Updates from your Sport topics will appear in My Sport and in a collection on the Sport homepage.
Latest updates
Gossip: Amorim keen on Reteguipublished at 07:58 BST 16 October
07:58 BST 16 October
Manchester United are interested in signing a striker in the summer and are targeting Mateo Retegui, with Ruben Amorim prepared to spend up to £52m to sign the 26-year-old Italy forward from Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Crystal Palace are relaxed about the future of Adam Wharton amid increasing speculation of interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United for the 21-year-old England midfielder. (Sky Sports), external
Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to battle each other to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, 26, on a free transfer next summer but Manchester United are also interested in the France international. (Footmercato - in French), external
AS Roma are in pole position to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee but Como also have the finances to bring the 24-year-old Netherlands striker back to Serie A. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Man Utd block 6,500 'bot' ticket salespublished at 20:07 BST 15 October
20:07 BST 15 October
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United blocked the sale of 4,500 tickets for last month's Premier League home game with Chelsea.
United said action was taken after determining the tickets were being purchased by account holders with the use of automated systems that prevent genuine supporters getting to them.
In addition to the 4,500, the club said another 2,000 were "successfully reclaimed" and put on resale.
In the minutes of their latest Fans' Forum meeting, held on 8 October, United stressed their determination to ensure "fair access to tickets" was a top priority.
"Long before recent media coverage, we started strengthening our systems to identify and block accounts using automated software ("bots")," the minutes read.
"Where we cancel tickets, we notify the supporter and take a fair, evidence-based approach to any appeals."
The report said computer programmes automate the official ticket-buying process and allow touts to buy multiple tickets simultaneously.
Posing as a potential customer, we spoke to one company selling such technology.
They offered us software designed to target the ticket platforms of five Premier League clubs - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham.
The bots were priced at $2,500 (£1,870) per club, or $9,900 (£7,400) for a package deal.
Schmeichel would 'love' decision-making rolepublished at 14:30 BST 15 October
14:30 BST 15 October
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel says he would "absolutely love" a decision-making role at Old Trafford.
The iconic goalkeeper spent time speaking to the BBC's Sacked In The Morning podcast, with a focus on how to make United great again.
Schmeichel said: "You now have a head coach. Then you get a director of football or technical director. You have a head of recruitment, who is very powerful. The CEO is powerful. You have people deciding on who is coming in.
"The signing of [Benjamin] Sesko was a bit weird to me. We had [Rasmus] Hojlund, starved of service for two years. You only need to see what he is doing now at Napoli with [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Scott] McTominay to play with. I have consistently said Hojlund will be a 25-goal-a-season striker, but he needs service.
"At the time, we brought [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo in - players who would give Hojlund first-class service. We spent £70m or so on Sesko [but] we don't have that number six we should have.
"Then there's the goalkeeper situation as well. This season alone, we have conceded nine goals from goalkeeping errors. That is too much. When I played, or Edwin van der Sar, or David de Gea, the brief was to win 10 points a season.
"When I played, the manager was in charge. He said: 'Him in, him out.' Now it is different people with different agendas. How can you create an environment stable enough to have a team that can go on the pitch and win every year?"
Asked if United could get him involved in a senior role behind the scenes, Schmeichel said: "I would love that. I would absolutely love that."
Gossip: Man Utd target Semenyo does have release clause published at 07:06 BST 15 October
07:06 BST 15 October
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo does have a release clause in his contract but the Cherries are keeping it under wraps because they want to hang on to the 25-year-old Ghana international who has been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United. (Talksport), external
Brighton have no plans to cash in on Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba in January despite the 21-year-old attracting interest from United last summer. (Talksport), external
Also in midfield, United are considering extending Casemiro's contract beyond this season, but only if the 33-year-old takes a cut in wages. (Mail), external
There has been interest in Casemiro in Brazil and Saudi Arabia but boss Ruben Amorim could make a case for the former Real Madrid player to stay. (ESPN), external
Finally, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 33, has made it clear he has no plans to leave the club despite the Germany international attracting interest from clubs including United and Newcastle. (Diario AS - in Spanish, external)
Sesko 'shown signs of having the talent to overcome the noise'published at 12:23 BST 14 October
12:23 BST 14 October
Alex Turk Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko has scored two goals in four Premier League starts for Manchester United. That is already half the tally that his predecessor, Rasmus Hojlund, managed throughout the entirety of last season.
The 22-year-old - a very young age for a striker arriving from overseas at the Premier League's most scrutinised club - has also shown clear signs of improvement every game.
Goals scored in back-to-back games before the October international break - with severely limited service - have not been the most impressive aspect of his start.
Sesko is already flaunting eye-catching qualities to glue the ball to his body from the air and the ground, linking up attacks and making United's forward line tick.
However, on Monday, a graphic surfaced on social media, showing the results after 20 agents were asked for their "worst deal" of the summer transfer window.
Sesko emphatically led the way with six votes, ahead of James Trafford (three) and then players who received one.
Among those? Liverpool's £200m-plus attacking duo of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who have not mustered up a league goal between them yet.
They may well come good at Anfield - and they should - but it does make highlighting a United player all the more baffling. And when has anyone ever cared what agents think?
If Sesko somehow was not aware of what the life of a Manchester United footballer is like yet, he will be now.
But he has shown signs of having the talent to overcome the noise and ensure his career at Old Trafford does not end as prematurely as his predecessor's did.
Chelsea's pursuit of Palace's Adam Wharton has intensified but they face competition from United for the 21-year-old England midfielder. (Teamtalk), external
Manchester United are monitoring Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, 21. (Football Insider), external
🎧 Paul Parker specialpublished at 15:06 BST 13 October
15:06 BST 13 October
The former United defender joins this week's episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast to talk about his career and the current situation at Old Trafford.
Will Rashford sign for Barca permanently?published at 09:44 BST 13 October
09:44 BST 13 October
Elizabeth Conway Spanish football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Marcus Rashford arrived in Barcelona determined to make his mark and launch a positive new chapter in an up-and-down career.
The La Liga giants have the option of signing him on a permanent basis for £30.3m (35m euros) in 2026, but that is something that Barca's sporting director Deco told Spanish media would only be discussed at a later date.
"It's too early to talk about decisions for next season but what matters is that we're happy with him," he said.
This was reiterated by another source at the club, who said: "We're all delighted and thrilled with him and his performance - Deco, Hansi Flick, and his team-mates. Marcus is also happy with us, with his team-mates and with the city of Barcelona.
"It's obvious that if he continues to develop like this, there's a very good chance that this will be the case. But we're only at the beginning of the season and it's still too early to talk about this."
Barcelona have big fixtures to come before the next round of international matches, including a derby against Girona, Champions League games against Olympiacos and Club Brugge, and the Clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Off the back of successive defeats by Paris St-Germain and Sevilla, and with Raphinha returning from injury, Spanish media suggest Flick will be making some tactical changes.
For Rashford, it presents an opportunity to adapt and demonstrate his versatility as his quest continues for a consistent starting role.
He wanted this move in January, had to wait until the summer, and before he had kicked a ball was quick to say Barcelona "feels like home". The onus is now on him to make sure it remains that way.
Gossip: Barca prepared to make Rashford move permanentpublished at 07:07 BST 13 October
07:07 BST 13 October
Barcelona are ready to take up the option to make Marcus Rashford's loan move from Manchester United a permanent one following the forward's impressive early season form. (Sun), external
Will Zirkzee stay beyond January and could Baleba be targeted?published at 16:58 BST 10 October
16:58 BST 10 October
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 Brightonin 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.
Lacey offered glimpse of England futurepublished at 16:53 BST 10 October
16:53 BST 10 October
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."
Where are all the academy prospects?published at 12:58 BST 10 October
12:58 BST 10 October
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.
Is Amorim 'not embracing' Man Utd history and how long can he survive?published at 08:02 BST 10 October
08:02 BST 10 October
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".
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.
Gossip: Baleba and Anderson United's midfield targetspublished at 07:04 BST 10 October
07:04 BST 10 October
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)
Man Utd considering 'seat licences' for new stadiumpublished at 21:19 BST 9 October
21:19 BST 9 October
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.
