Manchester United

Everton have reached a full agreement with Monaco to sign American striker Folarin Balogun for a fixed fee of €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause. The 25-year-old has agreed personal terms on a four-year contract with a one-year extension option and is set to travel for a medical. However, L'Équipe reports the move may be in doubt due to delays in Everton's sale of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City before the transfer window closes.

10 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 1, 11:44 PM UTC

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, 22, is expected to leave the club after being omitted from the squad for their La Liga opener against Elche. Agent Jorge Mendes met with sporting director Deco and Balde to discuss his future, with Manchester United reportedly preparing a €40 million bid. Balde’s playing time has been reduced by Joao Cancelo’s return, and head coach Hansi Flick questioned his commitment. Barcelona also discussed youth players Marc Casadó and Guille Fernández’s potential departures.

14 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 31, 03:50 PM UTC

On August 31, 2026, during the second round of the Premier League season, Manchester United defeated Ipswich Town 5-1 at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick (his second Premier League hat-trick and third overall for United) and added an assist, tying Cristiano Ronaldo's club record of three hat-tricks. This was the first hat-trick of the 2026/27 Premier League season, and Fernandes temporarily leads the scoring chart.

13 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 31, 12:54 AM UTC

Manchester United reached an out-of-court settlement in March 2026 with a man who alleged he was sexually assaulted as a 14-year-old by former club caretaker Billy Watts at the Cliff training ground in 1986. Watts, who died in 2009, faced multiple complaints and was named in the 2021 Sheldon inquiry. The club paid an undisclosed sum without admitting liability. The victim, speaking publicly for the first time, described devastating lifelong impacts, including suicidal thoughts, and criticized the club for never apologizing.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 28, 06:30 AM UTC

Juventus and Aston Villa narrowed their valuation gap for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with Juventus offering up to €10 million (€7M fixed plus €3M add-ons) against Villa’s demand for a fixed €10M fee. Personal terms were agreed, but Juventus ultimately abandoned the deal, partly due to concerns over Martinez’s finger injury. Aston Villa then accelerated a €30M move for Parma’s Zion Suzuki as a replacement. Martinez remains at Villa, who will play in the Champions League.

21 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 30, 08:00 AM UTC

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase draw took place on August 27-28, 2026, in Monaco, confirming opponents for all 36 teams under the Swiss-style format. Each team will play eight matches (four home, four away) against two opponents from each of four seeding pots, with country protection and a new restriction preventing identical fixtures for three consecutive seasons. Defending champion PSG leads Pot 1 alongside Bayern, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and others. The competition runs from September 2026 to the final on June 5, 2027, at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 27, 07:21 PM UTC

On August 27-28, 2026, the UEFA Champions League draw ceremony in Monaco determined the eight league-phase opponents for top European clubs including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund. The new format pits teams from four pots against each other in home-and-away matches. Reactions from fans and media ranged from relief to concern over challenging fixtures, highlighting the competitive landscape of the upcoming season.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 29, 12:44 PM UTC

Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are close to finalizing a transfer for 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba. United’s offer is around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, slightly below Brighton’s valuation, but negotiations remain amicable. Personal terms are agreed, and Baleba is recovering from a minor ankle injury. The deal would bolster United’s midfield rebuild, following signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, amid Casemiro’s departure and Champions League return.

21 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 26, 10:21 AM UTC

Manchester United lost 0-2 to promoted side Hull City in their Premier League season opener on August 22-23. Both goals came from set pieces, exposing defensive lapses criticized by captain Bruno Fernandes, defender Luke Shaw, and former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. Manager Michael Carrick’s tactics were questioned as the team struggled with possession, attacking sharpness, and physicality. The defeat highlighted recurring issues from last season, prompting calls for improved pressing, set-piece defense, and squad review.

9 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 25, 04:33 PM UTC

Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0 in their Premier League season opener, marking their first league win over the club since 1974. Both goals came from set pieces, a tactic specifically practiced after studying United’s defensive weaknesses. Manager Jankovic and owner Acun Ilicali praised the team’s desire and cohesion, with eight starters from last season’s promotion-winning squad. The victory counters relegation predictions and boosts morale, though injuries remain a concern.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 23, 07:19 AM UTC

On August 17, 2026, Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the English Community Shield, securing the first trophy of the new season. This victory marks Arsenal's fourth Community Shield win as Premier League champions, matching their own record for the biggest winning margin in the competition in 12 years. The win extends Arsenal's recent dominance over Manchester City, who have won only 2 of their last 9 encounters since the 2023-24 season.

14 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 17, 02:26 AM UTC

In a preseason friendly in Wroclaw, Poland, AC Milan, now managed by former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, defeated Manchester United 4-2. The match carried emotional weight due to Amorim’s controversial tenure at United, where he publicly criticized and exiled players like Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo. Despite reported strong motivation among United players to beat Amorim, they lost. After the match, seven United players, including Bruno Fernandes, showed professional respect by greeting Amorim. Amorim later joked with reporters and said he holds no resentment toward his former club.

9 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 16, 11:35 AM UTC

Paul Pogba, 33, suffered a left thigh injury during AS Monaco’s pre-season training camp at St George’s Park in England, his latest setback after a series of fitness issues. The former World Cup winner joined Monaco in June 2025 but made only six appearances (115 minutes) due to injuries and a prior doping ban. Monaco is now in talks to terminate his contract by mutual agreement, with a decision expected by end of August. The club had hoped to restore his fitness but has concluded the project has not worked.

12 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 19, 08:25 AM UTC

Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, posted a farewell to FC Barcelona after the club declined his £26 million permanent transfer. Despite a strong season with 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 matches, Barcelona opted to sign Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi instead. Rashford now returns to Manchester United, where new manager Michael Carrick may reintegrate him, though interest from AS Roma and Fenerbahce persists.

10 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:21 AM UTC

Manchester United are in advanced negotiations with Juventus over a loan deal for Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, including a £30 million option to buy. The 25-year-old has struggled at Old Trafford, starting only five Premier League matches and scoring five goals since joining in 2024. Juventus turned to Zirkzee after failing to sign Randal Kolo Muani. United prefer a permanent transfer or mandatory buyout, while Juventus seeks to control costs. Zirkzee is open to returning to Serie A.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 6, 09:54 AM UTC

Manchester United have called up 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel for their pre-season friendly against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, on Friday. Gabriel, who scored 26 goals in 29 appearances for the Under-18 side last season, trained with the first team and could become one of the youngest players in club history to debut. Age restrictions were lifted for the match, and manager Michael Carrick confirmed he is under consideration for the squad.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 3, 04:13 PM UTC

Jadon Sancho, 26, became a free agent after leaving Manchester United in July 2026, following a disappointing £73 million transfer and loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. Qatari club Al-Rayyan has submitted a contract offer to the English winger, hoping to lead their domestic project. Sancho is also considering interest from Borussia Dortmund, Besiktas, Atletico Madrid, and Roma, balancing financial gain against reviving his career.

6 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 3, 09:21 AM UTC

Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign veteran Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, 35, who scored a career-high 13 Premier League goals last season. The move signals a strategic shift under new manager Xabi Alonso, moving away from signing young players toward experienced, Premier League-proven talent. Brighton is willing to sell with one year left on Welbeck’s contract, provided a fair fee is agreed. The potential signing could lead to departures of current Chelsea strikers Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap.

23 reports · 10 sources · Updated Aug 8, 02:13 PM UTC

The moderators of Reddit's r/soccer community, with tens of millions of users, have permanently banned content from football journalist Fabrizio Romano. The decision cites ethical concerns: platforming a convicted rapist (Mason Greenwood), monetizing deaths of players, repackaging other journalists' work, declining exclusivity, conflicts of interest, and a misinformation incident during the 2023 Turkey earthquake. The ban follows earlier bans by club-specific subreddits and mirrors a previous ban on The Sun.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 31, 09:54 AM UTC

Following Brazil's round-of-16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—their earliest elimination since 1990—head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that veterans Neymar, Casemiro, and Danilo will no longer play for the national team. Ancelotti stated the tournament marked the end of a generation of over-30 players, signaling a major squad overhaul. He plans to build a new team ahead of the 2028 Copa America, though defender Marquinhos will remain for continuity. Neymar and Casemiro have also publicly stated their international careers are over.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 31, 09:44 AM UTC

Adidas shares fell more than 15% in early trading after the German sportswear giant missed second-quarter profit expectations, despite a 14% revenue increase to £5.7bn. The profit miss was attributed to a £180m marketing spend, largely driven by campaigns for the FIFA World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The high-profile World Cup advert featured celebrities including Timothée Chalamet, Lionel Messi, and Bad Bunny. Adidas maintained its full-year operating profit target of £2bn. The share price drop, reaching 17% to €151.20, challenges CEO Bjørn Gulden’s goal of closing the gap with rival Nike. The company cited growth in running and football sectors, and noted strong kit deals with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Adidas also announced Birgit Kretschmer will replace Harm Ohlmeyer as CFO at year-end.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 09:46 AM UTC

The Women's Super League (WSL) has announced its fixtures for the 2026-27 season, with big-spending London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United in the opening match on Friday, 4 September. The Michelle Kang-owned club features new signings, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and goalkeeper Mary Earps, who returns to the WSL after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Champions Manchester City begin their title defense against promoted Birmingham. The season marks the WSL's expansion to 14 teams, with Charlton, Crystal Palace, and Birmingham promoted. New relegation and promotion rules will apply between the WSL and WSL2. Other opening weekend matches include Arsenal vs Brighton, Tottenham vs West Ham, Chelsea vs Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace vs Everton.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 09:45 AM UTC

Prime Video has officially announced a new documentary series titled Meet the Owens, centered on former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen and his family. The six-part series, premiering on August 28, 2026, follows an eventful year in the Owen household, focusing on their passion for horse racing and life on their 170-acre Cheshire estate. It features Michael, his wife Louise, and their four children: Gemma, James, Emily, and Jessica. Each family member pursues individual ambitions, including Jessica's Olympic showjumping dream, Emily's university aspirations, James's determination to join the family business despite a degenerative eye condition, and Gemma's training to compete at Glorious Goodwood. The series offers a glimpse into Owen's life beyond football, highlighting his decorated career including his Ballon d'Or win and three seasons at Manchester United.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 09:04 AM UTC

Bournemouth's 20-year-old French striker Eli Junior Kroupi fractured his fifth metatarsal during pre-season training in Austria and underwent successful surgery on July 29, 2026. He is expected to be sidelined for three to four months, missing the start of the Premier League season. Kroupi scored 13 goals last season, helping Bournemouth finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League. The injury impacts transfer interest from Barcelona, Arsenal, PSG, and Tottenham, all of whom had been monitoring the player.

9 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 29, 09:37 PM UTC

David de Gea concluded his latest return to English football on a positive note, keeping a clean sheet for Fiorentina in a 1-0 pre-season victory over Watford at Vicarage Road. The former Manchester United goalkeeper, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011, made 545 appearances and set a club record of 190 clean sheets. His United career ended in 2023, and after a year away from football, he returned with Fiorentina in 2024. De Gea's latest trip to England started poorly with a 3-2 defeat against Queens Park Rangers, but he rebounded strongly against Watford, making key saves including one from Othmane Maamma. Fiorentina will continue pre-season in Austria, with a next fixture against Real Madrid.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:47 PM UTC

Argentine center-back Lisandro Martinez, who plays for Manchester United, posted a heartfelt message on social media after returning to his hometown of Gualeguay, Argentina. In the post, he described the reunion with family, friends, and local supporters as an 'extremely precious gift' and expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support from his compatriots. Martinez emphasized that no hug compares to the embrace of people from one's hometown and stated that this memory will be cherished for a lifetime. The post included multiple photos from the visit, capturing the emotional homecoming. The article, sourced from Hupu Soccer and originally from Instagram, highlights the footballer's personal connection to his roots and the significance of community support in his career.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:31 PM UTC

Brighton & Hove Albion have officially handed a first professional contract to Tate Ferdinand, the 17-year-old son of former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand. Tate, a centre-back like his father, confirmed the signing via Instagram. He has been with Brighton's youth system, making 43 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, scoring twice and providing one assist, and also featuring in the FA Youth Cup, EFL Trophy, and Premier League 2. His brother, Lorenz Ferdinand, is also part of Brighton's under-21 squad. The article also notes that Manchester United manager Michael Carrick's son, Jacey Carrick, recently signed a scholarship with United. The news comes after Manchester United ended the 2025/26 Premier League season with a 3-0 win over Brighton.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:15 PM UTC

Charlton Athletic Women have officially announced that defender Charlotte Newsham has signed a contract extension, keeping her at the club until 2027. The 26-year-old, who progressed through the academy systems at Manchester City and Manchester United, has spent the past two seasons with Charlton and established herself as a regular starter. She predominantly operates on the left side and can play as a full-back or in a more advanced defensive role. Newsham also made her senior debut for Scotland last season during a World Cup qualifying victory over Luxembourg, where she registered her first senior international assist. However, she suffered a serious knee injury against Birmingham City on the final day of the WSL2 season and is currently in early-stage recovery. Charlton will compete in the Barclays Women's Super League next season after returning to the top flight for the first time since 2008. Newsham expressed that her recovery has gone smoothly so far and plans to contribute as a leader during rehabilitation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:57 PM UTC

TTM Football, the football division of UK-based sports management agency Tongue Tied Management, has officially announced the signing of 16-year-old Manchester United academy midfielder Jacey Carrick. Jacey is the son of Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and has developed through the club's youth system. The agency confirmed it assisted the teenager in completing his scholarship with Manchester United, marking an important step toward professional football. The article also provides context on Manchester United's broader transfer activity ahead of the 2026/27 season, including midfield reinforcements Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, left-back Tynan Thompson, goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson, and potential departures such as Manuel Ugarte and Harry Amass.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:37 PM UTC

Wolverhampton Wanderers Women have officially signed Olivia Francis, a 20-year-old Welsh international winger, following her departure from Plymouth Argyle. Francis scored ten goals in 33 appearances for Plymouth, helping them finish second in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division. She previously spent time at Manchester United's Professional Game Academy and began her career with Pontypridd. Francis has represented Wales since age 13 and earned her first senior international call-up in November 2025. Wolves confirmed the move on their official website, with Head of Women and Girls Russ Fraser praising her pace and noting the club had tracked her for some time. She becomes Wolves' tenth signing of the summer. The article also notes that Manchester United have been active in the transfer market under Michael Carrick, strengthening midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and adding goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:15 PM UTC