Manchester United

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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If you thought the apparent award-winning TV drama that is post-Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United had already thrown up every possible storyline, you'd be mistaken.

United appear to be involved in the first deal including an obligation to buy that is not actually an obligation to buy.

The volume of reports suggesting that Chelsea are about to send Jadon Sancho back to Old Trafford with his tail between his legs is impossible to ignore.

He landed at Stamford Bridge last summer in a loan deal that featured a buy obligation worth up to £25 million.

However, United are believed to have permitted Chelsea to pull out of a permanent transfer for a set fee.

It is claimed that this fee is worth £5m, just 20% of the agreed obligation. Supporters are rightfully questioning its rectitude because there is nothing obligatory about it.

Is it more ineptitude from a new-look United hierarchy that has already made a plethora of blunders during their hasty efforts to revamp the club?

Or will the club be trying to paint this as a win-win scenario?

United are adding £25 million to the transfer kitty and removing Sancho's seismic wages from the books - or they are pocketing £5m and gaining the 'freedom' of where to send him next.

But that is just it. You cannot knock those sceptical about the level of interest in a winger with just three goal contributions in his past 20 league games.

If Sancho is to return, Ruben Amorim must take the same stand as he did with Marcus Rashford until he finds his next destination.

The United boss exiled Rashford over concerns with attitude and application that are dwarfed by those of Sancho since his 2021 arrival.

There is not a chance another go is worth anyone's time.

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Chelsea must pay Manchester United £5m if they opt against turning 24-year-old England forward Jadon Sancho's loan into a permanent deal. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

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I would imagine this will be Manchester United's worst Premier League season.

They could potentially finish in the top 10 if they start to pick up some points, but the teams that will finish from third down to eighth are in better form and have more to fight for.

I do not see United breaking into that and equalling or bettering their lowest finish of eighth.

Ruben Amorim will definitely use the remaining league games to experiment with the players he wants to keep, the players who have the mentality he wants at the club to build and move forward with.

Regarding whether there is anything to play for, there is always huge pressure that comes with wearing the United badge. Even though, from the outside, everything hinges on the Europa League, there is still huge expectation and the players have that whether they are fighting for anything in the league or not.

Amorim will be testing players' mentality and trying to develop them where he can for next season. You can slowly start to see that some are getting the way he wants them to play.

You can see those small changes.

Casemiro - although I do not think he will be there long term - has started pressurising and winning the ball higher up. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are joining attacks from either side and the ball is going from wing to wing.

In patches in games, you can see Amorim's style and I am sure he will be trying to build on that for 2025-26.

But results will always matter at United and the pressure is greater than at any other club.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

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It was a big night for Rasmus Hojlund on Thursday.

Not only did he net the winner for Denmark in a 1-0 victory over Portugal, the Manchester United striker celebrated his finish with a trademark Ronaldo 'Siuuu' celebration.

Ronaldo was on the pitch when Hojlund's moment arrived and watched the heroic Dane revel in the moment.

Manchester United are ready to go all out to sign Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, this summer for around, but a deal may hinge on Champions League qualification. (Sun - subscription required), external

Manchester United are chasing Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 24, who they hope to recruit for around £40m. (Bild - in German), external

Aston Villa have the option to make their loan deal for Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, permanent this summer for £40m. (Teamtalk), external

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We asked for your views on what nobody is talking about at Manchester United but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: The long list of injuries. Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle all have injuries and pundits mention them. But not United. The biggest problem is there are too many games, so players get injured - but because of the injuries, the players not hurt play every game and are therefore exhausted.

Andy: Despite the the hideous situation Ruben Amorim inherited on his arrival at Old Trafford, I've noticed that he does actually know a good player from a bad one. His comments make sense about the type of players he wants to attract and he is slowly weeding out the players who don't fit the new template. Give him time and he'll get the right players in.

Phil: Everyone says it has been hard for Amorim joining mid-season. I think that will turn to his advantage as he is effectively having a very long pre-season. This season was already gone when he joined.

David: The new feel-good factor at United is mainly down to City not being able to win the league, and Liverpool being knocked out of the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final. There is nothing to get excited about on our own footballing front.

Lighty: Ayden Heaven has shown signs of a future Rolls-Royce centre-half. Sent to us from... ?

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The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) have called on the club to "listen to the voice of the fans" after the club detailed a 5% rise of season ticket prices for the third year in a row along with a number of other measures.

A survey by MUST, which 3,300 fans responded to in 48 hours, found that 13 per cent of season ticket holders say they are "not at all likely" to renew their season tickets. The supporters' trust said this could result in nearly 6,000 fans walking away "if they follow through with it" and that this should be a "wake up call for everyone".

According to the survey results, the top three areas of concern for fans are the reduction of the senior discount, the general 5% increase and the increase in minimum season ticket usage.

In a statement, MUST detailed: "If they will not reverse this decision then at least phase in the reduction of the senior discount. Rather than going from 50% to 25% in one leap, which results in a near 60% rise in season ticket prices for 7,000 senior supporters, the change should be phased in over three seasons, going to 40% in year one, 30% in year two, and reaching 25% in year three."

Based on the findings, MUST have called on the club to take a number of steps such as phasing in the reduction of the senior discount if they are not prepared to reverse their decision.

A spokesperson from MUST said: "What the reaction to these recent changes should tell the club is just how important it is to conduct proper fan consultation when it comes to proposed policy changes.

"These are tough times at Manchester United, both on and off the field. We will only pull out of this slump if the whole club comes together. That means listening to the voice of the fans"

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Manchester United fan groups have protested against a 5% season ticket price increase administered for a third successive season, with some outlining further "stealth" price hikes, notably faced by pensioners.

As part of further changes at the club, some fans have also been notified that their season ticket seats will need to be moved next season to make way for more hospitality seating.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester about the situation, Red Devils fan Geoff said: "I don't think the guys in the boardroom know the meaning of loyalty. I've been a supporter since 1950 - that is 75 years.

"I've been sat in my seat for the last 40 years and they just sent me an email to say they are going to move my seat to somewhere else in the Theatre of Dreams.

"Where else are they going to put me? We already got moved during COVID up to the top corner of the Stretford End - and I couldn't even see who the players were because they were so tiny.

"I'm sick and disgusted - and I hope everyone else thinks it is a disgusting move by those in the boardroom.

"They have raised my seat price by 25% because they have not only put it up a couple of quid, but they have also chopped my concession price by half. If they want to fund the under-16s at the cost of pensioners and loyal supporters, then so be it.

"They could have waited until they had built the new tent, which is when everyone will have to move seats anyway."

Fellow season ticket holder Mike added: "They said they appreciate the disruption and inconvenience it will cause and apologised for having to move me. I've been sat there for over 30 years and to say that is the one line I get from the club is disgusting.

"We all know what 'hospitality tickets' mean. They aren't proper fans. They come in, sit down, go for their prawn sandwiches at half-time, and then they come back about 15 minutes after the second half has kicked off.

"They just aren't real fans - and that is what's making me angry."

Listen to the full debate on BBC Sounds

Manchester United have added two Bundesliga strikers - 21-year-old Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and 22-year-old Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt - to their list of summer targets. (Sky Sports), external

Manchester United are also interested in 21-year-old RB Leipzig and Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, who was a target before he moved to Germany on a permanent deal in January. (Sky Sports), external

Real Betis will meet with Manchester United to discuss the future of 25-year-old Brazilian winger Antony, who has impressed during his loan spell in La Liga. (ABC - in Spanish), external

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Manchester United are through to the last eight of the Europa League and there has also been an upturn in Premier League results in recent weeks.

There have plenty of stories off the field at United too, including protests from supporters against the club's owners, complaints about ticket price rises for next season and plans for a new stadium being unveiled.

But is there something else that is slipping under the radar? What is the one thing - good or bad - nobody is talking about in relation to Manchester United?

Let us know here

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Manchester United and Leeds United have confirmed they will play each other in their first pre-season fixture before the 2025-26 campaign.

The two sides will meet in Stockholm on Saturday, 19 July at the Strawberry Arena, with kick-off at 14:00 BST.

It was the summer of 2023 when they last played each other, also in a pre-season friendly in Scandinavia, where the Red Devils won 2-0 in Oslo, the capital of Norway.

The Premier League side have history in the Swedish stadium having played the 2017 Europa League final there, winning 2-0 against Ajax to lift the trophy for the first time in the club's history.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Rory from Ireland asked: Manchester United and Spurs both hope to reach the Champions League by winning the Europa League, but are they ready?

‌Pat answered: Both United and Spurs are having awful seasons compared to what they would have expected and both are relying on the Europa League to give them some succour. I would love to say that they are in their poor league positions, 13th and 14th respectively, because they have decided to concentrate on the one trophy they both can still win, but it clearly isn't the case. They simply haven't been good enough domestically.

‌If either does win the Europa League and 'sneaks' into the Champions League via that route then I have no problem. As they say, "dems da rules". And you just have to use them to your advantage.

‌Will either team be ready was the question. The answer is, that depends, ready for what? Ready to win it? Absolutely not, both look miles away from that possibility, even if qualifying would allow them to speed up the rebuild if you are United or provide additional squad depth in Spurs' case.

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‌If the question is more about surviving in the Champions League for a decent amount of time, well yes, both could. When you are involved in the new League style, there is every chance of getting a decent draw and there are teams in there that are not from the absolute elite level.

In a one-off game with a fair wind could United or Spurs beat the likes of Brugge, Brest, Bern's Young Boys, Bologna, Benfica or Bratislava? Yes of course they could, and that is only the teams beginning with a B (well, kind of beginning with B).

‌There are plenty of teams that will make it into the Europa Conference League that are highly unlikely to win it.

I am convinced neither of those two would embarrass themselves but then again I expect both those teams to be far better next season than they have been this time round.

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Napoli will try to secure a deal for Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer, but cannot afford to meet Manchester United's asking price of £50m. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

However, the Italian giants might offer 26-year-old Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, to United as part of a deal for Hojlund. (Mirror), external

Manchester United are one of several Premier League clubs considering a move for Sunderland's 19-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 19, is one of the players Manchester United are open to selling this summer to boost their transfer budget. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Finally, Chelsea are considering paying a penalty fee to avoid a £25m obligation to buy Jadon Sancho this summer following the 24-year-old England winger's loan move from Manchester United. (the i paper - subscription required), external

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

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Midfielder Christian Eriksen expects to depart Manchester United when his contract expires this summer as he has said is yet to hear of any offer of an extension from the club.

Eriksen joined United on a free transfer in July 2022, off the back of a short spell at Brentford and after having an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

The 33-year-old has made 16 Premier League appearances this season, with seven of those coming as a substitute.

"I haven't heard anything from the club, and therefore I assume that the collaboration will stop, that's how I interpret it," Eriksen told Danish media.

"My contract expires this summer and I am prepared to find something new. I am fine with that. Where it will be, I haven't decided yet.

"I haven't tried to be free of contract except after the cardiac arrest, but that was a bit of a different situation.

"I am waiting and seeing what offers come in. I am not going to make any hasty decisions, but if the right thing comes, I will take it - but I don't know what the right thing is.

"The intention is not to stay in England. I am not going to the USA, we are not going that far. We would like to stay in Europe, but it is too early to go home to Denmark. I feel like I have some good years abroad left."

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Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has posted on social media following an injury he sustained against Leicester on Sunday, in his first ever Premier League start.

"Thank you guys for all the support! I have read all your messages, and I'm doing really well and recovering fast," the 18-year-old said on Instagram.

United reposted his message on X, external with the caption: "We're all with you, Ayden."

The extent of his injury is still to be confirmed.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been on a bit of a charm offensive recently.

Having been in the worst league position in years and sacked hundreds of Manchester United employees, he needed all his charisma on show. When you add that he has been less than charitable on ticket prices for committed fans, the reaction to the recent plethora of interviews was crucial.

It helped that he had some good news to give, the unveiling of the plan to build a brand new shiny 100,000-seater stadium with lots of local building added on.

I found myself surrounded by United fans the other day and was quite surprised by the reaction to the announcement.

I could not find one who actually believed this new work will be done in the time stated by the Ineos boss. Sir Jim's charm has not quite cut through as much as he would have hoped with the Old Trafford faithful yet.

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After a positive week of results, BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club team considered whether Ruben Amorim was starting to turn things at Manchester United (see below at 08:37). We asked if you if he was starting to have such an impact at Old Trafford.

Here are some of your comments:

Ian: I think we are starting to turn a corner but it's going to be a long time before we are pushing for the league title. The whole club now seems to be stabilising despite all the upheaval.

Ben: Absolutely! Finally a clear identity in the team. Players seem to finally have some self-belief and a bit of confidence to their play.

Joseph: Not yet. He is just on the fringes of trying to build a solid team with the highest morale producing the needed results as they were in the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.

David: I think he's stabilising things and preparing a good foundation for next season and beyond. I get the sense that some coaching is taking place: players never seemed to improve in recent times but think that we are now seeing individual player development He's building a more resilient and organised squad that will allow more tactical substitutions and be able to cope better with the inevitable injuries in the course of a season.

Michael: Inconsistency has been the theme at United this season. As soon as things start looking up, the results come crashing back to earth.

Neil: I think if he can sign players who will play to his plan, then United will prosper, the example is Dorgu who after a few games looks good, once he gets rid of non-believers so will see a big difference.

Steve: Not yet no. He cannot undo years of poor recruitment and awful ownership in half a season. But I hope he does.

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We asked for your views on Manchester United increasing season ticket prices for the 2025-26 season.

You can get more on the story here. Earlier on Tuesday The 1958 supporters coalition The 1958 said: "The fact the ticket prices were not frozen and the club did not follow the precedent set by other Premier League clubs, is really disappointing. Especially after serving up one of the worst teams in decades."

The group spoke of "stealth increases" and called the move "the first phase of reducing the amount of season ticket holders".

The 1958 added: "We want a custodian of the club that puts fans first, cares about this once great institution. Instead, we have a club that is crumbling beneath our feet and we are expected to foot the bill for 20 years of Glazer decay and damage.

"The elephant in the room is, and always been, the Glazer debt. The clubslosses include a £35 million payment to service this."

Below are some of your comments:

Kevin: The rise in ticket prices in all honesty seems to be to compensate for the fact that the Glazers have drained the club, and now the fans are being expected to stump up … so that it can continue.

Christopher: I am 82 years old. Supported since 1956. Season Ticket holder. Gone up in price with a 70% increase. Is this fair? I think it's a disgrace. They want pensioners out that's clear.

Adrian: They have highlighted the frozen prices for under 16s which is good and 5% for adults, which is reasonable but not the effective 70% increase for pensioners! Is this the way to reward long-term loyalty to the club? Also moving people who have tickets in the Sir Bobby Charlton stand near the players and officials' dugout to pave the way for premium priced seating is a disgrace.

David: I don't have an issue with ticket price increases given our current parlous financial position. However, I do have an issue with minimum attendance requirements as the seat has been paid for whether you're sitting in it or not! There are numerous reasons one might not be able to attend a match which are outside of one's control, for example an employer being totally unreasonable (sound familiar MUFC?).

Ian: My OAP season ticket price has increased by nearly 60%. I attended my first game in 1965 while at school. I consider the increase is cynical. Loyalty means nothing to Ineos.

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BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater says Rasmus Hojlund's recent performances against Real Sociedad and Leicester have given United fans "a little bit of hope" in the young striker.

The 22-year-old ended his 21-game goal drought at The King Power Stadium on Sunday after winning a penalty and assisting another goal in Thursday's Europa League win.

"I thought Hojlund was really good against Sociedad," Drinkwater told the Devils' Advocate podcast.

"I think the last two performances from him have given us reason to have a little bit of hope.

"In the interview with Bruno Fernandes after the Sociedad game he said that Hojlund is working really hard and making really clever runs that are opening up opportunities for other players.

"Fernandes' hat-trick goal came because of a run that Hojlund made.

"I've said flippantly this season after one of many bad performances from Hojlund that I'm ready to give up on the lad but it's not giving up in the sense that I want him out of the club.

"It's more I'd like to see experience brought in ahead of him, that would do him the world of good."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Manchester United season ticket prices will increase by about 5% for the third successive year as the club aims to become financially sustainable.

United are also increasing the minimum usage requirement for season ticket holders from 15 to 16 of their 19 Premier League home games.

Chief Executive Omar Berrada says the club "worked hard to come up with a pricing package that is fair and reasonable" and that the new changes are being made "to offset continued rises in operating costs".

What do you think? Tell us here

Are things looking up for Manchester United?

Ruben Amorim's side beat Leicester on Sunday, building on their Europa League last-16 win over Real Sociedad and their draw to Arsenal in the Premier League.

"It is hard to get carried away with recent results," said former Premier League striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "We shouldn't be getting too excited but it does seem to be not so turbulent.

"Slowly, slowly, Amorim is getting his plans across to the players."

Do you think Amorim is turning things? Tell us here

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds