The Peoples Person

Whilst it is evident Manchester United are intent on improving their midfield options this summer, there could still be room for a surprise signing or two in other areas of the field should the right opportunity present itself.

If United are serious about mounting a title challenge next season, there is no doubt they could do with a reliable centre-half of ready-made ability who can be fit and ready for action for the majority of the season.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt look to have the perfect blend of qualities to build a formidable partnership at the heart of United’s back line, but simply cannot be trusted to go through a campaign injury-free.

Therefore, if INEOS can strike a deal for a top-quality centre-back, it might just be the difference in United getting closer to Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table.

Surprise name on the list shut down

That being said, finding that player, particularly on a budget, is no easy feat, but a shock name was strongly linked with Manchester United on Monday night.

The Peoples Person relayed that United were preparing an offer for wantaway Tottenham Hotspur skipper Cristian Romero.

However, as per Manchester Evening News, United have no interest in signing the Argentina international.

Whilst possessing certain qualities, Romero’s ill-discipline and overall disappointing performance levels over the last 12 to 18 months have left Tottenham at the wrong end of the table under his leadership on the pitch.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old will be leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under the cloud of controversy that came after he returned to Argentina to watch his boyhood club rather than be in attendance for their crucial last game of the season to keep them in the division.

Even if United fans are wishing for a centre-back before the season starts, it is doubtful they will be losing any sleep over missing out on a player who has shown such a lack of commitment to the club paying his wages.

United can ill-afford to waste a chunk of their budget on a player who is not guaranteed to improve things at Old Trafford, and Romero would certainly be seen as a major gamble.

Other priorities

Whilst a centre-back addition would be nice, it is believed United are focusing on the left-back spot alongside the engine room for improvements this summer and see themselves as relatively well-stocked at centre-half.

Despite the concerns around De Ligt and Martinez’s fitness, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and the impressive Ayden Heaven will all be expected to play their part next season to ensure United enjoy a successful campaign.

Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall looks the favourite to lighten the load on Luke Shaw, who, despite starting every league game last season, has struggled badly with injuries and, given the extra games this year, will need strong back-up.

Hall looks every inch the long-term replacement for Shaw and if INEOS can get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old, they could have the left-back issue solved for the next decade.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

Manchester United appear to be ready to pause their plans to revamp the midfield in order to pursue the signing of a high-profile defender who divides opinion.

Over the last few days, much has been written about United’s hunt for the signatures of Ederson and Mateus Fernandes.

A total agreement to sign the Brazilian from Atalanta has already been reached. Meanwhile, INEOS have opened talks with West Ham United for the Portuguese youngster.

Amid this, a reliable Argentine journalist has dropped a major update on the club’s attempt to strengthen their backline.

Manchester United considering signing Cristian Romero

According to reputed Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, Manchester United want to sign Cristian from Tottenham Hotspur.

It is understood the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the 28-year-old combative defender, who captains Spurs.

Edul does not specify how much United are willing to pay for the Argentina international.

However, it has been previously reported that the North London giants value Romero at around £52 million. He is tied to the club until the summer of 2029.

A risky move guaranteed to raise plenty of eyebrows

As is the case with most Argentinians, front-foot defending is a hallmark of Romero’s game. The 6’1″ star possesses exceptional aerial ability and is effective with the ball at his feet.

Furthermore, the former Atalanta talent is a player with a winning pedigree, having lifted the World Cup in 2022 and led Spurs to a Europa League triumph by beating the Mancunians in the final.

However, Romero has generated an equal number of headlines for his recklessness and ill-discipline. Incidentally, his latest red card came in his side’s league defeat at United.

Romero also received backlash from his own fans for missing Tottenham’s final-day relegation decider in May. After being sidelined through an injury, he decided to fly to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation at boyhood club Belgrano.

Romero’s stature would certainly warrant the tag of a statement signing at the Theatre of Dreams, but at the same time, he has all the makings of a nightmare addition.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have stormed into the race for Hayden Hackney as Michael Carrick urges INEOS to target the Middlesbrough maestro, according to a new report.

Midfield Rebuild

The Red Devils are prioritising a major revamp in midfield this summer, with up to £150 million set to be directed towards fixing the stalling engine room.

Despite a resurgent campaign, Casemiro will bring an end to his four years in Manchester this month after it was mutually decided with the club not to extend his contract. A free transfer to Inter Miami is close to being agreed.

Manuel Ugarte looks set to join the 34-year-old Brazilian through the exit door, with United actively welcoming offers for the Uruguay international, who has failed to adapt to the Premier League since his £42.7 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

United’s primary targets are Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni, though deals for either player appear increasingly remote. Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Mateus Fernandes, and Alex Scott are other names under consideration.

But Hackney – Middlesbrough’s 23-year-old playmaker, who first burst onto the scene under Carrick at the Riverside Stadium – is another option with many admirers at Old Trafford. However, despite his former manager championing his name, United’s hierarchy, headed by sporting director Jason Wilcox, appear to be focusing elsewhere.

Spurs launch a hijack

Everton are leading the race for Hackney, whose contract on Teesside expires next year, forcing Boro to reluctantly consider a sale of their talisman.

Kim Hellberg’s side faced heartbreak in the final of the Championship play-offs, losing 1-0 in the last minute to Hull City at Wembley. Had they been promoted, their ability to ward off interest in Hackney would have been significantly stronger.

However, the Redcar native is too talented not to be plying his trade in the Premier League, having been crowned the Championship’s Player of the Season after a stellar campaign, though Boro will not let him go cheap.

The North East side rejected Everton’s opening offer, despite Hackney signalling a switch to Merseyside is his preference. But Spurs, ready to splash the cash after almost dropping into the Championship themselves, have launched a hijack of the Toffees’ move.

Sports Boom have “ramped up their interest” by directly approaching Middlesbrough to strike a deal.

“Tottenham see Hackney as a player capable of becoming one of the new faces of their rebuild following a desperately disappointing campaign. Spurs are eager to inject youth, energy and quality into their midfield and believe the England Under-21 international fits the bill perfectly.”

The report states United are “keeping a close eye on developments”, suggesting Carrick may still get his wish should INEOS decide to launch their own last-minute hijack if the leading targets elsewhere prove unobtainable.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

Manchester United have been handed a golden chance to sign Luka Vuskovic as the 19-year-old defender’s future with Tottenham Hotspur is growing more uncertain by the day, according to a new report.

Croatian Colossus

Signed in 2023 from Hajduk Split in a deal worth around £12 million, Vuskovic was only eligible to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer.

The 6’4 centre-back joined then-manager Thomas Frank’s side on their pre-season tour, with plans for him to play a back-up role to the first-choice pairing, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. However, the Croatia international – set for a major role for his country at the World Cup this month – wanted more guaranteed minutes and requested a loan towards the end of the window.

A season-long loan was then agreed with German side Hamburger SV, which has proved an astute decision as he has thrived at the Volksparkstadion in a superb individual campaign.

Despite his adopted side struggling as a collective, Vuskovic was named in the EA Sports Bundesliga Team of the Year, having produced displays which belie his age. This led one scout to describe him as one of the “most dominant young defenders” in Europe.

A potent pairing of size and strength, with surprising speed for such an imposing frame, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the air, as shown by an impressive return of six goals, and in ground duels. But he also demonstrates the ability to play out from the back, with the “vision to identify progressive options” and make line-breaking passes forward – a key attribute for a ‘modern’ centre-back.

A Big-Money Exit Gathers Pace

Initially, it is understood the plan was for Vuskovic to return to north London and fight for a place in Tottenham’s starting eleven. Romero and Van de Ven have been linked with moves away, with United said to have explored deals for both.

The Croatian starlet appears a readymade replacement, having already shown a skillset which suggests he could develop into an even better defender than either of his senior teammates. However, Roberto De Zerbi – appointed as manager in March to rescue Tottenham from relegation, which the Italian did on the last day of the season – is pushing for more experience in his backline.

AFC Bournemouth’s 29-year-old centre-back, Marcos Senesi, and Liverpool’s 32-year-old stalwart, Andy Robertson, are both set to join on free transfers. Senesi was a target under consideration at Old Trafford, though Harry Maguire’s contract renewal has shifted the attention towards a younger option – such as Vuskovic.

De Zerbi is not stopping there, however. A £40 million bid has been tabled to reunite him with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, the 25-year-old Netherlands international, with talks between the two clubs ongoing.

If successful, this would leave Tottenham Hotspur with four experienced centre-backs either in, or approaching, their prime – and no room for Vuskovic to establish himself in De Zerbi’s squad. Consequently, Gianluigi Longari reveals the youngster is “open to leaving” this summer, putting Bayern Munich and “top Premier League clubs” on red alert.

Translated Tweet: “Luka Vuskovic would be open to leaving Tottenham this summer. Bayern Munich and other top Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his profile with interest and have made initial contact for details on a possible deal. Preliminary stages.”

Final Thoughts

While the Italian journalist does not specify which one of England’s elite is eyeing a raid on their rival, United’s interest is well-documented and INEOS are always on the hunt for the best young talent from across the globe.

A new centre-back is not considered an urgent priority in M16 due to the number of options in Michael Carrick’s squad. But this depth is something of an illusion, given the injury concerns of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, as well as the ageing Maguire.

United are understood to be paying close attention to the market for a suitable successor for the 33-year-old Englishman. Vuskovic, a 6’4 behemoth who is a magnet for the ball, would be the perfect candidate.

Featured image Leonardo Fernandez via Getty Images

Manchester United Women won two from two in their opening World Sevens group games. A 5-4 win over West Ham and a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa put them on the right track for qualification for the semi-final.

On Friday evening, they took on Tottenham Hotspur Women in Brentford.

First half

Ellen Wangerheim’s lovely touch and pass set up Melvine Malard, who smashed the ball into the bottom corner to give the Red Devils the lead.

Malard then turned provider as her pass off the wing was excellently finished by Anna Sandberg, the Swedish full-back’s second of the competition. Elisabeth Terland then turned assist maker when her lay-off was taken by Jess Park, who showed great composure to fire past the Tottenham Hotspur keeper to make it 3-0.

Second half

United grabbed a fourth early on in the second half as Park dribbled past the Tottenham Hotspur defence and rifled an unstoppable drive into the net for her second of the evening.

Cathinka Tandberg found a consolation for Tottenham Hotspur when her effort crept under Phallon Tullis-Joyce. This only served to embolden United more, and they soon had their fifth.

Maya Le Tissier broke forward from the back and played in Lea Schuller, who calmly found the back of the net on the break. United then had their sixth when Terland broke forward and generously turned down a shot and laid the ball off to Julia Zigiotti, who had the easiest of tap-ins.

Le Tissier made it seven when she powered in a header from a free-kick.

Olivia Holdt grabbed a second for Tottenham Hotspur as she ran down the wing and prodded in a smart finish.

United would have the last word, though, in a pulsating tie when Park grabbed her hat-trick.

She was played in on goal and finished like a number nine to make it 8-2 to Marc Skinner’s rampant Reds.

The Red Devils topped the group with 17 goals scored, six conceded, and three wins from three.

Chelsea will take on Aston Villa in the first semi-final at 11:00 BST, while United will face Everton at 12:00 BST.

If United make it through, they will play the final at 14:30 BST.

Featured image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images

Manchester United are currently finalising plans for a major transfer window this summer, during which every penny will count. A complete revamp in midfield is the priority, while reinforcements on the left-hand side and up front are also on the cards. A new No. 2 goalkeeper is likely to be needed as well.

Accordingly, any deals – from the present or the past – that generate funds for the Red Devils to allocate towards this overhaul of Michael Carrick’s squad will be welcome. This is why INEOS will be paying close attention to Mason Greenwood’s situation in France.

Greenwood, 24, left Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 after facing serious legal troubles off the pitch. While the charges, which included attempted rape and assault, were dropped, the public outcry led to the player and club mutually agreeing that his career would be best served away from English football.

A £26.6 million deal was agreed with Olympique Marseille – a low price for a footballer with Greenwood’s talent, but one which reflected the controversy he will carry for the rest of his career.

United included a 50% sell-on clause with the Ligue 1 giant, though the exact parameters of this remain unclear. Some reports suggest it would entitle United to 50% of any fee Marseille generate from Greenwood’s sale, while others indicate the Red Devils would receive 50% of the profits.

The latter is far more likely to be accurate, which means United would bank £11.7m if Marseille sold Greenwood for £50mthis summer. If the former is true, it would be £25m – almost as much as the French club paid in the first place.

Red-hot race forming

Despite Greenwood boasting impressive numbers since arriving at the Orange Vélodrome – 48 goals and 17 assists in 81 appearances – Marseille are understood to be considering their top scorer’s exit this summer.

Mason Greenwood Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Ligue 131281664-2,381' UEFA Champions League88311-671' Coupe de France44631-345' Trophée des Champions111---90'

Total444126106-3,487'

Source: Transfermarkt.

Roberto De Zerbi’s shock departure in February, a key ally of Greenwood, has been a driving factor, with the English forward having clashed with the new coaching staff and the executive branch. New sporting director Gregory Lorenzi has confirmed that the “club are prepared to entertain transfer offers” this summer.

AS Roma are frontrunners after Greenwood’s father held talks with the Italian club, while Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation.

However, Turkish outlet Fanatik claims Fenerbahçe have identified Greenwood as a “primary target” with moves already underway to strike a deal. Marseille are said to be asking for £48m, which would entitle United to around £10.7m or £24m, depending on the terms of their existing agreement.

The report also states Tottenham Hotspur, currently managed by De Zerbi, have “entered the race”, with Greenwood said to be angling for a return to England. This must be balanced by the uproar a move to North London would generate across the United Kingdom, however, with previous updates suggesting a pursuit was unlikely as a result.

Interestingly, Spurs have also been linked with Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at FC Barcelona but whose future at Camp Nou grows more uncertain by the day.

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Manchester United risk allowing Tottenham Hotspur to steal a march on them for Carlos Baleba as Roberto De Zerbi plots a reunion with the 22-year-old enforcer, according to a new report.

Theatre of Dreams

The Red Devils made advances to sign Baleba last year as INEOS looked to provide Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim with a high-energy midfielder to better implement his 3-4-2-1 system, which demands huge levels of output from its double pivot in the middle. Brighton & Hove Albion refused to enter talks for the Cameroon international, however, with a sense that it would have taken a mammoth fee — in excess of £100 million — to bring them to the negotiating table.

Baleba was said to be disappointed by this stance as he had agreed personal terms with United and considered Old Trafford a ‘dream’ destination. His performance levels have dipped significantly this season, with many theorising the failed move is the reason.

Despite Amorim being dismissed in January, United’s recruitment team have maintained interest in the former LOSC Lille star, though their valuation of him has dropped in line with his downturn in form.

The agreement with Baleba is understood to still be in place and sources indicate he would “jump at the move” if it materialises again this summer. There were even suggestions of a plan to make the signing before the World Cup commences next month.

However, United are now said to be focusing on other targets, perhaps driven by the sense they could reignite a deal at any point given the player’s desire to wear a red shirt — but Tottenham, United’s are ready to test this belief.

Spurs ready to strike

The Independent reveals the North London club are plotting a “triple raid” on the Amex Stadium, at the request of De Zerbi, for Baleba, Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul Van Hecke.

The Italian, who was strongly linked with the United job in the wake of Amorim’s dismissal, was manager of the Seagulls for two years before leaving to join Ligue 1 side Marseille.

He is understood to have placed a reunion with the trio at the “top of his transfer targets” for the summer, though there is an “acceptance [Spurs] may not get all of those”.

The report states a move for “Baleba is likely to prove the trickiest, given that Brighton want over £100m, and there is competition from Manchester United.”

Final Thoughts

If the demands for the Cameroonian remain as high as nine figures, however, Tottenham will have free run as United will have zero interest in pursuing a deal, even if his profile makes him an ideal partner to Kobbie Mainoo.

The Red Devils are already in advanced talks to sign Atalanta dynamo Ederson, while a blockbuster raid for Newcastle maestro Sandro Tonali continues to gather pace.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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 one of a number of top clubs interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Luka Vuskovic, according to a new report.

The Next Big Thing

Vuskovic is considered one of the premier prospects in world football, having enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga on a season-long loan with Hamburger SV. Already a Croatia international at just 19 years of age, the 6’4 behemoth is set to play a key role for his country at the World Cup in North America next month.

This imposing frame makes him one of the “most dominant young defenders” in Europe, with six goals to his name this year underscoring his ability to thrive in both boxes. However, he is not simply a defensive brute; he combines this physical dominance with “intelligence and composure that go beyond his age” according to one scouting report.

“He has a good passing technique and the vision to identify progressive options, often breaking lines with vertical passes that help his team advance from the back. He is comfortable initiating build-up and does not shy away from taking responsibility in possession. His decision-making in these phases is generally calm and purposeful, which adds value to his overall defensive profile.”

It is little wonder, therefore, that a host of top clubs, inside and outside of England, are keeping close tabs on the Split native, given he is set to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Tottenham have endured a torrid campaign under three different managers, only confirming Premier League survival with a 1-0 win in the season finale against Everton on Sunday. It marks the second successive year they have finished seventeenth.

While the arrival of Robert De Zerbi has lifted the mood around the club, the daunting prospect of a major rebuild and no European football is creating uncertainty around the futures of their best players — including Vuskovic.

Eyed by Europe’s Elite

Sports Boom reveals Europe’s elite, including the Red Devils, are plotting raids for the Croatian starlet.

FC Barcelona are understood to be the strongest suitors as the champions of Spain look to overhaul Hansi Flick’s backline. However, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both want to keep Vuskovic in Germany, while Serie A winners Inter Milan are also in the hunt.

In England, United are joined by Chelsea and Liverpool in their admiration, with all three looking to take advantage of their domestic rival’s fragile state. Sports Boom describes the growing queue as a “highly contested group stage of suitors”, with a “bidding war” in the works.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be “holding out for a transfer fee of somewhere in the region of €60/70 million” (£52-60m), with their negotiating position significantly bolstered by avoiding relegation.

Final Thoughts

Interestingly, United have also been linked with moves for the existing centre-back partnership in De Zerbi’s squad, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. However, the decision to extend the contract of long-term stalwart Harry Maguire has seen United’s focus shift from an established option to a younger one.

Vuskovic is the gold standard for defensive prospects in Europe, as demonstrated by half the continent’s biggest clubs jostling for position in a red-hot race to secure his signature. His size and duel-winning ability make him the ideal successor to Maguire at Old Trafford.

Whether United will be able to stump up the cash needed to win it is another matter, however, given INEOS’s intent to invest the bulk of their war chest on midfield this summer.

Featured image Leonardo Fernandez 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.