Manchester United

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Do Manchester United's squad-number changes offer clues for Ruben Amorim's thoughts for the 2025-26 season?

Full-back Diogo Dalot has switched from number 20 to number two, having worn the former since he joined from Porto in 2018. The Portugal international assumes the number vacated by Victor Lindelof, who left over the summer.

Youngsters Tyler Fredricson and Chido Obi will be involved in the Red Devils' pre-season and their smaller numbers perhaps suggest they are closer to the first-team plans than last season.

Defender Fredicson is moving from number 55 to number 33 after making great strides last term, which included a Premier League debut in April at Wolves.

Meanwhile, Obi has been handed the number 32 shirt, previously wearing number 56 having only joined United in November from Arsenal's academy.

The 17-year-old striker made his league debut in February away to Tottenham and scored his first senior goals in the 3-1 post-season friendly win against Hong Kong, China.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Some pretty spiky quotes from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis did the rounds on Thursday when he was basically quoted as saying just being at Manchester United reduces a player's abilities.

It was in connection to Napoli's interest in United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Yet Napoli countered by saying De Laurentis had not spoken to anyone about Garnacho and the quotes were incorrect.

Garnacho does need to find a club and while there are suggestions the Argentina international will return to Carrington, United sources say that would only be to use the club's medical and rehab facilities.

They reiterate that nothing has changed in terms of Ruben Amorim's view of Garnacho's future (or lack of it) at Old Trafford.

Real Betis remain confident in signing Brazil winger Antony permanently from Manchester United, though the 25-year-old is likely to take a significant cut in wages to move to the Spanish club. (Sport - in Spanish), external

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Real Betis returned for pre-season training on Wednesday - but there has still been no breakthrough in their efforts to sign Antony from Manchester United.

The winger remains in Brazil after being told by United he will not be part of first-team training sessions with the Old Trafford club.

United say Antony has told them he wants to leave and he has opted to remain in South America until his future is sorted out.

Betis want the £81.3m wideman, who remains the second most expensive player in United's history - back after his successful loan spell over the second half of last season. However, they have a budget they are refusing to shift on and negotiations with United continue.

Antony scored nine goals and claimed five assists as Betis qualified for this season's Europa League and reached the Conference League final, where they were beaten by Chelsea.

He is one of five players United are looking to get rid of, knowing any finance generated can be ploughed back into Ruben Amorim's squad.

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Matheus Cunha says it is a "privilege" and "a dream" to be given the number 10 shirt at Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim's summer signing from Wolves hopes to emulate some of United's historic former number 10s in his debut and future seasons.

"It's something that you always dream about," said Cunha. "I can mention many players that use this shirt. It's so easy for me.

"Of course, I think the one I always think about when I see this number in this shirt was Wayne Rooney.

"He was someone that I grew up to watch play and I have watched many games now.

"Then I swapped shirts with Marcus [Rashford after a game] also. I have his shirt in my home. But, of course, we know many players used this shirt - Ruud van Nistelrooy and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"It's the dream not only to use the shirt, but with all the history they have around the number, it's something beautiful I have the privilege to do."

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United have snapped up promising youngster Enzo Kana-Biyik, whose contract with French club Le Havre had expired.

The 18-year-old France youth international scored nine times in 18 games for Le Havre Under-19s last season and managed to make two appearances on the bench for the senior team last season.

It continues United's policy of signing younger players although, unlike Paraguay Under-20 international Diego Leon, whose arrival was confirmed last weekend and who has been involved in training with the first team this week, Kana-Biyik has immediately been loaned out to Swiss Super League club Lausanne Sports, owned by the Ineos group.

United have not confirmed the length of Kana-Biyik's contract, but it is thought to be either four or five years.

United remain optimistic of agreeing a deal to sign Brentford and Cameroon striker Bryan Mbeumo, 25, in time for the forward to be part of their pre-season tour of the United States. (Sky Sports, external)

Meanwhile, Napoli are back in for United and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho and hope they can sign the 21-year-old for £45m. (Mirror, external)

Finally, United are considering selling English winger Jadon Sancho, 25, for a significantly lower transfer fee. (Givemesport, external)

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United have launched an award in honour of former academy player Joe Thompson, who died in April aged 36.

Thompson played in the same United academy side as former England international and new Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley and Danny Drinkwater, who went on to win the Premier League title at Leicester City.

He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time last year.

Thompson retired in 2019 after a playing career that included 203 appearances for Rochdale, plus spells at Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport and Bury.

He returned to United to play a central role in the launch of the club's Academy Alumni programme, which offers aftercare to former academy players.

United said first winner of the Joe Thompson Award will be announced next week, adding: "It will be given each season to a player or staff member from our under-18s or under-21s who represents the values of a Manchester United person, like Joe did, displaying characteristics like resilience, honesty, integrity, humility, innovation and a relentless work ethic, with a focus on the community."

The club said the award is intended as a "lasting tribute" to Thompson, "whose story of courage, perseverance and positivity touched the hearts of fans all around the world".

Brentford are likely to demand £65m for forward Bryan Mbeumo, 25, having already rejected bids of £55m and £62.5m from Manchester United for the Cameroon international. (Mirror), external

Winger Jadon Sancho is prepared to take a significant pay cut in order to move from United to Juventus, but the Serie A club are still unwilling to meet the terms. (Il Corriere dello Sport - via Mail), external

Meanwhile, Manchester United are set to get £8m as part of a sell-on clause they negotiated when they sold Anthony Elanga to Nottingham Forest in 2023. The winger is set to join Newcastle for £55m. (Talksport), external

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The BBC's search to find a new football expert is under way, with 12 content creators competing in Last Pundit Standing to win a role as BBC Sport's next football content creator.

The first two episodes of the show - co-hosted by former Watford captain Troy Deeney and YouTuber and football presenter James Allcott - are available to watch on iPlayer, as well as BBC Sport's YouTube channel and TikTok account, with new episodes every week until 11 August.

The contestants, who were chosen from more than 400 applicants, will be whittled down through a series of tasks staged at iconic football locations as the creators are challenged by some of the biggest names in the game.

Read more about the show here

Watch the first two episodes of Last Pundit Standing now on BBC iPlayer

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South American football expert Tim Vickery believes new Manchester United signing Diego Leon is one for the future and not someone who will make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

United completed the signing of the 18-year-old left-back from Cerro Porteno on Saturday after a pre-agreement was reached in January. He has played 33 senior games and scored four goals.

However, Vickery feels a lot of patience will need to be shown to the Paraguayan because he must make a lot of improvements defensively.

"There isn't a great deal behind him yet - he's one for the long term," Vickery told BBC Radio Manchester. "He's a strapping figure but happier as an attacking left-back, so in United's system he's much more a wing-back than a member of the back three.

"He's not yet someone who his club sees as a decisive player in Paraguayan league football - so I suspect United fans will have to be with this one for the long haul.

"They have to bring him along carefully, there'll be a lot of work. He'll need some flogging on the training ground, especially the defensive side of things, and it is unlikely he is going to make an immediate impact.

"He is much more potential than he is reality. I like his physicality, his left foot and the fact he can go outside and cross, but he can also get in the penalty area on the diagonal and there is a goal in him."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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Manchester United fan and presenter Amber Haque says Marcus Rashford's expcted exit from Old Trafford is "so sad" but the 27-year-old needs to "go out gracefully".

Rashford is one of five players to have informed the club that they want to leave.

"We love him but its a sad situation," Haque told the Devils' Advocate podcast.

"Barcelona are setting us up for this loan move surely. They have been in financial dire straights for the last few seasons and I cannot see them laying out a big fee for Marcus Rashford.

"It's just so sad with him. The legacy over the past couple of seasons in terms of his attitude has come across from afar as when his head goes he's not a team player. He tends to get a bit petulant, a bit moody and I just think its just so sad how this has panned out.

"Rashford had always been mentally for me someone who would go down with legendary status at the club.

"There's all these weird rumours that his team are coming out with saying he might still want to play for Manchester United, he hasn't been asked to leave. Is that just PR spin?

"I'm thinking if you're going to go out, go out gracefully. Don't be going out trying to make this look good for your brand. Its been souring over seasons here so it's not going to work, he knows he won't be an Amorim player."

It was confirmed last week that new signing Matheus Cunha will wear the number 10 shirt at Old Trafford next season, which Rashford had worn since 2018 after inheriting it from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Haque added: "We know its been over for a while now so why not back the new player who wants to come to this club?"

"He strikes me as the type who can cope with the pressure. I don't think it was disrespectful, I think it could be a sign of a new direction and that we're closing that chapter with Rashford, as much as it breaks my heart."

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Manchester United have made an approach for Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson, with Serie A duo Inter Milan and Juventus also tracking the 26-year-old valued at about £44m. (Goal - in Portuguese), external

United are interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin after his departure from Everton, as Newcastle United have also held fresh talks with the 28-year-old England striker. (Talksport), external

And the Old Trafford club are also interested in 28-year-old Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who has a reported £9m relegation release clause in his Leicester City contract. Fulham, Everton and Crystal Palace are also keen. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund is not considering a move away from Manchester United unless the club decide to sell him, with Inter Milan one of the clubs to have shown interest in the striker. (Fabrizio Romano), external

United quoted a £30m fee for Andre Onana to Monaco at the end of last month, but the goalkeeper is also looking increasingly likely to stay at the club. (Mail), external

Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia is available to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic for about £3m. (Daily Record), external

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The latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast has landed.

Host Gaz Drinkwater is joined by Manchester United fan and presenter Amber Haque to discuss the lack of player sales so far this summer and Matheus Cunha taking the number 10 shirt.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata says Ruben Amorim's side are set for a positive 2025-26 season, despite the difficult recent campaign.

The Spaniard spoke to MUTV, external after returning to the city to launch an art exhibition at the Manchester International Festival and backed United to turn their form around.

"Well, first of all, I hope that everyone can play good and everyone can bring the club to what I believe it deserves to be," Mata said. "It course, it has been a tough season and everyone was really excited about the [Europa League] final, which I watched from Australia, with the time difference.

"I was as sad as everyone with the final result.

"But I think and I really hope that next season is going to be better. I think the team is good. The coach has just barely arrived and I wish him the best. He is young, he has intensity and passion. And I hope he will do very, very well."

Mata remains friends with former United team-mate Bruno Fernandes and believes captain will be instrumental in shaping the club's future.

"Of course, I love Bruno," Mata said. "We speak a lot and I'm trying to always be there for him.

When you are winning and everything is going well, it is easy to be surrounding him. When things are not going well, is where I try to be there for him.

"I really hope that, next season, he scores 40 goals and he gets 40 assists, and is the MVP of the league.

"I think he's instrumental for the present and for the future of the club."

Marcus Alves
BBC Sport

By signing for Manchester United from Cerro Porteno, 17-year-old Diego Leon is following in the footsteps of Diego Gavilan, the first Paraguayan to play in the Premier League having joined Newcastle United in 2000.

"Things have happened very quickly for him," Gavilan, who coached Cerro's senior and youth teams, told BBC Sport.

"I followed him during his time in the youth ranks at Cerro, back when I worked there as the coach for the Under-19s, Under-20s, Under-23s and later the first team," Gavilan recalled.

"He's a kid from the countryside with tremendous potential and great physical power.

"He always stood out in every level he played at and perhaps more importantly he's someone who can also play in various roles."

Leon spent his formative years as a left winger, so his attacking prowess is perhaps no surprise.

"He plays as a left-back, but he really enjoys getting forward, overlapping from his position to join the attack," said Hernan Acuna, Cerro's head of scouting.

"He initially joined the club as a winger, but due to necessity he was used as a left-back.

"His attacking quality, being able to join offensive moves, does sometimes mean he neglects his defensive duties a little.

"However, he is very effective when joining the offensive actions, particularly with his finishing ability."

There seems little doubt about Leon's potential.

Lightning quick and fearless with the ball at his feet, he caused such an impact with Cerro's first team that Jimenez had to ask European sides to leave him alone, with Arsenal and Manchester City also approaching him.

And, while his first-team breakthrough may not be immediate, there are plenty who believe he can make a huge impact at Old Trafford.

"He's a left-back like no other in the world, the kind that's rare to find," said Cerro president Juan Jose Zapag.

Read the full piece

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New forward Matheus Cunha will wear the number 10 shirt at Old Trafford next season, having completed a £62.5m move from Wolves last month.

Marcus Rashford had worn United's 10 shirt since 2018 after inheriting it from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But with the 27-year-old's future uncertain - he is one of five players, along with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, to have told the club he wants to leave - the number has been handed to Cunha.

It is understood United made Rashford aware of the decision in advance. He is valued at £40m but there have not yet been any bids.

Head coach Ruben Amorim said in February he "couldn't get Marcus to see the way you're supposed to play football and to train the way I see it".

Rashford said last month he would like to play alongside forward Lamine Yamal at Barcelona.

He has spent 20 years at United, scoring 138 goals in 426 senior games.

He made 17 appearances for Aston Villa during last season's loan spell, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

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Manchester United want £25m for Jadon Sancho, 25, with Juventus still interested in the England winger. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external

Sancho is prepared to lower his wage demands to join the 36-time Serie A winners. (Eurosport Italia - in Italian), external

Meanwhile, United are stepping up their interest in Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins, 29, and have held tentative talks with the Midlands club who want a fee of about £60m. (Mirror), external

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Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole says he "loved" the dressing room at Old Trafford and that Sir Alex Ferguson's criticism used to gee him up.

Cole spent six years at United, winning five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999.

"Seriously, I loved it [the dressing room]," he told the Sacked in the Morning podcast. "I'm an individual. I never mind if people are screaming and shouting at me. You get used to that. My dad was always telling me off, so I can't lie, I got used to that.

"So when I played with Sir Alex, I remember the boys said to me 'whatever you do, don't make a mistake like five minutes before the first half ends or five minutes before the end of the game because that's all he'll remember when you go in the dressing room'.

"I appreciated what they were saying because that's all he'd remember for about five minutes and he'd go absolutely crazy at you and then he's starting someone else. But he only ever did it to get the best out of each us you know. Nothing was ever personal.

"I think that's why he was so good."

Cole scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United and still ranks fourth in the all-time top scorers in the Premier League.

"I never understood just how big Manchester United was," Cole added, referring to before he moved to Old Trafford from Newcastle United.

"I walked into a dressing room like that and two years before I'm playing for Bristol City in League Two watching Manchester United. Two years later I'm actually playing for Manchester United with these players.

"I think everyone would think that I was a seasoned pro in the Premier League. Well, I wasn't. I'd had one and a half seasons! Then you move to Manchester United and everyone looks at you as if to say, 'gotta hit the ground running'."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds