Manchester United

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Legendary Manchester United forward Eric Cantona was a "shy guy" but also an "inspiration", according to former team-mate Peter Schmeichel.

Cantona joined the Red Devils in 1992 and made 185 appearances, scoring 82 goals, before leaving in 1997.

He played alongside ex-goalkeeper Schmeichel throughout that period and the Dane remembers the Frenchman's first day at the club well.

"He was quiet, still is very quiet. If you follow him on social media, the way he speaks is just the way he speaks. He's a fantastic guy and I enjoyed rooming with him," Schmeichel told BBC's Sacked In The Morning podcast.

"[He is] just a nice guy. He is different, and that was a very good thing. That's exactly why he became the final piece in the jigsaw because that differentness was incredibly difficult for other teams to work out back then.

"Back then, most teams, even ours, played similar systems and in similar ways. So the difference between the teams were obviously physicality and ability, and all of a sudden you have this guy.

"My god, did [Sir Alex Ferguson] get the best player ever."

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Cantona's footballing prowess, unique quotes and infamous kung-fu kick all played their part in issuing him icon status at Old Trafford. Despite this outward persona, Schmeichel insists the multiple title winner was quiet off the pitch.

"Eric is a shy guy. He wasn't very vocal in the dressing room at any time," he said. "You don't really know anybody [when you arrive], and especially if you come from abroad.

"He went out to the pitch, and behind one of the goals at The Cliff [training ground] is a wall into the indoor arena.

"So he went up to that wall and just started to volley balls up against it, chest it down, left and right foot. The building at The Cliff training ground - the canteen, the treatment room, the manager's office - had windows to the pitch and everybody was watching from up there and saying: 'What is he doing? We've never seen anything like that. Why is he doing that?'.

"We loved to be at The Cliff, but it was also the pitch for youth team matches, so you had to preserve it a little bit. To go down and start training on that pitch was just unheard of.

"All of a sudden you've got people up against the wall playing, training, practicing stuff, and that never really happened.

"Eric did that. Eric gave that little bit of inspiration, and because he did it, the manager loved it and then he allowed everybody else to do it as well."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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The 25-player shortlist for the Golden Boy award was revealed on Wednesday, with nine players from the Premier League selected.

The award, created by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, is given to the best under-21 footballer each year, with Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal last year's winner.

For a player to be considered for selection in 2025, they must have been born on or after 1 January 2005 and belong to a squad in one of Uefa's top 25 leagues.

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have both been selected after their breakthrough seasons in 2024-25.

Lewis-Skelly played 40 times across all competitions and also made his England senior debut, while Nwaneri appeared 37 times and scored nine goals.

Chelsea are represented twice, with summer arrivals Estevao, who scored his first goal for the club with a dramatic late winner against Liverpool before the international break, and defender Jorrel Hato making the shortlist.

Tottenham Hotspur also feature, with midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray being chosen.

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, Manchester City full-back Nico O'Reilly and Liverpool centre half Giovanni Leoni - a wildcard choice - have also been selected.

An international jury of 50 journalists will decide the winner, which will be revealed at a news conference in November.

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

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The Premier League table is starting to take shape and while results are obviously what matter most, they don't tell the whole story in terms of how teams have been playing so far.

Expected goals (xG) tells us how much teams have been dominating games by creating lots of good chances up front and restricting opponents to few, bad ones at the back.

Penalties are excluded because they distort a team's numbers on how threatening or vulnerable they are in general, especially at this early stage.

Below is a graphic showing how good teams have been in attack and defence, with the most dominant teams in the top-right corner and the least impressive in the bottom-left corner.

Arsenal and Manchester City have been the most dominant sides, with the Gunners having the best defence and fourth-best attack and City the joint-best attack and fourth-best defence.

High-flying Crystal Palace are the only side to rival City's attacking threat, while Newcastle are living up to their name by being almost as impregnable at the back as Arsenal.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea have one of the top five attacks in the league but worryingly also rank in the bottom five defensively.

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Liverpool's back-to-back defeats following five straight wins gives a more accurate picture of how they have been playing, while Tottenham have needed to be very efficient to make up for their lack of dominance in games.

Aston Villa's early-season struggles are no longer to do with finishing - they have now scored six non-penalty goals from an xG of 6.0 - but simply because they have not been playing well.

While promoted sides Leeds and Sunderland have adapted quite well to the top-flight, Burnley have struggled to make the jump so far with both the worst attack and the worst defence.

Read more on what expected goals tell us about the start to the season

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

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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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 use of bots to buy tickets has become a growing concern within the Premier League, as highlighted by a BBC Sport investigation on the matter.

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.

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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."

Listen to Schmeichel on Sacked In The Morning here

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In the first episode of a new series, the Sacked In The Morning podcast speaks to Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.

Among a number of topics discussed, the former goalkeeper talks about how his old club have lost their way and what he would do to put it right.

Schmeichel also reveals how striker Eric Cantona inspired his team-mates at United from the moment he walked into training.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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

Indeed, United have put Crystal Palace and England's Adam Wharton, 21, above Baleba on their list of transfer targets. (The I - subscription required), 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)

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

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Alex Turk
Fan writer

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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.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are monitoring Borussia Dortmund's England Under-21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham. (Bild - in German, subscription required), external

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

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

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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.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Elizabeth Conway
Spanish football reporter

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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.

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

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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

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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."

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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.

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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".

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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)

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