Manchester United

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BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath says the time taken over the prospective signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford is "fair enough" as long as boss Ruben Amorim enters pre-season "with a squad he is happy with".

United have been in talks with the Bees over the 25-year-old's signature since last week but, despite an opening bid, no agreement has been reached yet.

"I think that Brentford want as much out of us as possible so we're in a stand-off with them," McGrath told The Devils' Advocate podcast.

"A couple of bids have been rejected according to media outlets. It's a negotiation process and if Manchester United can save a few million here or there - we know what the board are like.

"They're going to take their time but I'm more worried that the longer they take, the less likely the deal is to happen.

"We don't think too much about the business - we want the player in asap and so does Ruben Amorim. The business side of things means they will wait, go back and forth, haggle, and maybe look at splitting the cost over years. They will do anything to save a few pennies."

United have already confirmed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m and football finance expert Kieran Maguire estimated the club will still be well within their profit and sustainability regulations even if they have an outlay of £150m on new signings.

"The only thing that really matters is whether Amorim goes on pre-season with a squad that he is happy with," McGrath.

"That means he has four or five weeks until that is the case.

"Whatever is going on behind the scenes, if you're going to save a few million - fair enough. Just get it done for when Amorim needs his full squad back."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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The mini transfer window has been interesting with some intriguing stories.

Matheus Cunha to Manchester United seems to make some sense, certainly more that many of their transfer deals in the past few years. At least Cunha has proved he can do it in the Premier League.

Liam Delap had his pick of a few clubs because of his affordable £30 million buyout fee. Well done to the agent who got that written into his contract. Trent Alexander-Arnold is older but still big news. However, I do not think he is the most important deal done in this window thus far.

There was not too much fanfare following Dean Huijsen's £50million move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid but it is hard to imagine any other transferred player having the same long-term impact.

Liverpool might have been tempted by him as the eventual replacement for Virgil van Dijk, but then Huijsen was unlikely to turn down Real, having already elected to represent Spain over his birth nation, the Netherlands.

The 20-year-old is a class act. It is very unusual for such a young centre-back to be so assured and mature. My suspicion has always been that he will be an enduring world star if he steers clear of major injuries.

Trent grabbed much more attention in the short term, but Dean is more likely to be the long-term superstar Galactico in Madrid.

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We asked for your views on whether Manchester United should do business before the first of the two summer transfer windows shuts on Tuesday at 19:00 BST

Here are some of your comments:

Christine: I am sure every United fan would want the Bryan Mbeumo transfer to be finalised by the end of deadline day.

Dale: I do not understand any desire to get business done before the deadline unless you are heading off to the Club World Cup competition? What am I missing?

Aniedi: Just complete the Mbeumo deal for now. Then use the next couple of weeks, before the market opens again, to work on getting rid of the bad apples within the team.

Graham: United need to get the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony sold and put the money to good use. And don't be held to ransom by clubs like Brentford. Chelsea and Manchester City pay about half the price for decent players. Just walk away. The contract negotiators have been inadequate for a long time. The wages should be performance-based.

Anon: While we all recognise the need to strengthen the team, the financial limitations and mistakes of the past hopefully mean we will be more disciplined in our approach. Of course, you would like to embed new players as early as possible, but more importantly, we should get the right players at the right price, regardless of this mini transfer window.

Scott: If we can get Mbeumo over the line without Spurs hijacking the deal, I'd consider that a good initial window. But that's not the last business I want us to do before the window closes for the second time.

Today is the first of two transfer deadline days this summer as the window shuts for seven days before reopening on 16 June.

In a change to the summer transfer window norm, it opened early to allow clubs involved in the Fifa Club World Cup 10 days to sign players for inclusion in the competition.

Whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

And keep up to date with all the latest news, views and transfers for your club

Tottenham have stepped up their interest in Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, while Manchester United also remain admirers of the 25-year-old Ghana forward. (Sky Sports), external

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

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The Devils' Advocate podcast has landed.

This week's episode is all about transfers, as BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath question why the Bryan Mbeumo deal isn't done yet and discuss whether Viktor Gyokeres could be the answer to United's goalscoring troubles.

Plus, do you know which league Manchester United currently top?

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Manchester United have announced their retained list for the upcoming 2025-26 season, with Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof among those leaving with their contracts coming to an end.

Eriksen scored in his final official appearance by converting a penalty in a 2-0 win against Aston Villa and the Denmark midfielder leaves having appeared 108 times for the club.

Evans and Lindelof also featured in that game, bringing up their 284th and 241st appearances, respectively. Sweden defender Lindelof represented United for eight years while Evans leaves as the most decorated amongst the three, having won three Premier League titles and numerous other major honours.

Tom Heaton is also among the players listed for free transfer, though the club is still in talks with the goalkeeper over a potential new deal to keep him in the squad for the 2025-26 season.

Finally, academy players Hubert Graczyk, Jack Kingdon, Sam Murray, Tom Myles, James Nolan, and Tom Wooster will be released this summer.

It is not just at the top of the Premier League where American ownership has a foothold in English football.

Twenty years on from the Glazer takeover of Manchester United, one third of the 72 EFL clubs now have either majority or minority US backers.

In a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Kelly Cates is joined by a group of experts to investigate whether this trend is likely to continue.

Listen on BBC Sounds

On Tuesday, the first of two summer transfer windows will come to a close.

So, do you expect business to be done at Manchester United before the deadline? Do you want players to come in or exit? If so, what or who do you think is needed?

Let us know

Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, 22, says he is not thinking about leaving Manchester United, despite being linked with a move to Inter Milan. (Talksport, external)

Meanwhile, United winger Jadon Sancho, 25, is one player among several who Al-Hilal are considering signing this summer. (Foot Mercato - in French, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United are prepared to make what they privately describe as "disciplined investment" in Ruben Amorim's squad to deliver demanded improvement next season.

United released their third quarter financial statement on Friday.

It included a £20m reduction in wages compared to the same point in 2024, part of which is due to a redundancy programme that will eventually see around 450 staff members losing their jobs. That contributed to a small operating profit of £700,000, compared to a loss of £66.2m 12 months ago.

There was also a £2.7m "exceptional costs" payment, which the club say is related to the exits of some senior leaders.

Total revenue for the nine months to 31 March is £502.3m, down just over 3%.

Borrowings, excluding the amount owed in transfer fees, is £691m.

The reduction in costs is significant because, as minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously pledged, it creates space to invest in the first team.

United sources say the figures prove "difficult decisions" around staffing are now starting to bear fruit and that wage reduction, plus other savings, allow for "disciplined investment" in Amorim's squad. They say the club is committed to complying with the Premier League and Uefa's financial rules.

The club, who have missed out on European qualification for only the second time since English clubs returned following the Uefa ban in 1990, have already agreed a deal to sign Wolves forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m. Negotiations with Brentford are also continuing over Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo.

After their worst domestic performance since the 1973-74 relegation season, United chief executive Omar Berrada is demanding immediate improvement.

"We had a difficult season in the Premier League, which we all know fell below our standards," he said. "We have a clear expectation of improvement next season."

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Is Bruno Fernandes staying at Manchester United the best decision for the club?

One United supporter, Nick, believes there are positives and negatives to the captain staying at Old Trafford.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester's Total Sport programme, he said: "I'm on the fence a little bit with this. There are two sides to it.

"There's a good side where I think he is the nucleus of the team. Replacing what he does on and off the pitch would be very tricky and expensive. He's just had one of his best seasons at the club and he's hard to replace.

"I have to caveat that by asking where he fits in the system. When will we get that money again? Will we stay as the Bruno team? They are things we have to consider."

You can listen to the full chat where a number of Man Utd fans give their opinion on the Fernandes situation here

Sporting's 27-year-old Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres is open to reuniting with former manager Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. (Talksport, external)

Brentford have rejected Manchester United's first bid for Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo. The Bees want more than £60m for the 25-year-old. (Independent, external)

Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag is monitoring the situation surrounding Antony, who he brought to Old Trafford after working with the winger at Ajax. (Sky Germany, external)

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

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United are in talks to sign Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo after submitting a bid of £45m and £10m in add-ons.

Despite that opening bid no agreement has been reached between the two clubs.

United are confident they can complete a deal to sign Cameroon international Mbeumo, 25, who scored 20 times for the Bees in the league last season, after receiving indications they are his first choice for a move this summer.

It is understood there is no release clause in Mbeumo's contract, which still has a year left to run, although there is the option to extend it by another year.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has already agreed a deal with United and will complete his move to Old Trafford once his international commitments with Brazil are over.

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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes the club must have the "best stadium in the world" as they continue to plan a new ground.

United plan to build a £2bn, 100,000-seater stadium close to Old Trafford, with the club's current home likely to be demolished.

Neville was part of the task force set up as part of the planning and development of this new stadium.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Neville admitted he believes the plans are "critical" for the club.

He said: "It's exciting, but there was still a lot to do when we handed back to the football club.

"I know the ownership are committed, they know they have to develop a new Old Trafford.

"I'm hopeful, I know it's still a few years off but it's something I feel is absolutely critical. Manchester United must have the best stadium in the world and the best training ground in the world, I'm adamant of that.

"The unpredictable side of football is winning. You ultimately try to win as much as you can, but other clubs have a say in that. You have control of the stadium and the training ground."

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

As the dust settles on the 2024-25 Premier League season, we have been taking a look at some of the alternative ways the the table could have finished...

It is the table no-one wants to be top of.

While some fans will feel pretty comfortable when their team goes in front, for others, it is just the start of what could prove to be an emotional rollercoaster.

The fans who had to suffer the disappointment of wondering 'what might have been' most were those of Tottenham.

If the Premier League season had come down to which side lost the most points from winning positions then Spurs would have been top of the pile.

There were 22 occasions in which Ange Postecoglou's team were in front, but they went on to win only half of those, with four ending in draws and seven in defeat.

While 'Ange-ball' provides entertainment, as shown in the Europa League final, if the Spurs boss had adapted on a few more occasions, they might have found themselves celebrating a more successful league campaign than one that left them a place above the relegation zone.

For Fulham fans, it was hard to know whether they were coming or going.

While they were one of the 'comeback kings' having picked up 21 points from losing positions, they also dropped 28 points from winning ones.

Rather than consistent inconsistency, boss Marco Silva will be hoping for less of a rollercoaster next campaign if they want to achieve their European dream.

There were not a lot occasions in which relegated Southampton and Ipswich were in front, but when they were, they struggled to see them through. The 28 and 27 points lost respectively could have been the difference-makers in the fight to stay up.

At the other end of the scale, Newcastle supporters could often sit comfortably in the knowledge that when they went in front, they were unlikely to see any other result at the end.

In fact, of the 23 games in which they were in a winning position, they drew twice and lost just once - a confidence they will hope to take into the Champions League next season too.

Much was said of Chelsea's questionable defensive abilities and the maturity of such a young side. But despite this, they too were a team regularly able to see out a game they were leading - winning 20 of the 26 such occasions.

Two perhaps more surprising additions at this end of the table are relegated Leicester City and a Manchester United side who set unwanted club records for the season.

While there were not many occasions when the two sides were in a leading position - 10 for Leicester and 16 for United - between them they lost just three times and dropped only 10 and 11 points restrictively.

Some solace for supporters in otherwise underwhelming campaigns.

*Table data from Football365

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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As ever with these situations, Manchester United can draw a positive out of a negative.

They felt earlier last week it was coming towards the end game in their pursuit of Delap, and it was between them and Chelsea. Now they know they have lost out.

The positive is, with the decision made, they can move on. That is in stark contrast to 2022, when then manager Erik ten Hag delayed for months in a fruitless attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong and United ended up panicking at the end of the transfer window and spent £150m on Casemiro and Antony.

But that does not answer the pertinent question: who now?

Delap fitted their template of an improving, hungry young player, with scope to reach a high standard - at a set fee.

Rasmus Hojlund - who is four days younger than Delap - fitted the same criteria, apart from the last one. And it has not worked out.

Nothing I have seen on their post-season trip to Asia makes me feel United have the answer to their goalscoring issues within the club. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

The 'safe' but expensive options are Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta. But Mateta is 27 and Mbeumo will be at the Africa Cup of Nations for a month with Cameroon.

After that, it is a risk.

Former United striker Danny Welbeck scored 10 goals in the Premier League at the age of 34. Is there any merit in bringing him back and taking some of the pressure off Hojlund - or has Ruben Amorim concluded the 22-year-old Denmark international will never be good enough?

If so, it is back to Europe to sign another promising forward with no guarantee it will work.

Aston Villa have become the latest club to show an interest in signing England winger Jadon Sancho, 25, from Manchester United following his loan at Chelsea. (Teamtalk, external)

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

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Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, 25, is hoping for wages of £250,000 a week - five times his current wage - if he joins Manchester United. (Times - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho could be heading to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr all interested in the United winger. (Mirror), external

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

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes turned down a huge offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal because he wants to continue "to play at the highest possible level" and in "major competitions".

It was expected Al-Hilal were prepared to offer between £80m and £100m to sign the 30-year-old in time for this month's Club World Cup, and to more than double his Old Trafford salary.

Fernandes says he spoke to the Saudi club's president, who then "waited for me to think about my future".

Speaking before Portugal face Germany in the Nations League semi-finals on Wednesday, the United skipper said: "I talked to the gaffer [Ruben Amorim] and he asked me not to go.

"Manchester United said they didn't want to sell me. They said if I wanted to go I could, but they didn't need the money."

Fernandes admitted a potential switch would have been "easy" because there are several Portuguese players already in the Saudi Pro League.

But he added: "I want to play at the highest possible level. I want to play in major competitions.

"I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most."