Amorim cautiously optimistic for Man Utd's seasonpublished at 17:19
17:19
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
One of the most fascinating elements of my extended chat with Ruben Amorim in the United States this summer was his admission that he set off for games last season fearing Manchester United would struggle.
Given Amorim has promised United fans his side's performances and results will be better this season – admittedly they could hardly be worse – I was intrigued to know his feelings ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford encounter with Arsenal.
It was not an unqualified response. Amorim could have said it will definitely be better - but he didn't.
He also referred to "four weeks" as the time he has had to work with his squad, when it is actually six – for the majority.
But overall Amorim gave the impression of someone who is in a far better place when it comes to managing his group of players than he was during his tortuous bedding-in process.
"It is hard to know because we cannot change everything in four weeks but we are better," he said. "I know that we are training harder, are training better and are more prepared to cope with the demands of the game.
"Step by step we are going to be a better team. I am more confident."
Amorim on Sesko, target for the season and Fernandes' rolepublished at 15:20
15:20
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Old Trafford (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Amorim confirmed that Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui are both out for Sunday's game. However, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana have recovered and "are options" for the match.
On if new signing Benjamin Sesko is ready to play: "We didn't have lot of time, but he is ready. Physically he is ready, and that is big component in our league. He is smart. He is a guy that is thinking. He spent all afternoon working on his fitness, so he is ready to play and we will see."
He added: "I am very happy [with him]. He has great potential. He can play different types of football. He is going to feel the Premier League is very aggressive but he will learn and has great potential. I can see him being a striker for United for lots of years. That is why we have paid so much money for a striker that can have history in this club."
The United boss said a "return to Europe" is a target for them this season, but they are "going to have to fight a lot" and all they can focus on now is "to improve game by game".
Asked about the future of forward Rasmus Hojlund, he responded: "He is one more option. We are focused on this game and we will see. Rasmus is still our player."
On how confident he is with what his team will look like this campaign: "It is hard to know. We can't change everything in four weeks, but we are better. We are training harder and better and know we can cope with the demands of the game. We have new players and we need to understand what they can do in the moment. I am more confident in this moment."
Amorim feels it is "a good thing for Bruno [Fernandes] to stay in one position" and added: "I want Bruno near the ball and that is really important for our team, but sometimes we need Bruno near the goal. We will try to arrange game by game the best players in the best positions."
He is "happy" with the players he has and feels they can "cope" despite being light in midfield positions.
Is Hjulmand reunion on cards for Amorim?published at 15:17
15:17
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There has been a lot of talk about Manchester United's interest in Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba – and just as much around Brighton's insistence the 21-year-old is not for sale.
Whether a deal happens or not, the fact United have not moved to quell the discussion suggests the interest is genuine and that, despite the assurances he is happy with his squad, head coach Ruben Amorim knows there is a flaw that needs addressing.
And if they are keen on Baleba, do United have a back-up option?
They have been linked with Sporting skipper Morten Hjulmand, someone Amorim knows very well from their time working together in Portugal.
Someone I have spoken to with an understanding of Hjulmand's situation believes the 26-year-old Denmark midfielder will move this summer.
United do need to start selling players but I am guessing that if they exhaust their inquiries for Baleba, their sights may turn to Lisbon.
Cunha 'exactly what Manchester United need'published at 09:32
09:32
Image source, Getty Images
Former Manchester United talisman Wayne Rooney has lauded the club's recruitment this summer, highlighting Matheus Cunha in particular.
Speaking on the BBC's The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain praised the way the club and head coach Ruben Amorim have gone about changing the attack and believes it will make a big difference.
United have revamped their forward line with Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko for a cost in excess of £200 million.
"They had to change the attack," Rooney said. "The attacking players looked like they had lost a lot of confidence and some looked like they didn't want to be there.
"Fair play to Ruben Amorim because he has dealt with that and he is trying to move all those players on. The attacking players they have brought in will make a big difference.
"Cunha is exactly what Manchester United need. They need someone with a bit of character. I still speak to people there and everyone has been really pleased with how he is settling in. He has a voice in there, which is what they need.
"When you have players who have that bit of edge, the other players who haven't got that follow it and it maybe brings more out of them players as well.
"Cunha is a really good signing from that point of view and then there is his ability on top of that as well."
Gossip: Man Utd consider Hjulmand optionpublished at 07:32
07:32
Manchester United are lining up a £50m deal for Sporting and Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand, 26, if they miss out on Brighton's 21-year-old Cameroon international Carlos Baleba. (Sun), external
Meanwhile,Fulham are showing interest in United striker Rasmus Hojlund, with AC Milan also pursuing a deal for the 22-year-old. (Mail), external
Finally, Chelseaare making progress in their efforts to sign Alejandro Garnacho and believe £35m is a fair price for the Argentina winger. (Teamtalk), external
Why Man Utd are prepared to loan players to crisis club Wednesdaypublished at 12:45 14 August
12:45 14 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
A Sheffield Wednesday fan makes his feelings known about owner Dejphon Chansiri at Leicester
Manchester United would be prepared to let Harry Amass and Toby Collyer join Sheffield Wednesday on loan despite the Championship club's much-publicised off-field problems.
Both youngsters are set for spells away from Old Trafford this season despite breaking into the United first-team last term.
Interest in the pair is high and no decision has been made yet around either player.
However, eyebrows were raised when it was confirmed Wednesday were interested in signing Amass, while it has also been established the South Yorkshire outfit are one of the options Collyer is assessing.
Earlier this month, the Football League said it was speaking to Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri about potentially selling the club following a succession of late wage payments.
There was uncertainty over the club's ability to fulfil their opening league game of the season at Leicester, although that did eventually go ahead, with Wednesday supporters refusing to enter the stadium until five minutes into the 2-1 defeat in protest at Chansiri's running of the club.
However, there are concerns over the depth of the first-team squad and while Premier League solidarity payments have finally allowed wages to be paid, there is no guarantee of any external funding that would ensure future salaries are not missed.
It would be against that backdrop United would release Amass and Collyer if that was the choice of the players.
Their rationale for that is that the key point for both players this season is to further their careers by building on their United appearances and being exposed to regular first-team football, which there is more chance of at Wednesday due to the lack of depth in their squad.
The wage issues are not felt to be a specific concern as United could carry on paying the players, with Wednesday fulfilling any agreement reached at a point when either Chansiri's financial commitments change or new owners come in with access to greater funding. As a development loan, there would be no fee involved either.
It is also felt the general situation at Wednesday could have an additional positive element in terms of exposing Amass and Collyer to experiences that do not exist at United, taking them out of what is accepted to be a 'first-class bubble' at one of England's richest clubs.
It is being stressed both players have a number of options. Although there has been mentions of PSV Eindhoven, it is felt Amass' loan will be a domestic one.
Neither player was involved in the National League Cup opener at Tamworth on Wednesday, which was abandoned due to lack of ambulance cover after United midfielder Sekou Kone had to be taken to hospital after taking a hefty blow to the head that required lengthy on-field treatment.
As the game was a competitive fixture, it would have prevented either Amass or Collyer going out on loan and then being recalled in January and sent elsewhere as no player is allowed to play competitive matches for more than two clubs in a single season.
Where will United finish this season? published at 12:00 14 August
12:00 14 August
BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has offered up his annual predictions:
7) Manchester United
Last season: 15th
This prediction may raise eyebrows even among some fervent Manchester United fans, but it is based on Ruben Amorim having had an entire summer to get his entrenched three-man central-defensive system firmly fixed in his players' minds and also because of some serious strengthening in attack.
Amorim has spent in the region of £200m on Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and the capture of RB Leipzig's prized striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal that could be worth £74m. This will, or at least should, carry some serious threat.
They surely cannot be as bad again. Can they?
One rider, though - if they do not improve and United look as lost and hopeless as they did under Amorim at stages last season, he will swiftly be under a very unforgiving microscope.
Man Utd midfielder Collyer set for West Brom loanpublished at 11:26 14 August
11:26 14 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer is on the verge of joining West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old former Brighton academy player made 13 first-team appearances for United last season.
He also went on the club's pre-season tour of the United States this summer.
However, with increased competition for places in Ruben Amorim's squad, and no European football this season, the United hierarchy decided with Collyer it would be better to further his education away from Old Trafford.
Collyer has received a number of offers, including from Sheffield Wednesday, and it had not completely been discounted that he could move on a permanent basis.
But it has been decided a loan to West Brom is the most favourable option and Collyer is expected to complete the move imminently.
Meanwhile, United expect Chelsea to bid for Alejandro Garnacho, but the Blues hope to get the 21-year-old Argentina winger for significantly less than United's asking price of £50m. (Sky Sports), external
Under-21s' Kone stable in hospital after head injurypublished at 22:22 13 August
22:22 13 August
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United Under-21s midfielder Sekou Kone is conscious and stable in hospital after sustaining a head injury in his side's National League Cup tie at Tamworth.
The match was abandoned at 0-0 in the first half after Kone clashed heads as he headed the ball out of the penalty area from a corner.
The 19-year-old Mali youth international initially got up but United medical staff quickly told him to go back down as they assessed him.
Referee Ross Martin blew for half-time while Kone was still being treated on the pitch before he was carried off on a stretcher.
In a statement, United said: "Sekou Kone is conscious, stable and communicating with United's medical team. He has been taken to hospital as a precaution for further checks."
A statement on Tamworth's X account said: "We wish Sekou Kone a speedy recovery."
What do you want to know about Man Utd?published at 16:45 13 August
16:45 13 August
Have you got a question about Manchester United or is there a topic you want more information on? Have you spotted a Red Devils theme or trend that needs further investigation?
Well, this season we're making it easier for you to get in touch and ask - and we will do our best to use our expertise here at BBC Sport to give you direct answers.
Our team can call upon a network of contacts - including our reporters, pundits and other experts - to find out everything you need to know.
No question is too big or too small, so fire away using the link below and we will answer the best of them throughout the campaign.
Roma keen on signing Sanchopublished at 15:25 13 August
15:25 13 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Serie A outfit Roma are interested in Manchester United's unwanted England winger Jadon Sancho.
United are sticking to their desire to sell Sancho, who returned to the club in the summer after Chelsea paid a £5m penalty to get out of an obligation to buy the 25-year-old after he spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge.
Juventus have long been interested in Sancho but Roma are also looking at whether a move is possible.
Strangely, Sancho's latest social media post received more than 5m responses, many of them urging him to join Turkish club Besiktas, currently managed by his old boss at United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian was manager at United when the club paid Borussia Dortmund £73m for him in 2021.
However, Solskjaer quickly discovered Sancho wanted to play on the left of his attack, when he had been bought to play on the right.
He eventually fell out with Solskjaer's successor Erik ten Hag, initially being told to train on his own to rediscover his fitness and address around his focus late in 2022, before then reacting badly to the Dutchman's public criticism of his performances in training at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Besiktas have not said whether they have any interest in signing Sancho.
Is Amorim behind the times?published at 13:19 13 August
13:19 13 August
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
Styles have always shifted in football.
The fashion was once to find a centre-forward, usually a big one, and build a team around him - and for him. Times moved on and the number 10 became the godlike figure to be worshipped.
Recently, even defensive midfielders have had their day in the sun, but there has never been a better time to be an out-and-out winger than now, specifically one who can dribble and attack defenders.
But despite the likes of Paris St-Germain, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and many more wanting wily wingers, one club not only does not want them, it is doing everything it can to get rid of them.
Ruben Amorim at Manchester United is so completely spellbound by his system that wingers are consigned to the so-called 'bomb squad', not worthy of even training with the main group.
He certainly is not being affected by the current fashion for flash on the flanks.
Does this mean he is behind the times? It has been a long time since any team that played with a back three and no wingers was truly successful in England. Antonio Conte managed it at Chelsea for a short while but even he evolved away from it.
Then again, Amorim could also be ahead of his time; wing wonders may be little more than a passing fad. I hope not because they are so exciting when at their best - even though they are just as infuriating at their worst.
We will find out about Amorim by Christmas at the latest. If his team is still in the bottom half of the Premier League by then, the owners will lose patience as will the fans.
Rashford struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim and spent the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign on loan with Aston Villa before injury cut his season short.
The 27-year-old did not look to be part of the United's boss' plans this term, asking to leave in July, and his season-long loan move can be made permanent with the La Liga giants for £30.3m next summer.
"Any team that has been successful over a period of time, they have principles that mean that any coach or player that comes in has to align to or add to the principles," Rashford said.
"At times, United were hungry to win... but it was reactionary. If your direction is always changing, you can't expect to win the league."
The England international came through the United academy, making his debut in 2016, and has scored 138 goals in 426 matches, winning five major trophies.
He is 15th on the club's all-time scorers list, but has had his ups and downs as the club tried different managers and approaches to try to reach the same heights as they did under Sir Alex Ferguson.
"People say we've been in a transition for years but to be in a transition you have to start a transition. The actual transition has not started yet," Rashford added.
"We've had that many different managers, different ideas and different strategies to win that you end up in no man's land."
AC Milan lead queue of clubs keen on Hojlundpublished at 11:00 13 August
11:00 13 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund is not being forced out of Manchester United but they will help him find a new club if he decides he wants a move.
It is a fortnight since Hojlund sought out journalists in Chicago after scoring in United's pre-season victory over Bournemouth to insist he wanted to stay at Old Trafford.
However, since then, United have signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £73.7m and Hojlund was left on the bench throughout the final pre-season friendly with Fiorentina.
While sources deny Hojlund has specifically been told he will not feature for United this season, given the club has spent over £200m on a new-look strike force and have no European football this season, it is clear opportunities for the Dane will be limited.
Therefore, it is understood he is now considering his situation.
Serie A giants AC Milan head a queue of clubs keen to sign Hojlund and the indications are United would be willing to accept a loan deal for an initial fee this season, with an option to buy next summer in order to give the 22-year-old a chance to find his form.
As yet, there is no agreement on either element as Hojlund has still to make a firm decision about his short-term future.
Leadership group about more than tough love - Heatonpublished at 17:31 12 August
17:31 12 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton (right) plays pool with team-mate Luke Shaw at the club's revamped training ground
Manchester United's new six-man leadership group has already delivered its first 'mild' rebuke – but Tom Heaton says it will offer support as much as the occasional telling off.
Heaton, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and skipper Bruno Fernandes have been appointed to the group by Ruben Amorim.
United's head coach wants the dressing room to run itself to take some of the strain away from the coaching staff.
As the elder statesman of Amorim's squad, 39-year-old Heaton is a natural fit for the group.
But the aim is not just to maintain order and keep discipline, even if that side of the job has already been in evidence.
"Yes, but only naturally," said Heaton, when asked if a telling off had already been handed out.
"I think it's important that it's both sides.
"It's also about supporting people that need it, trying to make sure we're guiding it and channelling it in the right way.
"He (Amorim) feels quite strongly about having a group of players that have a strong influence on the dressing room and provides a little bit of support to Bruno.
"I am obviously honoured as ever to be part of that and will try to have as much influence on it as I possibly can."
Image source, Getty Images
