The Peoples Person

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

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as surprise contenders to sign Jadon Sancho this summer, despite the Manchester United outcast appearing destined for a return to Germany.

Theatre of Nightmares

Sancho, 25, has proven to be a disastrous signing for the Red Devils since joining from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021. Despite arriving with the reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting attackers, the physical demands of Premier League football proved too much for the English winger to handle.

Twelve goals and six assists in 81 appearances in a red shirt tell their own story; but this does not capture just how wholly ineffective Sancho was during these performances, with a lackadaisical approach that extends beyond the pitch.

Successive loans over the past few years – first in a return to Dortmund, then with Chelsea – have also been unsuccessful, despite the change in scenery. His refusal to compromise on his wage packet at Old Trafford prevented any prospect of these deals becoming permanent.

This led Sancho to a season-long loan with Aston Villa, with the Villans striking a deal with United over the summer reminiscent of the one agreed for Marcus Rashford last year. A slow start at Villa Park has now shown signs of life, however, with the London native beginning to force his way into Unai Emery’s starting eleven after winning over the Spaniard.

This has led to speculation that the Birmingham side may look to permanently sign Sancho this summer, once his contract has expired in Manchester. However, Sports Boom reveals Villa are not “thrilled enough to keep him” and that a return to Germany is on the cards.

England or Germany?

The report states a “third spell” at Dortmund or a switch to Bayer Leverkusen are the two “most likely destinations” for the winger.

But in a shock twist, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur are also named as suitors, despite Sancho’s struggles since arriving in England.

Newcastle are increasingly at risk of losing Anthony Gordon, with the England international on the radar of both Manchester United and Liverpool as a potential bombshell switch looms this summer.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur lack a natural left-winger to match their potent right-hand side combination of Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus.

As such, Sports Boom reveals both Premier League clubs are “interested” in a potential summer swoop for Sancho, given no transfer fee will be required.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United will not care in the slightest where Sancho is playing football next season – just as long as it is not at Old Trafford.

The club retains the option to extend his contract, worth in excess of £300,000 a week, but there is more chance of Amorim being offered a fresh deal than this extension being triggered.

A return to Germany, with more space and less physicality, at one of Bundesliga’s heavyweights would be the most sensible option for Sancho – but he has consistently demonstrated he will prioritise money over football throughout his rapidly declining career, and another Premier League club may offer him this.

Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images

Manchester United are in line to receive a huge windfall this summer as their Premier League rivals plot a bombshell raid to sign Mason Greenwood, according to a new report.

A Sell-On Clause

Greenwood has established himself as one of the best players in France since joining Olympique de Marseille in the summer of 2024, after facing serious legal troubles in England.

The 24-year-old forward’s position at Old Trafford had become untenable, with United forced to sanction his sale to the Ligue 1 side for £26.7 million as a result.

A 50% sell-on clause was included in the deal, entitling the Red Devils to half of the profits Marseille may bank from any future transfer.

Greenwood enjoyed a strong debut year in France, scoring 22 goals and providing six assists – putting him level in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele. His sophomore campaign is going even better as he has already matched his goals total with three months of the season left.

Mason Greenwood: 2025/26 statistics

CompetitionMatchesGoalsAssists Ligue 119134 Champions League831 Trophee des Champions110 Coupe de France353 Total31228

In December, Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi – a frontrunner to be United’s head coach next season – claimed Greenwood has the “potential to win the Ballon d’Or”.

This form has put a number of clubs across Europe on red-alert over a potential deal, including Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. There have even been reports of a blockbuster switch to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal said to have tabled a €100m bid in January.

A return to England?

Rather than a move to a new country beyond France, Fichajes reveals Greenwood could be about to agree an explosive return to English football as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have held talks to sign the forward.

The report states both of United’s rivals are prepared to table £78 million bids to prise him from the Orange Vélodrome stadium.

Liverpool view Greenwood as an “ideal candidate” to bolster their misfiring attack, with Mohammed Salah edging closer to a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Similarly, Tottenham Hotspur are “closely monitoring” the Englishman who they believe “fits perfectly” into their style.

If either club were to strike a £78m deal with Marseille, United would receive around £26m from the deal – a massive boost ahead of a pivotal transfer window at Old Trafford this summer.

Final Thoughts

Greenwood’s ability as a footballer is beyond doubt, with the Carrington graduate’s form in Marseille showcasing his lethality in front of goal, with either foot from any area of the pitch.

However, the controversy which led to his departure from United in the first place will be immediately reignited were he to return to the Premier League this summer – which seriously calls into question whether Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur would be willing to invite this outrage on themselves.

United are unlikely to be expecting a significant windfall from their former player this summer, nor will they be expecting to be facing him in a red or white shirt next season.

Feature image Miguel Medina via Getty Images