Manchester United

Image source, Getty Images

In the final part of our Q&A with BBC Sport Manchester United reporter Simon Stone, we discuss questions around the January transfer window.

Robin asked: There have been some rumours surrounding Joshua Zirkzee's situation - the lack of game time, starting role and the concerns about his World Cup position at the end of season - and potential exit in the January window. Can you shed any light on this?

Simon answered: If you look at the amount of minutes individual players have been given this season, Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo stand out as the ones who probably feel they have not had enough and are considering their options. The problem for both is the number of players in Ruben Amorim's squad who can operate in the number 10 slots.

We know Amorim likes Mason Mount, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are both big money summer signings the club prioritised. When you add Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo to that list, even if Amorim suffered a spate of injuries, you can't see Zirkzee starting many games.

Even with a reduced squad, I felt Amorim had too many experienced players given they had no Europe. An earlier than expected exit from the Carabao Cup just made the situation worse. It is probably best for all parties if Zirkzee moves on in January.

Lawrence asked: Do we see Manchester United managing to buy Carlos Baleba from Brighton in the January transfer window, considering that the team is very light in midfield?

Simon answered: No, I don't. Why would Brighton sell halfway through the season? It wouldn't really make sense and unless someone leaves, who would be left out to accommodate them?

I think Casemiro has done OK. It is more how effective Bruno Fernandes is being. I just don't see a world where Fernandes is left out and there are too many 'number 10s' already.

Catch up with the rest of Simon's Q&A by scrolling down this page.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter at St George's Park

England Under-20s boss Ben Futcher has calmed injury concerns around Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven.

The former Arsenal youngster went down in the first minute of the 1-0 defeat by Switzerland at St George's Park.

He needed extensive treatment and was able to continue but didn't re-appear for the second half.

Heaven has been a regular on the bench for United this season and is expected to be involved in the Premier League game at Liverpool on 19 October.

"He picked something up," said Futcher. "I don't think it is too serious but we will have to see how it settles down."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter at St George's Park

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey got a glimpse into the future when he was called into training by England coach Thomas Tuchel this week.

Lacey was one of a number of young players asked to help out with preparations for England's friendly victory over Wales on Thursday.

He then reverted to under-20s action for the 1-0 defeat by Switzerland at St George's Park on Friday.

"It's a good experience for them," said England Under-20 coach Ben Futcher.

"It is where they want to get to, so they can feel how difficult it is and how good those seniors are. It is good for them to see it, feel it and be part of it."

Lacey is still feeling his way back into the game after an extended period on the sidelines last season with a thigh injury.

The 18-year-old was a major threat before half-time, with his pace and balance causing the Swiss defence problems.

Servette goalkeeper Aubert Marwan did well to keep a couple of Lacey efforts out before the Liverpudlian was replaced after an hour.

"We have looked after Shea and helped him get some minutes," said Futcher.

"He is a top talent, has reconnected with the group and I thought he performed really well.

"I am sure Manchester United have a good plan for him. Hopefully he can stay injury free and fulfil that potential."

Image source, Getty Images

In the second part of our Q&A with BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone, we focus on the academy and what is happening with its prospects.

Raj asked: Why are there no academy players coming through to the first team? The current team will have none if Kobbie Mainoo is left out or sold.

Simon answered: There are some promising players in the academy. The under-21s are top of their league, with six wins from six, and the under-18s have lost once.

If Mainoo left, I think Ruben Amorim would ensure there was academy representation on the bench. Tyler Fredricson has been there this season and others, such as Jack Fletcher, Jim Thwaites and Chido Obi, have impressed.

There is talent there. It is opportunities that there are not enough of because of the lack of games.

Nick asked: Where does Chido Obi feature in plans now? Surely he would have been promised more game time when prised from Arsenal, but this season he has been nowhere to be seen.

Simon answered: He has been training with the under-21s this campaign, which suggests Amorim doesn't believe he is quite at first-team level just yet.

Don't forget, he is still only 17. There are not many players who make it in the Premier League at such a young age, let alone strikers.

You can see how raw he was when Amorim played him at the back end of last season and United have spent £200m on attacking players since then.

It will be interesting to see how patient he is.

Come back later on Friday to read the final part of Simon's Q&A, which will focus on transfer plans.

Image source, Getty Images

In the first part of our Q&A with BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone, we take a look at Ruben Amorim's philosophy and future.

Joey asked: How does Amorim view his 3-4-3 system aligning with United's history of counter-attacking football, deployed primarily in 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations? It seems that his philosophy does not embrace the club's own philosophy and history.

Simon answered: That is one for chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to answer. Manchester United employed Amorim knowing what his preferred style of play was and knowing he would not change.

There are many ways of looking at the merits of Amorim's system but I don't think it is fair to accuse him of not embracing the club's culture by using it.

I don't know for certain, but it is pretty safe to assume if United had gone to him and said "we want you to be our manager but you need to completely change what you believe has made you successful", he would probably have said "no thanks".

• Not a Man Utd fan? Follow your Premier League club on BBC Sport

James asked: Would any other manager survive in the Premier League, never mind at United, if they openly stated they have one way of playing and then had the loss record of Amorim?

Simon answered: I suspect even Amorim must know he is fortunate to still have a job.

However, it has to be remember how out on a limb United went to get him. They sacked Dan Ashworth because they did not like the options he put forward, which included Thomas Frank and Marco Silva. Then they rejected his request to join from Sporting in the summer. There is an element of 'you have made your bed' about United's present situation.

The three years Sir Jim Ratcliffe is talking about is a stretch - as is the end of the season, as sources told me in the wake of the Brentford defeat - if results do not improve significantly. But I think Amorim is safe for a bit of time. He does need to get better results, though.

Come back later on Friday for part two of Simon's Q&A, which focuses on United's academy.

Manchester United are considering Brighton's Cameroon international Carlos Baleba, 21, and Nottingham Forest's 22-year-old England man Elliot Anderson, with midfield a key transfer priority in the summer. (Sky Sports, external)

United are prepared to offer £78m for Juventus and Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz, who is also being targeted by Chelsea. (Caught Offside, external)

Napoli are keen on signing midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on loan in January despite deciding against a move for the United midfielder in the summer. (La Gazzetta dello Sport, external)

Finally, the Old Trafford club remain in talks with Harry Maguire, whose contract expires next summer, over a new deal, with face-to-face meetings having already taken place. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Manchester United

Manchester United are considering introducing stadium seat licences in their proposed new £2bn stadium.

The idea was mentioned in a document sent to season ticket holders, official members and hospitality purchasers on Thursday surveying preferred options for the 100,000-capacity arena United hope to build close to Old Trafford.

Seat licences are an American concept and allow supporters to pay a certain amount of money over an extended period of time to give them the right to buy the same seat.

It is envisaged only those fans intending to buy a season ticket would purchase a licence. The club stress supporters will be able to buy a season ticket without one.

United say no decision has been made on actual pricing but each part of the ground has been given an indicative season ticket price, ranging from £570 for a general area ticket in the corner of the upper tier of the east stand, to £4,830 for the lower tier of the stand opposite the dug-outs.

Indicative prices for hospitality areas rise to £424,800 for a 16-seat large private box in the middle tier of the main stand, level with the halfway line.

United say testing a wide range of pricing options represents best practice and that "exploring the possibility of personal seat licences could form part of the commercial case for the major investment which would be required to build a new stadium".

Fans have also been asked about the importance of safe standing and the location of the club's museum.

There are plenty who question whether the new stadium will ever be built. Doubt has been cast on the viability of selling the required amount of corporate facilities to pay back the financing, which is yet to be determined, at a period of wider economic uncertainty and the team's chronic form.

Even some inside the club acknowledge it is a tall order, although they point to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ability to finalise deals as a genuine reason for optimism.

However, more than six months after he first suggested there might be spades in the ground by the end of the year, United are not even close to being in a position to submit a planning application.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments that Ruben Amorim needs three years to prove himself as Manchester United manager.

Here are some of your comments:

Mike: Today's Manchester United is a joke from Ratcliffe down. A manager who has no 'Plan B' and, worse, doesn't want one, should not be there.

Hossein: I totally agree with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ruben Amorim needs more time and support and as a supporter of this great club we need to lower our expectations for a short period. I'm sure we will be back to our best position in the near future.

Jack: Utterly ridiculous statement by Ratcliffe! I predict United will be in a relegation battle by the new year. Will Radcliffe still be saying Amorim needs more time then?

Dave: Amorim was handed a poisoned chalice, with players that have underperformed for up to seven or eight years. To expect that to be turned around in one year is completely unrealistic. The clearout has started, more is needed, and Amorim needs real support, and more importantly - time. Back the manager, he's not swayed from his vision unlike Ten Hag. If he compromises there is a chance some of these players will revert to previous bad habits.

Paul: Whilst I agree that coaches can need time to implement their philosophy on a team, Amorim unfortunately has shown that he is out of his depth and makes selections, substitutions and tactical errors that are unacceptable for a club the size of United. Other coaches have adapted to their new clubs and progressed - unfortunately Amorim has not.

Dennis: Jim knows what needs to be done, as does the manager. They will not be distracted by (well meant) views from journalists, pundits or supporters because they have little or no experience in running/managing a football club.

Steve: If Amorim is given three years, United will be in League Two. He clearly is way out of his depth and his comments make no sense at all. Same goes for poor old Sir Jim.

Sean: Unfortunately I can't see him being here at the end of the season. Things are still the same as last season, he insists on playing this system that doesn't work. He has got players in that he wanted and nothing has improved. If things don't improve very soon the United faithful will be after blood. The Glazers and Ineos can do one as well.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim needs three years to prove he is a "great" coach, says co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Despite a summer transfer outlay in excess of £200m after last season's 15th-place finish, United have already lost three times in the league this season and been knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two Grimsby.

In an interview on the Times' The Business podcast, Ratcliffe refuted rumours the United manager's job was at risk and said he feels "good guy" Amorim will need an extended amount of time to prove his worth.

"He has not had the best of seasons," said Ratcliffe. "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That's where I would be."

Ratcliffe says he is not interested in any talk about Amorim's tactics and feels it comes from a position of ignorance.

"The press, sometimes I don't understand," he said.

"They want overnight success. They think it's a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it's all going to be roses tomorrow.

"You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."

What do you make of Ratcliffe's comments?

Do you have faith in Amorim?

And does what Ratcliffe has said help or hinder the United boss?

Get in touch with your views here

Despite England's friendly with Wales taking place this evening, Thursday's back pages are dominated by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe saying Ruben Amorim needs three years to prove he is a "great" coach.

Amorim will complete a year at the Old Trafford helm in November but has overseen a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season and a shaky start to this campaign.

The Star focuses on Ratcliffe's words, using Mikel Arteta's initial difficult start at Arsenal as a point of comparison while The Express carries a picture of the embrace between him and Amorim after United lost last season's Europa League final.

The Mirror uses a similar picture of the pair with the headline 'Amor time for Ruben' while The Times simply reads 'Ratcliffe: I'll give Amorim three years'.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes does not plan on leaving the club in January, despite interest in the 31-year-old midfielder from Saudi Arabia. (Talksport), external

Harry Maguire is hoping to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, with the 32-year-old's current deal set to expire at the end of the season. (Sun), external

Meanwhile, United have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign 25-year-old Bournemouth and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are appointing Brentford chief operating officer Ameesh Manek as director of football operations at Old Trafford.

Staff at United and Brentford were informed of the news earlier on Wednesday.

Manek will effectively run United's Carrington training ground - the base for the daily football operation - with responsibility for travel, security, training facilities and staff management and infrastructure.

He is the latest leadership appointment by United CEO Omar Berrada.

Director of football Jason Wilcox, who Manek will report into, is in charge of team performance, while chief business officer Marc Armstrong is responsible for off-the-pitch growth.

Manek joined the Bees in 2022, originally as business operations director, before being promoted to chief operating officer in July 2024.

He previously spent five years at Arsenal, where he became head of first-team football operations.

At Brentford, Manek's role was generally limited to administration, but his United job is expected to have a larger focus on football matters for both the men's and women's teams.

United have made a number of key executive appointments in recent months, including Stephen Torpey, who was also at Brentford, to be academy director.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Ken Ramsden

Manchester United's £50m training ground upgrade does not include laundry facilities.

Pictures of shirts being hung outside Old Trafford stadium after the Munich air crash in 1958 are an iconic feature of the club's history.

Former kit man Albert Morgan also spoke about taking the trophies back to the laundry room at the Cliff training ground in 1999 following the open top bus parade to mark United's historic Treble.

However, in more recent times, United had outsourced the club's laundry needs and despite the huge lay out on the first team facility, which opened in August, that has not changed.

Former Leeds United winger Raphinha is on Manchester United's radar after his fine form for Barcelona, but the Brazil international, 28, could cost £120m. (Fichajes), external

United forward Joshua Zirkzee, 24, sees a January move away from the club as crucial if he is to be included in the Netherlands squad for next summer's World Cup. (Mail Plus - subscription required) , external

West Ham are interested in Zirkzee with new manager Nuno Espirito Santo keen to bolster his attacking options. (Football Insider), external

England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 20, is also looking to leave Old Trafford in January with Napoli a possible destination. (Mirror), external

Harry Maguire, 32, wants to continue at Manchester United but will have to take a pay cut to extend his stay beyond the end of the season. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We don't have any club football for the best part of two weeks, but there is still plenty to discuss at Old Trafford.

Do you have any questions about Ruben Amorim's tactics or players' form? The January transfer window? Future stadium plans? The youth academy?

Our Manchester United reporter Simon Stone is here to help and will be answering a selection of your questions later this week.

Get yours over to us using this form

Alex Turk
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Kobbie Mainoo this, Kobbie Mainoo that... Listen, I get it. But why is there little noise about another player who is seemingly deeper in the out-of-favour abyss?

Joshua Zirkzee's start to life at Manchester United last season could not have gone much worse, but he grew increasingly popular among supporters as the campaign progressed.

The 24-year-old earned a reputation as one of the most technically gifted players at Ruben Amorim's disposal as he settled into life at Old Trafford. But the elephant in the room has not walked out.

Does he fit? The answer currently appears to be no. Zirkzee has not started any of United's first seven Premier League matches this season, playing just 74 of a possible 630 minutes. He did not even start in the Carabao Cup second-round defeat by League Two Grimsby Town.

There is a lot to like about Zirkzee, but he was always a strange signing. He is not viewed as a natural striker - and even if he was, United splashed £74m to sign Benjamin Sesko a few months ago.

In the same summer, another £134m went towards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both recruited to primarily operate as the two number 10s in Amorim's system.

Zirkzee is not starting matches and has been unused in four of seven in the league because he does not possess the energy of your typical "impact substitute".

United's decision to axe Rasmus Hojlund instead was always questionable when his profile was a greater fit for Amorim's demands.

The £44m package that Napoli were willing to pay may have been too good to turn down, although the Dane's recent form suggests that could represent a bargain come the end of the season.

At this rate, it would be a surprise if Zirkzee was still in Manchester when that time comes.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate, the team discuss Manchester United's win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday.

BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater reiterated that he is not going to get carried away after one good performance, but believes things could take a turn for the better if United can go to Anfield, put in a good performance and come away with points.

"Manchester United have been slightly better in terms of performances this season, but not good enough in terms of results," says Gaz. "And after last season, he needed results. So, he's come into this one - he's got a win, and I am not going to sit here and get too carried away.

"The only way it can be a turning point is if Manchester United go to Anfield and put in a decent performance and get a result, either with a draw or a win. But Brighton after that, I want to see United turn up there and get a good result as well and performance."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's head of academy recruitment Luke Fedorenko is to leave the club.

Fedorenko has accepted a new opportunity with an agency, although the date around his United exit is still to be finalised.

The decision is said to be amicable, with Fedorenko keen to ensure a smooth transition to help the young players and their families.

It comes just over two weeks after Stephen Torpey started work as United's new head of academy, following the departure of Nick Cox to take over as technical director at Everton.

Since the end of last season, Under-18 coach Adam Lawrence also left the club and both the Under-21 side's assistant coach David Hughes, and his replacement David Horseman have both left to join Newport and Arsenal respectively, although results at both age groups this season have been impressive.

Fedorenko was a key figure in bringing striker Chido Obi and defender Ayden Heaven north from Arsenal. Both made first team appearances last season.

Fedorenko was also involved in a number of promising youngsters - including Bendito Mantato and JJ Gabriel - joining the club.