A player hitting his prime?published at 14:24 BST 18 July
14:24 BST 18 July
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport
Image source, Getty Images
After having two offers rejected, Manchester United have had a £65m bid for Bryan Mbeumo accepted by Brentford following his standout campaign in 2024-25.
The 25-year-old recorded career-best figures in the Premier League for virtually every attacking metric, including goals and assists, chances created and touches in the opposition box.
Additionally, the 22-cap Cameroon international was clinical: his shot conversion rate of 23.53% was better than the likes of Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.
His work out of possession in key areas should also be noted. He won the ball back 32 times in the opposition third, ranking him third out of all Premier League players.
But perhaps Mbeumo's unique selling point is his running threat with the ball at his feet. He was responsible for nine carries of more than five metres which directly ended in a goal being scored in 2024-25 - comfortably the most of any Premier League player last season.
Mbeumo 'will be expected to perform straight away'published at 14:11 BST 18 July
14:11 BST 18 July
Chris Sutton Former Premier League striker
Image source, Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo has done well at Brentford, but playing for Manchester United is very different. With respect to Brentford, there is no great expectation there.
At United, he will be expected to perform straight away.
He has experience, he is a good finisher, and his versatility is a big positive - he can play as a central striker as well as on the wing, cutting inside off the right on to his left foot.
But he has had one very good season where his numbers were very good, so the question is whether he can repeat that.
Consistency in those forward positions is what United are striving for, because they have not had it with, say, Alejandro Garnacho or Antony.
They are maybe thinking an older, more experienced player, who is more reliable, is what they need. That's Mbeumo - he fits into Ruben Amorim's system, and he fits the bill as proven Premier League quality too.
United's attack is clearly an area they need to improve. People talk about how the way they play at the back, with the back three Amorim wants, and it is a difficult system to play at times when you are trying to press high because all your players have to work hard and be really switched on.
That's why he has gone for Mbeumo, because I think he is someone he feels he can trust in all areas, in possession and out of it, with the work-rate and energy he needs - and goals too.
Amorim's eagerly awaited squad for Leeds gamepublished at 09:05 BST 18 July
09:05 BST 18 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United’s travelling squad for Saturday's first pre-season friendly against Leeds United in Sweden when it is named later will be instructive in terms of Ruben Amorim’s thinking going into the new campaign.
We know who won’t be involved. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia have been told they can train at Carrington as Amorim and his players are in Stockholm for the game.
There has been no suggestion any other fit senior players will miss the trip.
But the younger players involved will give an indication of who is closest to the senior ranks.
Chido Obi, Tyler Fredricson and Jack Fletcher are among those to be given new numbers.
Paraguay Under-20 international Diego Leon is likely to be involved as he integrates following his summer move from South America. He faces a fascinating battle with highly rated Harry Amass to be the back-up left wing-back.
Then others like Bendito Mantato, Shea Lacey, Jaydan Kamason and Godwill Kukonki caught the eye at the end of last season.
'I feel a sense of excitement' - Wilcoxpublished at 18:11 BST 17 July
18:11 BST 17 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United have published their annual yearbook.
As you would expect, it contains a positive assessment of what lies ahead from manager Ruben Amorim and technical director Jason Wilcox.
While many United fans are looking ahead with trepidation for the new campaign after last season's awful 15th-placed finish and a relatively quiet summer on the transfer front so far, Wilcox adopts a more cheery note.
"We all recognise that the men's first team fell well short of expectations last season, and we know many of the reasons for that as we went through the difficult process of changing our head coach, our style of play, and many other things around the club," said Wilcox.
"We now feel in a much stronger position, with Ruben and our new football leadership team bedded in, to start moving in the right direction.
"I feel a sense of excitement about the opportunity in front of us."
United open their Premier League season against title challengers Arsenal at Old Trafford on 17 August.
Aston Villa are among the Premier League clubs weighing up a move for Garnacho. (Mail), external
Meanwhile, United's move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has stalled. The Bees have increased their asking price to closer to £70m for the 25-year-old Cameroon international, while the Old Trafford club do not want to pay more than £65m. (Guardian), external
United have held talks with the camp of 27-year-old Brighton and Ecuador defender Pervis Estupinan before a potential transfer. (Mirror), external
Finally, Juventus are exploring the conditions of a potential deal for Marcus Rashford, with the forward also attracting interest from Barcelona. (Sky Sports), external
Man Utd reveal 2025-26 away kitpublished at 14:20 BST 16 July
14:20 BST 16 July
Image source, Manchester United FC
Manchester United have unveiled their away kit for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
The white shirt takes inspiration from the club's 1992 away shirt, bringing back the "iconic snowflake graphic" in lilac and featuring a plum coloured club crest.
The kit is pulled together with matching plum shorts and white socks.
Ruben Amorim's side will wear the strip for the first time on Saturday for their pre-season friendly against Leeds United in Stockholm.
Manchester United believe the design re-imagines "one of the club's most iconic jerseys", but what do you make of it?
'The picture is too cloudy for any Man Utd fan to feel confident'published at 13:25 BST 16 July
13:25 BST 16 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Injuries have dented the confidence of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, who must compete for a place in a defence containing promising youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Andre Onana's pre-season hamstring issue gives Amorim an opportunity to assess his goalkeeping options but, in truth, unless 21-year-old Radek Vitek steps up, the choice will be to stick or twist with the Cameroon international, given Altay Bayindir was given his chance at the end of last season and failed to impress.
It is a similar story in attack.
The pursuit of Liam Delap, who instead chose Chelsea, emphasises Amorim feels he can improve on Rasmus Hojlund.
Viktor Gyokeres, who played for Amorim at Sporting, has also decided against a move to United.
Ollie Watkins, who lost his place at Aston Villa when Marcus Rashford arrived from United on loan, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. So too have out-of-contract pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy. They are all names to suggest United might be better off giving Hojlund one more chance.
But can Amorim trust that the Dane is ready to fulfil the promise that prompted United to pay Atalanta £72m for him two years ago?
Hojlund himself has been linked with his old boss Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. But, as with so many players, turning vague interest into reality is not easy.
When he spoke to fanzine United We Stand last month, chief executive Omar Berrada said the pain of last season's 15th-placed finish, the worst since the 1973-74 relegation campaign, was self-inflicted in the belief reward would follow.
"He [Amorim] has suffered in the Premier League, and the team has suffered," Berrarda said.
"But we saw it as an investment for the following seasons, because we were going to give time to Ruben to get to know the squad, the club and the Premier League, so by the time that we got to now, we'll have had all the discussions about what the squad needs and the two-to-three-year plan to get to a squad that's capable of winning the Premier League."
There is still time before the opening Premier League game against Arsenal on 17 August for the clarity Amorim seemed so sure of when he spoke in Hong Kong to emerge.
But as of now, the picture is too cloudy for any United fan to feel confident about what lies ahead.
Should Man Utd have signed Kepa?published at 09:30 BST 16 July
09:30 BST 16 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
BBC chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions.
David asked: With Kepa Arrizabalaga having been available, should Manchester United have signed him? He has got to be a better option than Andre Onana.
Simon answered: First, we cannot be certain he wanted to make the move. Arsenal have more to aim for than Manchester United. Kepa might believe he can get into Mikel Arteta's team ahead of David Raya and, geographically, he can stay where he is.
As a goalkeeper, he might also think playing for United is setting himself up for a fall because he is exposed too often. It is true Onana has made mistakes - but he has also made a lot of good saves. The more any goalkeeper has to do, the more errors they make.
I accept doubts persist over Onana but, a bit like David de Gea - who was also heavily criticised in the end - my belief is there are more fundamental issues to address.
If United had a defence that was secure in possession and a midfield that could screen, then we would know how good the goalkeeper was. Just now, we don't.
Luke asked: Is it looking ominous for Manchester United? So much talk about giving Ruben Amorim a summer transfer window, yet we have managed to sign one first-team player so far and have not been able to sell our unwanted contracted players. Meanwhile, most other teams have strengthened their squads. Uh oh.
Simon answered: You can look at this situation in two ways. You are clearly correct - it is only one signing and obviously the five unwanted players remain. That is not ideal.
However, the way the five have been treated suggests Amorim is being allowed to make the decisions he chooses, which is clearly a positive - and the reality is no manager gets all the players they want as quickly as they want them.
United want to strengthen but they need to balance the books. At this stage, it is a question of trust. Admittedly, that is in short supply when it comes to United and their transfer dealings in recent summers.
Gossip: Man Utd register Luiz interestpublished at 07:34 BST 16 July
07:34 BST 16 July
Manchester United have registered their interest in signing Juventus and Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer, with Everton also keen on the 27-year-old. (Football Insider), external
'If we're going to sell, it will be at the end of the window'published at 15:32 BST 15 July
15:32 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
The Stretford Paddock's Joe Smith spoke to BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast about the scope for potential outgoings at Old Trafford:
"I think we are going to struggle to sell players, but I also think that if we are going to sell, it will come at the end of the window.
"If you are a buying club, why would you come in for their outcasts now? [You wouldn't] give United the money they want and allow us to move on and buy players. You would wait until the end of the window when United have to decide between selling at a discounted rate, bringing them back into the team, or having them in exile for a full season.
"When we get desperate at the end of the window, I imagine there will be more offers for these players. We probably won't get good money for them but we probably will be able to get rid of them towards the end of the window.
"The only question is if we would then have the time to buy the players we want with the money that we get."
'United already at maximum level of numbers for a manageable squad'published at 13:13 BST 15 July
13:13 BST 15 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been taking your questions.
Rich asked: Any chance of Manchester United actually doing some business in this window? Such a promising start and yet again failing to deliver. Going to be yet another poor season if the club don't get players in and out.
Simon replied: We know United are trying to get the Bryan Mbeumo deal over the line and, ideally, want that done before they head off to the USA next Tuesday.
In theory, that should significantly improve their goal threat.
I am pretty sure United would bring in a number nine if they could find one at the required standard, but the reality is they need to sell players as well, and that is not easy.
We all know the five players Ruben Amorim has no use for, but he may well have to look beyond those because, with no Europe, I already think United are at the maximum level in terms of numbers for a manageable squad.
Don't forget, apart from Alejandro Garnacho, all the exiled players spent the second half of last season out on loan, and only Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans - who didn't play much anyway - have left.
Tim asked: Manchester United have quietly signed five top-rated teenage players over the past two windows. Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi-Martin and now Diego Leon, Seth Ridgeon and Tyrese Noubissie. Is this a real change in their recruitment policy or is it normal and just more reported now?
Simon replied: United are definitely targeting the youth market. Time will be the judge over whether the policy works or not because, with a handful of exceptions, the journey from promising 18-year-old to senior, top-level Premier League star is extremely hazardous.
In the limited number of appearances he made before getting injured at Leicester City, Heaven looked exceptionally accomplished. But can he maintain that level week after week, month after month?
Obi-Martin scored a huge number of goals at youth level but - to me - looked to have a lot to learn when he was given a chance in the Premier League.
Supporters have to recognise the standards these players need to get to is phenomenally high. Doing well at youth level is a stepping stone, but no more than that.
Goalkeeper 'the first thing to sort' or is 'midfield general the priority'?published at 08:01 BST 15 July
08:01 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked how big a priority signing a new goalkeeper should be for Manchester United in the transfer window.
Andre Onana's hamstring injury means he is missing the club's tour of the United States, so Altay Bayindir is likely to be Ruben Amorim's first choice in pre-season.
Here are some of your comments:
David: It was a priority before Onana's injury, now they have to buy a new goalkeeper and keep Onana until at least January. If they had gone for a new goalie straight away, Onana may have left. It is a disaster.
Ben: I don't think it is the biggest priority at all. Radek Vitek can be given a run as he has had a good loan spell out. John Victor might be a good shout but the priority is getting a deal for forward Bryan Mbeumo over the line, as well as maybe Dusan Vlahovic if he is supposedly available, and clearing those out who don't want to work for the badge.
Glenn: Onana must be the first thing to sort. He is not a Premier League keeper and the defence ends up sitting deeper because they don't trust him. United should sign Emiliano Martinez as soon as possible or nothing will change.
Andy: Goalkeeper is not a priority. First, we need to get Mbeumo in, then a striker and midfielder, and also bolster the defence.
Rod: We do need a new keeper. However, the priority is for a midfield general and has been for 10 years!
Paul: Onana inspires zero confidence in our defence with his haphazard style. Every successful team needs the keeper to be a rock and, unfortunately, Onana isn't even a pebble. The sooner he goes and makes way for a keeper of Premier League quality the better.
Nathan: The severity of Onana's poor performances last season have been massively exaggerated. He was below par, but so was the entire squad. We scored 44 league goals last season. On our limited budget we shouldn't even consider signing a keeper until the problem of our non-existent attack is sorted.
Gossip: Man Utd enquire about Lyon's Tolissopublished at 07:07 BST 15 July
07:07 BST 15 July
Manchester United have made contact with Lyon to ask about the availability of 30-year-old French midfielder Corentin Tolisso. (L'Equipe - in French), external
How much did Premier League clubs earn in prize money?published at 19:32 BST 14 July
19:32 BST 14 July
All 20 clubs earn a share of Premier League prize money. The amount each club receives depends on their league position and number of televised matches.
Prize money consists of UK and international merit broadcast payments, equal shares, commercial revenues and facility fees.
All clubs received a central commercial payment of £7.9m and equal shares from UK (£29.8m) and international (£59.2m) revenues.
Clubs are also paid a facility fee for matches broadcast on domestic TV. Liverpool had 30 of their 38 league matches televised - more than any other club.
1st: Liverpool - £174.9m
2nd: Arsenal - £171.5m
3rd: Manchester City - £165.5m
4th: Chelsea - £163.7m
5th: Newcastle United - £160.2m
6th: Aston Villa - £159.3m
7th: Nottingham Forest - £152.5m
8th: Brighton - £145.1m
9th: Bournemouth - £143.4m
10th: Brentford - £138.9m
11th: Fulham - £135.5m
12th: Crystal Palace - £136.1m
13th: Everton - £131.8m
14th: West Ham - £130.9m
15th: Manchester United - £136.2m
16th: Wolves - £123.1m
17th: Tottenham - £127.8m
18th: Leicester - £116.9m
19th: Ipswich Town - £111.1m
20th: Southampton - £109.2m
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
How big of a priority is a new goalkeeper?published at 17:36 BST 14 July
17:36 BST 14 July
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater will not be alone in thinking Manchester United need a new goalkeeper.
It is two years since both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana arrived in the summer of 2023 and after a catalogue of shaky performances, many think they need replacing.
But a goalkeeper is not the only position that requires new blood.
So tell us, how big a priority is a new goalkeeper? Is it towards the top of the wishlist - or if not, which positions are the most important?
Image source, Getty Images
