Manchester United are likely to need to sell as well as buy during the summer transfer window and there are a lot of moving parts for head coach Ruben Amorim to deal with
Manchester United’s recent revival came to an end on Tuesday night, but there were some positives to be taken from the defeat at Nottingham Forest. Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire both returned to action after recent injuries, leaving Ruben Amorim’s squad in slightly healthier shape ahead of Sunday’s derby clash with Manchester City.
Defeat against City could see Amorim’s men slip to 15th if other results go against them. However, the Portuguese can point to his team’s victory in the reverse fixture for motivation.
Regardless of what happens between now and May, United fans are anticipating a busy summer transfer window. That means players leaving as well as new faces arriving, with Christian Eriksen among those poised to leave Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho is also expected to depart, though Chelsea still have the option of paying to get out of their obligation to sign the on-loan winger permanently. That’s among the areas in focus in Mirror Football‘s round-up of the latest Manchester United stories.
There are also a few updates from elsewhere as Amorim prepares to face the media ahead of his team’s return to action. Here’s the latest from around Old Trafford.
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Maresca’s Sancho stance
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca spoke about Jadon Sancho’s end product ahead of the Blues’ match against Tottenham on Thursday night. However, he was reluctant to say too much in relation to a permanent move.
“All the players that are with us, I love all of them, but in this moment it’s the moment to finish well and then it’s not the moment to think about next season,” Maresca said. “I’m completely focused about nine games, two months to go, I’m completely focused about that.
“Then what happens in summer, we’ll see,” the Italian continued. “But all the ones that are here, I want them happy to be here.”
Fernandes’ Madrid role identified
Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen believes Bruno Fernandes would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid. The United captain has been linked with a summer move to the Bernabeu, having been at Old Trafford for more than five years with just two cups to show for it.
“One thing for me is certain – he’s an absolute winner,” Meulensteen told Poker Firma. “He plays all the games, he’s never injured, and he’s very committed to United and wants the best for the club.
“Every footballer has ambitions. I’m sure he wants to win trophies for United, but if a team like Real Madrid were to come knocking for him in the summer, he would fit like a glove there.
“Luka Modric is turning 40 soon and Madrid need someone in midfield with that kind of passing range who can supply Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe. With Fernandes’s passing range, Real Madrid would be unbelievable, and their forward line would become even better.”
Former star Williams makes heartbreaking admission
Brandon Williams has opened up on how much it hurts him to watch football while he remains without a club. The full-back hasn’t stepped onto a pitch since turning out on loan for Ipswich in late 2023, and was released by Manchester United at the end of last season.
“It hurts me watching football now because I just want to be there, I just want to play,” Williams said on The Fozcast. “I miss being in a team, on the coach. I just think it’s that thing where it gets too much for somebody sometimes.”
He added: “Maybe I needed that break, to just like take everything in, to reset. I know I’m working hard, I know I’m trying to get back fit. It’s just down to me to do that and to get back.”
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