Rasmus Hojlund was left out of Manchester United’s squad to face Arsenal, increasingly speculation over his future following the recent arrival of Benjamin Sesko for £74million
New season, same problems. Manchester United kicked off their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
By failing to score and conceding from a set piece, it felt like deja vu for Red Devils supporters. But as Ruben Amorim put it, they weren’t ‘boring’ like last season.
The United boss was encouraged with his side’s performance, as the Old Trafford crowd applauded them off at full-time. Fans were off their feet watching new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo while Benjamin Sesko made his debut in the second half.
Sesko’s inclusion in the squad came at the expense of Rasmus Hojlund, who’s the subject of interest from clubs across Europe, including AC Milan. Sales are United’s priority for the remainder of the summer transfer window which closes on September 1.
Here’s a round-up of the latest transfer news from Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim sets unwanted 16-year record as Man Utd bitten by biggest problem againREAD MORE: Gary Neville destroys Altay Bayindir for Arsenal goal: ‘It’s going to keep hurting Man Utd’
Amorim sends Hojlund clear message
Ruben Amorim has warned Rasmus Hojlund that he’ll remain on the sidelines if he doesn’t ‘do what’s required’. Hojlund, 22, watched from the stands against Arsenal, with Benjamin Sesko quickly usurping him in the pecking order.
“At United, if you don’t do what’s required, a team-mate will take your place,” Amorim said. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve shown that if you deserve it, you play.”
The Red Devils manager added: “He has to fight for his place. We will see what’s going to happen in the market. Rasmus has the same characteristics as Ben, so sometimes we need to chose.”
Should Manchester United sell Rasmus Hojlund? Have your say in the comments section.
Roma make contact over Malacia
Roma are in talks to sign Tyrell Malacia, who’s keen to leave Manchester United before transfer deadline day. The Dutch left-back was part of a five-man bomb squad who didn’t travel on the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of the USA.
According to reports from Italy, Roma asked United about the conditions for signing Malacia during the clubs’ talks over Jadon Sancho. Bestikas are also interested in the 26-year-old.
Baleba breaks silence after Brighton opener
Carlos Baleba has broken his silence amid links of a move to Manchester United. Baleba, 21, started Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Saturday, just over a week after the Red Devils made contact with Brighton to register their interest in the Cameroonian midfielder, who’s been given a new shirt number this season.
“Just me doing the thing I love most. Had fun playing at home with the boys,” Baleba said on Instagram post-match. “Nothing new here, just my number and a haircut.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.