Manchester United

We asked for your views on Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel saying Luke Shaw "should be focusing on and prioritising" his club over playing for England, following the left-back's latest injury setback.

Here are some of your comments:

Kelly: Absolutely right! Manchester United pay his wages, so he should keep fit to play for United. I get that playing for your country means a lot but, without playing for your club, how can one justify wearing the England shirt? Also, he is depriving others who consistently did well for their club but are still being overlooked for their country. Where is the logic?

Essien: Manchester United should focus on getting rid of Luke Shaw. It makes no sense keeping and paying a player who is only available for the treatment table and not on the pitch. United did a similar thing with Phil Jones - they kept him and renewed his contracts when he never played.

Dave: Schmeichel is so right. The club pays the player's massive wages to turn out for the side. It is no good them sitting on the sidelines, picking up big bucks and not playing. This is the bread and butter, not England games (particularly friendlies). If you aren't available for selection for the club, you shouldn't be playing for your country.

Rob: Manchester United can't have players that are only available for less than 50% of the time, especially as he deemed himself fit enough to play for England in the Euros. He is another example of a player the club has held on to for far too long to "preserve his value". If Manchester United are to rebuild, then players with Luke Shaw's injury record should be out of the door.

Billy: It is any player's dream to play in the Euros and he performed brilliantly in the final, so I don't see the problem.

A new season, and a new challenge for BBC Sport's prediction expert Chris Sutton.

Sutton faced off against a guest for each of the 38 game weeks in 2023-24 and triumphed 21-10 (with seven draws) to secure his second predictions title in a row.

In the first week of the new season, his opponent is The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray.

First up on Friday evening is Manchester United's game against Fulham.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

The first weekend of the season is always tricky to predict for various reasons, and with Manchester United I really don't know what to expect. I am not going to give them a win just because they are Manchester United and have had some great teams in the past, put it that way.

Fulham sold Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich in the summer, and the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Willian and Tim Ream have all left too.

They had a pretty decent season last time out and, although their results did drop off in the last couple of months of the campaign, they won at Old Trafford in February.

I can see them getting something this time, too. I can only base these predictions on what I see and I have not seen enough good performances from United under Erik ten Hag to have any confidence in them playing well.

Liam's prediction: 2-0

I am going, and it will be good to get back in there and hear everyone singing.

It is a big blow to be without Rasmus Hojlund who had really found his form at the end of last season, and looks so fearless.

I still think we will win though, and I don't really care how - getting three points is the most important thing.

Read the full predictions and have your say

Our chief football news reporter Simon Stone asked if this is "the year when Manchester United start punching their weight on the pitch again".

So we wanted to know your thoughts. Here are some of your comments:

Sai: Not expecting that much of a difference from last season, with many of the inconsistent and ineffective players still at the club. These inconsistent players are definitely going to disrupt the mentality of the new incoming players and the situation will remain the same until these underperforming and overpaid players leave.

Olly: I think it's guaranteed now with a more solid foundation within the defence, the structure of the team and the structure up top that we can be more optimistic than how we were during last season. After a great first campaign for Erik ten Hag, it was underwhelming to say the very least last season, but I think we can be optimistic again!

Meg: This will not be a year of progress. I predict the same old, same old. Injuries galore, fragmented style of play, defensive approach to the big games and ultimately the end for Ten Hag before Christmas.

Mark: We are slowly making progress, but it's been a long, frustrating slog, with poor choices both on and off the pitch. It could be another false dawn, or we might be able to push forward. Either way, if you look at the money the club has spent it isn't good reading.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel says defender Luke Shaw "should be focusing and prioritising" his club above playing for England.

Shaw featured for the Three Lions at Euro 2024, having not played for United since February because of a hamstring injury.

United announced earlier this week that the full-back will be out until September with a calf injury sustained at the start of his pre-season training back at the club.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Schmeichel said: "Luke Shaw last played in February [for Manchester United] and yet he still went to the Euros.

"He played a little bit in the quarter-final, and then some of the semi-final and then he played the final. Now, he's injured again.

"He's so important. He's got experience and he's a really, really top-class left-back.

"He's a Manchester United player - we pay him. He should be focusing and prioritising Manchester United and not his country."

Do you agree with Schmeichel? Should your loyalties lie with club or country. Have your say, external

Manchester United have told midfielder Christian Eriksen that he is free to find a new club this month and the 32-year-old could leave in a cut-price deal. (Football Insider), external

United have no plans to move for Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 27, and are pursuing other options. (Metro), external

The Old Trafford club are in ongoing talks with Burnley over a deal for 26-year-old Norway midfielder Sander Berge. (Sky Sports), external

AC Milan have reached an agreement with Monaco for 25-year-old France midfielder Youssouf Fofana, who was also looked at by Manchester United. (Sky Italy), external

Meanwhile, former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso would "love to join" Manchester United. The 34-year-old Spaniard is a free agent by leaving Barcelona. (Fabrizio Romano via Givemesport), external

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

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, PA Media

This might be a familiar refrain amongst Premier League managers over the next few days but you can see where Erik ten Hag is coming from when he says his team is not ready for the start of the season.

Around half of Manchester United's squad returned for the start of pre-season training six weeks ago.

They were joined a couple of weeks later by some of their international players, meaning the bulk were in the United States for the club's three-match tour, which included extensive training sessions at UCLA.

New striker Joshua Zirkzee was in a small group who started their pre-season under the direction of Steve McClaren prior to the first-team squad returning to the UK. They were joined by the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Lisandro Martinez, who reached the finals of international competition with England and Argentina respectively.

It meant there were just four full sessions ahead of the Community Shield and now United have signed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who have had just two training sessions ahead of the Fulham game.

Little wonder Ten Hag has to think carefully about the team he picks to play a Fulham side that won at Old Trafford last season.

Sympathy will be in short supply for a club with United's resources. But still, it is a valid argument. United - and others - will not be at their best on day one.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against Fulham (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ten Hag confirmed new signings Mattheus de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui "will be in the squad" to face Fulham, as will Harry Magiure.

• He added that "issues are there" but it is "about who is available and if we can put out a strong team we will do."

• On Luke Shaw's fitness after his latest set-back: "He will return in the short term, it doesn’t take long. We are looking forward, of course, for Luke Shaw. A very important player for our team so we want to get him back as soon as possible but we can’t force this process."

• On whether new players need more time: "It’s very complicated. The USA tour squad and then we added the players from Euros and Copa America, now new signings and we have to make a team from it. That team is not ready but the league starts and more managers have this problem."

• He added: "We have some room, have some principles and we have to make a start. We can’t hide, we have to deal with it."

• The United boss doesn't have "different" feelings for this season, as they "know our targets" and "know our direction". He added: "Now we have to integrate new players where we think they can improve the team levels and to take it from there."

• He added: "Expectations are always very high, we want to go for trophies."

• On what attracted him to Mazraoui: "In English football there is always pressure on the ball and one of his key attributes is that it’s very difficult to put him under pressure. We can score more goals, we create many chances and it’s about being clinical. We create so many chances but we have to take them."

• On when fans will see the side at 100% with new signings: "We are complete and we are now working together for 10 days and always it will take a while. There will be more teams who have this problem. At the start of the season don’t drop points, work hard, make sure you are organised in and out of possession."

Catch up on all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson says it will give Erik ten Hag confidence that Ineos and the new board have backed him this summer to bring in his transfer targets.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Robinson discussed how important it was that they did that after the uncertainty of his position: "They had to [back him] after the way they acted at the end of the last season with the review.

"We are led to believe they went out and spoke to potential candidates for the job and then decided he was still the best person for it. By doing that, they undermined him so they have had to back him if these are his players that he wants.

"But you would think with the new structure and the heads behind the scenes that they would also have a say about new signings.

"But Ten Hag needed this show of confidence from them because they quite openly touted his job around before they gave him a new contract."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, PA Media

For the second successive week, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing the media at the rather unusual time of 1600 BST on a Thursday ahead of this weekend's game.

This time, it is for the more legitimate reason that United open their Premier League campaign against Fulham on Friday night.

There is a lot for Ten Hag to talk about from the past two days alone.

I suspect he will be happy discussing the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, two playerss he knows well from Ajax, and also Bruno Fernandes' contract extension.

Less comfortable is the knowledge Luke Shaw has been ruled out of the Fulham game as he searches for fitness after being rushed back from injury to play at Euro 2024 for England.

That could mean a debut at left-back for Mazraoui or for Lisandro Martinez to play there - as he did at the start of the Community Shield - and De Ligt partnering Harry Maguire in central defence.

Either way, Shaw's absence is a problem Ten Hag could do without.

Follow live coverage of Ten Hag's presser from 16:00 and return to this page for full details on Thursday evening

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Researcher

Image source, Getty Images

Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui replaces West Ham-bound Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Manchester United - but what will he bring to Erik ten Hag's side?

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Mazraoui started his professional career at Ajax, making his debut under Ten Hag in 2018 and winning three league titles together before they both departed the Dutch capital in 2022.

At Bayern Munich, he added another championship to his collection, making 55 appearances over two seasons.

His strongest attribute is his passing ability. Not only can he boast impressive accuracy, his 6.9 progressive passes per 90 minutes in 2023-24 was far superior to Wan-Bissaka and new team-mate Diogo Dalot.

Given Mazraoui often played in central midfield for Ajax, it is not surprising he is gifted on the ball. In this regard, United's new number three will be an upgrade on Wan-Bissaka and Dalot when the Reds are in possession, providing a more positive outlet from the right-hand side.

On the flipside, his defensive abilities may need some work. While he did make more tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes than Dalot last season, his 58% success rate when tackling dribblers suggests he could struggle against the Premier League's trickiest wingers.

Ten Hag will hope the addition of fellow Bayern defender Matthijhs de Ligt will shore up the right-hand side of United's defence.

Another concern with Mazraoui is his injury record. The 26 year-old has only started more than 20 league matches in a season twice in his career. Over two years in Munich, it was only 26 Bundesliga starts. The last thing the Red Devils need is another injury-prone defender.

At least fellow right-back Dalot has an impressive appearance record across his career so there is hope that the pair can be rotated methodically to avoid injury troubles.

The logic is clear: if Ten Hag wants a more modern style of football to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal, then replacing Wan-Bissaka with Mazraoui was obvious. Able to play on both sides of defence and excellent with the ball, the Moroccan could become an important member of United's squad - if he can stay fit.

Image source, Getty Images

Three of the past four Premier League meetings between Manchester United and Fulham have been won by the away side, with each of these victories coming courtesy of a 90th-minute winning goal (United twice, Fulham once).

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has said the club is a "very easy place to fall in love with" ahead of United's first Premier League match of the season on Friday.

"When I was invited to join Manchester United late last year, I didn't hesitate," Berrada said in his programme notes for the season opener against Fulham.

"As a child growing up my first memory of the club was my father telling me stories of legendary players like Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and many others.

"It is impossible not to be aware of the weight of history. From the tragedy of Munich to the triumph at Wembley 10 years later, I am honoured to be part of a place where overcoming the greatest adversities and rising again to the greatest glories is in our DNA.

"That glorious history speaks for itself. When I walked through the doors for the first time last month, I was immediately struck by the enormity of the club and what it means to our fans here in Manchester and all over the world.

"I think it's impossible to understand how big Manchester United really is until you're on the inside. That's one advantage all of you have had over me, but I'm catching up and I feel it more and more every day. It is a very easy place to fall in love with."

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United held their own at Wembley and even went ahead but it was against a Manchester City team without Rodri, Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden amongst others.

‌The goal by Alejandro Garnacho caught the eye, as he channelled Antony’s favourite type of goal type, cutting in from the right on to his left foot. It showed why the Argentine is now above the Brazilian in the pecking order; his scoring rate is twice as good in the Premier League and he has more than that one string to his bow.

The wingers are peripheral at United in every sense, as the core of the team still needs rebuilding. Certainly, the addition of Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui could help a bit but can United wait and hope that the likes of Marcus Rashford and Casemiro can rediscover their mojo? I suspect they cannot take that chance and will have to get more firepower in the central area.

‌United were on the cusp of beating City but maybe it is a good idea to lose the Community Shield. In the past five seasons, the team that has won the trophy has finished the following Premier League season below the team they vanquished at Wembley.

‌That run may come to an end now - I cannot see United overtaking their rivals quite yet.

Sign up to read more from Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter here

Simon Stone will be across Manchester and will stay close to City and United this season, while also having an eye on the political side of football.

"Manchester City are the best club in England, bar none," he says. "They have the best manager and some of the best players.

"Manchester United has turned into a bit of a soap opera in recent years, but with a new co-owner, new senior staff and manager Erik ten Hag being given a new contract, is this the year when they start punching their weight on the pitch again?"

So is this a year of progress, United fans? Tell us here, external

It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.

Manchester United - fifth

Erik ten Hag is still in a job after winning the FA Cup last season but he is surely realistic enough to know he needs a good start to stop speculation rearing its head again, even after signing a new contract.

United have not made any signings that can be considered game-changers and the injury to new teenage central defender Leny Yoro was a body blow.

Ten Hag will hope Lisandro Martinez, a real warrior, can stay fit while he knows what Matthijs de Ligt can give him in central defence from his time at Ajax, but he was not an unqualified success at either Juventus or Bayern Munich - and it has often been a case of "buyer beware" when the latter are happy to sell their players.

Lots of questions to answer - not least from the manager. Can Marcus Rashford revive his career? What will become of Jadon Sancho? How will Joshua Zirkzee fit in?

There are outstanding youngsters, though, in Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, so with less than full confidence I go for an upgrade in league position this season. Ten Hag will need it.

Read all of Phil's predictions here

Image source, Getty Images

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich for nearly £60m "is good value for money" but they will still have to prove themselves.

The pair have previously played under Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax and are the latest Eredivisie players to be added to the United squad by their former boss.

In his first summer at Old Trafford, Antony and Lisandro Martinez followed him from Ajax, before goalkeeper Andre Onana was added last summer.

"I am intrigued by this," said Edwards on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "I would classify it as good value for money to get two international players for that price, but the caveat is that they are former Ajax players and you can look at how that has gone for them over the last few seasons.

"De Ligt, I really like. I have watched a lot of him and when he played for Ajax I thought he was going to go on to become one of the best centre-backs of his generation. He has not really lived up to that early promise.

"He has had a good career to date but I would not say it has been what I thought it would have been.

"It also underlines the sort of power that Erik ten Hag still has. These are players that he wanted and knows well, so he will have pushed for them. There has been a lot of talk about secure he [Ten Hag is] is going to be at Old Trafford this season but the club have backed him in this transfer market. Alongside the new contract, that is another show of faith in him."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

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On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate from BBC Radio Manchester, the panel predicted how they think Manchester United will fare in 2024-25.

Joe McGrath: "I think we're going to come fourth, and I do have a slight hope with the Europa League. If Erik ten Hag is going to win another trophy, that is the one I'd put my money on."

Gaz Drinkwater: "I'll go along with you - I'll say fifth, but I think we'll win the Europa League, which would be incredible."

Manchester World's Rich Fay: "I reckon United miss out on the top four, but win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League. I think fifth or sixth, just because I think there will be improvement but I don't think the squad is deep enough to challenge on all fronts.

"I also worry about the injury situation. Until I've seen proof that it's fixed, I'm not going to get too excited about that.

"I think it will be a season of progress and we'll end it saying United are going in the right direction - that's my overall prediction."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Napoli have opened talks with Manchester United over the potential signing of Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, 27, and would prefer a loan deal. (Times - subscription required), external

Paris St-Germain are cooling their interest in 24-year-old England and Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho and are also considering pulling out of the race to sign Osimhen. (i - subscription required, external)

United are also expecting formal bids for 32-year-old Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has one year left on his contract. (Sky Sports), external

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

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes his best moments "are still to come" after signing a new three-year contract.

Fernandes joined the Red Devils in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon and has made 234 appearances, scoring 79 goals and providing 67 assists.

"Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United. I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club," he told club media.

"I have had so many special moments here already - hearing my name sung from the Stretford End, scoring a hat trick against Leeds, leading the team out at Old Trafford on European nights and lifting trophies at Wembley.

"But I wouldn’t have signed this contract if I didn’t believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come.

"From my discussions with the football leadership and manager, it is clear how determined everyone is to fight for major trophies in the years ahead. I can see how positive the future is going to be and I am relishing leading this team forward."

Fernandes had cast doubt on his future at Old Trafford before May's FA Cup final, saying he wanted his own expectations to fit those of the club as a whole.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth said: "Bruno has performed at such a high level with remarkable consistency since he arrived at Manchester United. He is a brilliant leader, driving the daily standards and inspiring the players and staff to perform at their highest levels every day.

"Bruno’s dedication to the club epitomises what it takes to be a United player. He remains pivotal to everything that we want to achieve here, and we look forward to working together to deliver the success that this club demands."

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport football statistician

Manchester United's FA Cup win helped to soften the pain of a worst finish in the Premier League last season, although their league stats still make for grim reading.

While only four teams conceded fewer goals, remarkably only relegated Sheffield United faced more shots, with Andre Onana's goalkeeping helping to plaster the wounds in defence.

Obviously how many goals a team actually concedes is what counts, but being so open at the back will almost certainly invite problems if it continues this campaign.

Erik ten Hag would perhaps point out the succession of injuries the team suffered as well as the chaos and uncertainty off the pitch, but the 13-time Premier League champions will have to improve considerably if they are to achieve something in the league this season.