Manchester United

Tom White
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham were one of just three clubs that Manchester United completed a Premier League double over last season, with the other two coming against relegated pair Southampton and Leicester City.

Marco Silva believes their task this term has been made all the harder because of United's acquisitions in this summer's transfer window.

"Last season, they had a lot of great players," said Silva before the game. "This season, they've kept almost all of them [and] they have been able to spend heavily in the market. Two they signed from Premier League [sides]. And they signed a striker that all the market was looking for."

By contrast, the Whites have made just one senior signing this summer with goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte joining from Montpellier, and they were once again indebted to their substitutes against Brighton on the opening day when striker Rodrigo Muniz scored in the 96th minute to rescue a point.

Silva's compatriot and counterpart Ruben Amorim suffered his 15th loss in his 28th Premier League game as manager of Manchester United last weekend. However, the green shoots of optimism were on show against Arsenal at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils dominating their visitors and new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both impressing.

Amorim said he was "proud" of his team despite the defeat, highlighting the fact that they were creating more chances. "We have more options, so you see that we play in a little bit of a different style with Cunha - and then at the end with [Benjamin] Sesko, because he is a different player and we can use that."

Despite the positivity, United are seeking to avoid losing their opening two games of a Premier League season for a third time. They did so in the inaugural campaign in 1992-93 but went on to win the league that year, and most recently in the 2022-23 campaign under Erik ten Hag, when they ended up third.

Proof, perhaps, that defeat on Sunday may not yet prove fatal for Amorim.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Manchester United have a problem defending set-pieces and what the solution is.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Our defending from set-pieces is woeful. Whoever the defensive co-ordinator is just cannot organise the unit at all. Add to that the mess various goalkeepers get themselves into and it doesn't look good for this season. I've said for a while that we need to concentrate on our defending more as we won't get anywhere near a top -four finish without it.

Bryan: Andre Onana is terrified of crosses. Plus most of the saves he did make he palmed straight to the opposition strikers. We need a goalkeeper who can keep the ball out of the net better.

Ross: Number one priority is for a goalkeeper to dominate his penalty area. Come for crosses, be first to the ball, flatten everyone else if need be. Just do not stand on the goalline hoping to save the shot which would not be coming at all if the above attributes were on show. Amorim is showing loyalty to Onana and Bayindir, but they stand on their line and hope for the best - the result is a panicky defence and missing out on Europe again.

A top keeper would be worth 15 points this season, and that would get us into Europe. The whole defence would be much tighter and more confident. Time for Ruben to backtrack and realise that refusing to change your mind is a weakness.

Brett: United already weren't great at defending set-pieces under Erik ten Hag but when Amorim arrived and changed tactics it got much worse. However, this is a problem that has been getting better. The defenders are dealing with set-pieces OK now. Bayindir is inexperienced in the Premier League and struggled with the lack of protection goalkeepers get in this league. Overall, a problem on the mend rather than one to focus on.

Stu: Set-pieces and corners are a major concern. Both attacking and defending them.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United have not ruled out making more signings before the transfer window closes – but it would need players to be sold.

What seems certain to be a busy 10 days before the deadline closes on 1 September has taken another twist with confirmation there has been contact between United and Belgian club Royal Antwerp around goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The 23-year-old has been described as ideal for the Premier League by fellow countryman and current Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

However, with veteran England man Tom Heaton having signed a one-year deal this summer, the feeling is United would not bring in another goalkeeper without someone leaving.

Andre Onana's former club Inter Milan seem to be in the hunt for a goalkeeper but Old Trafford insiders are presently sticking to their belief that Onana will not be moving this summer and while Altay Bayindir would be the obvious man to move even though he started the Premier League defeat to Arsenal last week, nothing is imminent around the Turkey international either.

It just adds to the sense of uncertainty given four members of Amorim's 'bomb squad' also remain at the club.

The belief remains that Alejandro Garnacho will eventually join Chelsea, while Real Betis are keen to bring Antony back to Real Betis.

No deals are in place though and there is a growing expectation nothing will be done until the end of the window.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund is the subject of significant interest from Napoli, with Romelu Lukaku ruled out for four months with a thigh injury.

"We have a department that is responsible for that part," said Amorim. "I am just responsible for the performance.

"We talk about all the situations every day."

Amorim repeated comments first made in the United States that any of his 'bomb squad' who remained at the club into September could be brought back into the fold, although the likelihood of that actually happening is slim.

"I know it is not a good thing to have players in this situation but it's clear they want to play in a different club so we try to arrange everything for both parts to be happy," said Amorim.

"I have to training with the guys I think are going to be the future. The other guys are training and preparing for the next chapter.

"When the window is closed, it's a different history, we have to receive the players and anything can happen."

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ruben Amorim did a bit of deflecting to Jason Wilcox in his press conference before the trip to Fulham.

The Manchester United head coach didn't want to talk about transfers, saying that was an issue for Wilcox in his technical director role.

He used the same tactic later in his briefing when the conversation switched to Kobbie Mainoo.

The England international has not had a contract upgrade since he broke into the first team and conversations around the situation are presently deadlocked.

Mainoo's present deal expires in 2027 and it does seem strange this has not been extended given he started the Euro 2024 final for England and scored in the FA Cup final that spring.

However, he has struggled to maintain that form and the contract situation just adds to uncertainty over his future.

"That part is with Jason," said Amorim. "He has a contract. I haven't heard any news on that."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Fulham at Craven Cottage (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui remain unavailable but "the rest of the guys are fit and ready to play".

• On Andre Onana: "He is ready to play like last week, so we will see in the game who is going to be the goalkeeper."

• Rasmus Hojlund has responded to being dropped "like a professional player" and his future "will be a lot clearer" once the transfer window has closed.

• On whether he is waiting on outgoings to make way for incomings: "We don't know what is going to happen but we are not waiting to take out someone to bring in another. One is not responsible for the other."

• More on 'the bomb squad': "I have to train with the guys who I think are the future and the others are training and preparing for their next chapter. It's not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it is clear that they want to play at a different club."

• He could see "improvement" in the way United performed against Arsenal, with the team "not losing the ball as many times in the build-up" and "creating more chances".

• Their next step is "about being consistent" and "trying to maintain that level and improve a little bit".

• He said he is not aware of any contract update for Kobbie Mainoo, but added the midfielder "is there, he is fighting and he is training, so he is one more option for us to win games".

• On opponents Fulham: "They have a clear identity. Marco Silva is really experienced and smart. They will feel comfortable and confident for the game. They will feel relaxed. It is going to be a tough match."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Fulham v Manchester United on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Manchester United's defending of set-pieces has proven a hot topic for those of you sending us questions via our 'Ask about Man Utd' form.

You can continue to send your questions and we'll try our best put them to experts or look at data to find some conclusions.

There is indeed a nasty habit of conceding from dead balls on show.

Since the start of 2023-24, United have conceded more goals from corners than any other Premier League side. The latest, as you'll know too well, secured Arsenal a win at Old Trafford on the opening day.

You can see what our Manchester United reporter Simon Stone says about it below.

In addition, United's tally of conceding from corners is the worst in Europe's big five leagues during the same timespan.

If we include all set-pieces - so penalties and free-kicks too - United have leaked 40 goals since the start of 2023-24. Only Tottenham (41) and Wolves (47) are worse in the Premier League.

There is plenty of work for set-piece coach Carlos Fernandes to do.

How do you improve the situation? Sign bigger, physical individuals? Seek a goalkeeper who wants to dominate the penalty box? Or something else?

Tell us here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are close to appointing Crystal Palace club doctor Imitiaz Ahmad as outgoing Gary O'Driscoll's successor.

It emerged earlier this year that O'Driscoll would leave Old Trafford after joining the Premier League club in September 2023 in the position of head of sports medicine.

United have undertaken a full process in identifying candidates for their role as the club's medical figurehead and are in advanced talks with Dr Ahmad, whose official title at Selhurst Park is head of sports medicine and science, over replacing O'Driscoll.

It is expected that Dr Ahmad will be formally appointed in the coming weeks.

Dr Ahmad joined Palace from Championship club Queens Park Rangers, where he spent over seven years, in February 2024.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ruben Amorim will be speaking to the media in a couple of hours.

It will be interesting to see if he says anything about Rasmus Hojlund or any of the other players who might be leaving the club before the transfer window closes.

Victor Boniface's impending move to AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen seems to have closed one door for Hojlund, but there is genuine interest from Napoli and there is a growing feeling a deal could be struck that would allow the Denmark forward to make that move.

Romelu Lukaku has been ruled out for up to four months with a thigh injury, so Hojlund would have a chance to make his mark with the Serie A title winners, and there is a belief that any loan would include an obligation for the transfer to become permanent next summer.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

There seemed to have been improvement but worrying signs have emerged over the past couple of weeks around a weakness that led to United conceding 13 goals from set pieces in the Premier League last season - a figure only exceeded by Arsenal, Southampton and Wolves.

After a pre-season during which United had not conceded a set-piece goal, they did in their final game, to a straightforward outswinger into the box that landed directly at the feet of an unmarked Simon Sohm, who finished first-time as the home defence left the back-half of the penalty area totally unattended.

That seems a fairly simple issue to fix as replays identify two Fiorentina players being left free.

Arsenal's winner at Old Trafford owed more to a combination of Declan Rice's delivery and Gabriel crowding out goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. That is harder to remedy.

Any corner dropping where Rice's did is going to create a problem. On Sunday, Ruben Amorim was looking for a bit of protection for Bayindir from referee Simon Hooper that did not arrive.

Amorim said if that was the rule, United would play to that. Do not be surprised if his defenders offer Bayindir, or Andre Onana if the Cameroon international is recalled, support by trying to clear a space around him – which almost certainly will lead to a lot of work for referee Chris Kavanagh as he deals with the inevitable push and shove when they face Fulham this weekend.

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Manchester United are hoping Tottenham will enter the race to sign 21-year-old Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho and provide competition to Chelsea. (Givemesport), external

Roma's hopes of signing 25-year-old winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United may rest on whether his agent reduces the 10m euros (£8.6m) commission they want for the deal to happen. (Corriere della Sport in Italian), external

Real Betis are still hopeful of signing 25-year-old Manchester United winger Antony, but they have put the onus on the Premier League club to make a decision over his future. (Mail), external

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

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Our Manchester United fan contributor Beth Tucker shares the concerns she has as Ruben Amorim faces a midfield dilemma.

Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external

How do you see Man Utd's midfield shaping up? Who plays where? Tell us

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Harry Maguire is confident he will get plenty of starts at Manchester United this season.

Maguire lost out to Matthijs de Ligt for the middle central defensive role in Ruben Amorim's system for the Premier League defeat by Arsenal.

The 32-year-old did replace Luke Shaw 10 minutes from time but with no European football this season, rotation is likely to be minimised, so patience will be required.

As part of the six-man leadership group introduced by head coach Ruben Amorim, it is important Maguire reacted to his omission in the right way and set an example to the younger members of the United squad.

"I've always done that so it's not something I'll start now just because I'm in this leadership group," said Maguire, who has made 247 appearances for the Red Devils.

"Besides, I'm going to be playing a lot of games from the start. I know that.

"Yes, me and Matthijs have been playing that central role, but also we can play either side in the back three as well. I've done that for England and he has done it numerous times for the Netherlands as well.

"There's competition for places all over the pitch and I think that's healthy in the squad."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Manchester United

There was something quite endearing about Harry Maguire's appearance at a Manchester United Foundation event on Wednesday.

Throughout the summer, in the shadow of Old Trafford, United, in conjunction with Trafford Council, have been putting on free camps for children aged between eight and 14 at a local school.

The camps offer a range of sporting activities and, more importantly, given they are aimed at areas of social deprivation and low-income households, also include a free lunch.

It is the kind of positive, largely unseen work football clubs do in their communities. Across the three sites in Partington, Stretford and Moss Side, United estimate they will have delivered over 2,000 meals to young people during the summer holidays.

The children were having fun on Wednesday afternoon. But Maguire's visit was an extra element.

'Oh Harry Maguire', they chanted over and over again as Maguire signed water bottles and handed out as gifts. The United and England defender also answered a range of questions - who knew David Beckham was his hero and Harry Kane his toughest Premier League opponent?

"It's amazing to be here with the kids," said Maguire afterwards.

"When you turn up and you hear them chanting your name and see the big smile on their faces, the energy is infectious. I will take it back to the training ground.

"It's really good for them physically, mentally, playing with their friends and socialising."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Stephen Torpey as the club's academy director.

Torpey joins the Red Devils from Brentford where he helped rebuild the club's youth structure. He will start his new role in the coming months, as Everton-bound Nick Cox stays on to aid a "smooth transition".

"I am really proud to have this opportunity to lead Manchester United's Academy" said Torpey. "After spending time with the leadership team, it is clear that the Academy will always remain key to the identity of Manchester United, with our primary aim being to produce players ready to support a first team capable of challenging for the biggest honours."

Director of Football Jason Wilcox added: "Stephen's record of youth development is outstanding; throughout his career he has played a significant role in the development of some of the most talented players in the country."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Nick Culkin spoke to BBC Radio Manchester about the current keeper situation at Old Trafford: "I think it has always been one of the highest pressure jobs in football. The ones who have been successful have always had big personalities and were the start of the spine of the team.

"The pressure of playing in that spot well week in week out is absolutely huge. If you are not strong enough mentally then it will show through and you will crumble. It is a huge position to be successful in and I think it needs to be addressed.

"I am sure they have done their background checks of a few keepers, and I think Donnarumma [could be a good fit]."

On the rumours of Donnarumma's high wage demands, he added: "It is the hardest position on the pitch so maybe he should be one of the highest paid players. If they are serious about contending at the top level they should just go and do it."

Manchester United and Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, 22, and his camp have made clear to the likes of Napoli and RB Leipzig he prefers a loan move with an obligation to buy. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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

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On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast, the BBC Radio Manchester team ranked the debuts of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

On Matheus Cunha's performance, Gaz Drinkwater said: "That performance was a 7.5/10. He was one of our brighter sparks. He looked really promising."

Co-host Joe McGrath added: "He is a man who cares. When the full-time whistle went, he looked devastated because he didn't want his first Old Trafford game to be a loss. That is the kind of player you need - not the players who go around shaking hands and swapping shirts. It was upsetting that he couldn't get on the scoresheet."

On Bryan Mbeumo, Drinkwater added: "I'd say 7/10. I thought he was really good in the first half and he was the man making everything happen and he was causing panic in the Arsenal defence. I really liked the look of him."

And on Benjamin Sesko, he said: "It is hard to rate a player who played 20 minutes. I feel harsh giving him a 4/10, but the ball barely came into him and he barely had a touch. He didn't have get the opportunity to do better. He should start against Fulham."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United youngster Ethan Ennis continued his excellent summer form by scoring the only goal in Monday's Premier League 2 victory at Middlesbrough on Monday.

Ennis also scored in a pre-season game at Rochdale at the beginning of the month, having been on target in a 1-0 win in a closed doors match at Fleetwood at the end of July.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Doncaster, where he made 15 appearances, mostly as a substitute.

It has been expected Ennis would get another loan move this season, although, as yet, it has not happened, with club sources saying it is proving a difficult summer to place their academy graduates.

United are also looking to secure a loan switch for Ethan Williams, who also played at Middlesbrough, while Harry Amass was not risked amid an anticipation the full-back will secure a temporary move before the deadline closes.

Chelsea are set to increase their efforts to sign forward Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United but the 21-year-old will not be allowed to leave Old Trafford on the cheap. (Evening Standard, external)

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

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Brentford are set for another high profile departure with academy director Stephen Torpey lined up as Manchester United's new head of academy.

Current academy chief Nick Cox is leaving United after agreeing to become Everton's technical director.

Torpey is well known to United technical director Jason Wilcox as the pair worked together at Manchester City.

Wilcox is understood to have driven the recruitment process.

Cox is currently continuing in his role at Old Trafford and it is not known precisely when Torpey will be able to take the job.

It will be another exit in a summer of departures at Brentford.

United signed striker Bryan Mbeumo from the Bees for £65m last month, manager Thomas Frank left for Tottenham and skipper Christian Norgaard moved to Arsenal in a £15m deal. Forward Yoane Wissa is also in dispute with the club as he looks to complete a move to Newcastle.