had been negotiating with Audi in respect of rights which were exclusive to Ineos under clause 4 of the agreement.”

“According to Mr Kline, the discussions and/or negotiations related to a proposed transfer of the club’s player Harry Kane (‘Mr Kane’) to the German club FC Bayern Munich (‘Bayern Munich’).”

Ineos noted that negotiations between Tottenham and Audi did not bear fruit but added, “this sequence of events ultimately resulted in the parties agreeing that Ineos could terminate the agreement with effect from the end of year three of the contract term.”

“In the circumstances, it is the club which owes Ineos more than £1 million for failing to provide any rights to Ineos in the final part of year three.”

It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds. Meanwhile, United are back in action on Sunday when they go away to Fulham.

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