Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford may be forced to remain patient before earning his first start at this World Cup.

According to the Daily Mail, Rashford is “managing a niggle” and could once again be restricted to a substitute role when the Three Lions face Ghana in their second group-stage fixture on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old entered the pitch in the 72nd minute against Croatia as a replacement for Anthony Gordon.

He wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring England’s fourth goal in a thrilling 4-2 victory.

Rashford reportedly felt something in his glute area and he did not feature when England beat Sporting Kansas City 5-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday.

The United academy graduate is currently expected to return to Old Trafford once the tournament concludes.

Barcelona opted against activating the £26m purchase option in his loan agreement despite the forward enjoying a highly successful season with the club.

Rashford produced 14 goals and 14 assists for the Spanish champions as they cruised to another La Liga title.

His impressive campaign enhanced his reputation, but it was not enough to convince Barcelona to make the move permanent.

It was recently revealed that he has a £40m clause in his contract at the Red Devils.

Upon returning to Old Trafford, Rashford’s salary is expected to rise to around £320,000 per week.

INEOS have worked aggressively to lower the wage bill and create a more sustainable financial model.

Reintegrating Rashford into the first-team squad on those terms would be viewed internally as a significant setback.

United will be hoping Rashford enjoys a successful tournament to encourage potential suitors to pursue a permanent transfer rather than another temporary loan deal.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have a big decision to make over the future of one of their academy stars.

According to The Sun, Harry Amass wants to head back out on loan next season.

Amass is eager to secure regular playing time in the second tier again next term.

The report also claims that senior figures at United have not ruled out keeping him as direct competition for Luke Shaw at left-back.

The 19-year-old made his senior debut for the Red Devils under former head coach Ruben Amorim in 2025.

He made a total of seven appearances before United sent him on loan to Sheffield Wednesday at the start of the 2025-26 season.

Despite the club enduring a difficult season on and off the pitch, Amass quickly established himself as an impressive attacking wing-back.

His performances attracted attention and convinced United that he was ready for an even bigger challenge.

The club recalled him in January before arranging a second loan spell with Norwich City for the remainder of the season.

The talented defender made just one appearance before suffering a serious hamstring injury that ended his campaign.

Unfortunately, his time at Carrow Road was cut short almost immediately.

Amass currently has one year remaining on his United contract, although the club retain the option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months.

Ideally, the Red Devils would like to secure his long-term future before sanctioning another temporary move away from the club.

The teenager believes he needs regular first-team football to continue his development.

However, there is also a realistic possibility that manager Michael Carrick could offer him opportunities in the first team next season.

United will return to the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence and squad depth will become more important than ever.

Luke Shaw started every Premier League game last season, but expecting him to maintain that workload across multiple competitions would be risky.

Amass will have a golden opportunity to stake his claim during pre-season.

If he can impress Carrick and his coaching staff, the need for another loan spell could disappear altogether.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United will launch their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a trip to the MKM Stadium to face newly promoted Hull City.

The Red Devils will then bring the curtain down on the season at Old Trafford against Fulham on May 30, 2027.

After securing a third-place finish last season, expectations surrounding manager Michael Carrick and his squad have risen dramatically.

According to Opta, United have been handed the most favourable opening five fixtures of any Premier League club.

Here we take a closer look at how many points Man United could pick up from their first five games.

August 

22: Hull City (A)

29: Ipswich Town (H)

September

5: Everton (A)

12: Manchester City (H)

19: Fulham (A)

Hull City and Ipswich Town are both expected to face a difficult battle for survival in their first season back in the Premier League.

For both clubs, simply reaching the 40-point mark and avoiding relegation will likely represent success.

United should view those opening two fixtures as must-win encounters.

Anything less than six points could immediately place unwanted pressure on Carrick and his players.

Trips to Everton and Fulham could be tricky.

David Moyes is an experienced manager who will ensure Everton are organised and difficult to break down.

However, United should possess enough quality to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium with all three points, just as they did last season.

The Red Devils have won eight of their last nine visits to Craven Cottage.

Dropping points in that fixture could ultimately prove costly when every point matters in the race for major honours.

Carrick must make the most of pre-season and ensure his team are ready to collect 12 points from those four games.

The first Manchester Derby of the season is sandwiched between the trips to Everton and Fulham.

Man City have been the best English team over the past decade, courtesy of Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard will no longer be in the dugout for City, with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca expected to replace him.

The derby could provide an early indication of the balance of power in Manchester.

Much may depend on how both clubs strengthen during the summer transfer window.

If INEOS can successfully solve United’s midfield issues and provide Carrick with a stronger squad, there is every reason to believe the Red Devils can secure another memorable victory over their city rivals.

15 points from 5 games could be a dream start for Carrick.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United are ‘bidding hard’ to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes ahead of Real Madrid, according to Spanish outlet AS (page 22).

The Red Devils are poised to reinforce their midfield department with multiple signings. They have already secured a deal to land Atalanta ace Ederson.

Fernandes is the next target for the Mancunian giants, and talks are already underway with the Hammers to reach a suitable agreement for the Portuguese.

AS today report that Madrid manager Jose Mourinho sees Fernandes as the icing on the cake, but Los Blancos face a huge obstacle in the form of United this summer.

The Red Devils are ‘bidding hard’ for the Sporting CP graduate, and super-agent Jorge Mendes could be a key catalyst in bringing the 21-year-old to Old Trafford.

Mendes has represented Mourinho for the past two decades, but also has a ‘very good’ relationship with United, having recently brought in Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte.

Man Utd have an edge over Madrid in Fernandes pursuit

West Ham recruited the 21-year-old from Southampton for around £40 million last summer. He had a good individual season despite their relegation to the Championship.

The former Saints man made 10 goal contributions from 42 appearances. He won an impressive six duels per game, while registering three tackles and five recoveries on average.

He had a good passing accuracy of 87 percent, given that the Hammers were among the lower possession-based clubs. His distribution should improve at a more possession-based outfit.

United seem determined to bring him to Old Trafford, and the player has likewise clarified his stance. He is reportedly ‘giving his priority‘ to the club despite interest from elsewhere.

Madrid have made a late entry in the race with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez proving expensive, but United currently have the upper hand with the midfielder holding out to join them.

Tottenham have recently entered the pursuit too, but their disappointing league campaign (17th), combined with the lack of Champions League football, should not appeal to the player.

United still have no plans of meeting the reported price tag of £85 million. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to practically restructure the deal to include performance add-ons.

With current inflation in the transfer market amid the World Cup, we believe a package of around £60m upfront, with add-ons, would represent a good package to land Fernandes.

United believe they have time on their hands due to the player’s stance. The Red Devils should still seek to secure a suitable deal in time for Fernandes to report for the start of pre-season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United now know exactly what lies ahead after the release of the 2026-27 Premier League fixture list.

The Red Devils will kick off the new campaign with a trip to the MKM Stadium to face Championship play-off winners Hull City on August 22.

Their final league assignment of the season will come at Old Trafford against Fulham on May 30, 2027.

The upcoming campaign will also mark the first full Premier League season of the Michael Carrick era.

After securing a third-place finish last season, expectations around Old Trafford have risen significantly.

You can view the complete Premier League fixture list here.

Opening Five Fixtures

August

22: Hull City (A)

29: Ipswich Town (H)

September

5: Everton (A)

12: Manchester City (H)

19: Fulham (A)

United’s first home game of the campaign will see newly promoted Ipswich Town make the journey to Old Trafford.

Trips to Everton and Fulham will be sandwiched around the first Manchester Derby of the season in September.

Both Manchester City and Fulham will enter the campaign under new management following the departures of Pep Guardiola and Marco Silva.

On paper, Carrick and his men will have a genuine opportunity to make a fast start and establish themselves near the top of the table.

Key fixtures

The first Manchester Derby comes early in the season but the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium on March 20 could carry enormous significance.

Should both clubs find themselves involved in a title race, the result may have a huge impact on the destination of the Premier League trophy.

United’s meetings with Liverpool are scheduled close together. The Red Devils will travel to Anfield on November 21 before welcoming their fiercest rivals to Old Trafford on January 23.

The short gap between those fixtures means any player suffering a medium-term injury could realistically miss both encounters.

United will travel to the Emirates Stadium on December 19 to face the reigning Premier League champions. The festive period offers little room for rest.

The reverse fixture at Old Trafford is scheduled for February 27 and could be another major title-race showdown.

United will host Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day before beginning 2027 with a difficult away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Christmas and New Year schedule could prove crucial in shaping the final league table.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have identified Mateus Fernandes as one of the centrepieces of their midfield rebuild this summer.

West Ham United are demanding £80 million to sanction his sale, but INEOS have no intention of meeting that valuation.

The Athletic revealed yesterday that Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign Fernandes, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi pushing to get the deal done.

There are four key reasons why United fans should not be worried about Tottenham hijacking this transfer.

The lure of Champions League

United are back in the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence, while Tottenham Hotspur will be without any European football next season.

At 21, Fernandes will naturally want to test himself against the very best players in world football.

He has earned a cap for Portugal but missed out on the World Cup squad due to the extraordinary depth of talent available to the national team.

If he wants to establish himself as a regular international, competing in elite European competitions for elite clubs will be essential.

Fear of another relegation battle

Fernandes has already endured more than his fair share of disappointment early in his career.

The midfielder suffered relegation in consecutive seasons, first with Southampton and then with West Ham.

Tottenham have finished 17th in the Premier League in back-to-back seasons.

Had it not been for De Zerbi, Spurs could have been preparing for the Championship right now.

Fernandes deserves to play for a club with higher ambitions.

Realistic chances of major honours

Tottenham may have lifted the Europa League recently, but United appear better positioned to challenge consistently for the biggest trophies.

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League last season and showed clear signs of progress under manager Michael Carrick.

With both Liverpool and Manchester City entering new managerial eras, the competitive landscape is shifting.

Arsenal remain the benchmark, but United have a realistic opportunity to close the gap if they recruit effectively this summer.

For a player eager to win major honours, Old Trafford represents an extremely attractive destination.

The Bruno Fernandes effect

Mateus considers Bruno Fernandes one of his footballing idols. Few opportunities would be more appealing than learning directly from the player he has admired for years.

The United skipper also reportedly wants the youngster to play for the Red Devils.

Arsenal and Real Madrid are also interested in the West Ham star but he favours a move to Old Trafford.

Given the options available to him, it would be unrealistic to imagine him turning down United, Arsenal and Real Madrid in favour of Spurs.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford continues to prioritise a return to Barcelona this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo (page 17).

The England international spent the previous campaign on loan with the Catalan giants. He fared impressively with 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

Despite this, the Blaugrana did not trigger the £26 million buy clause at their disposal. That option expired on June 15, and Barcelona now need to renegotiate terms with United.

Rashford currently has a £40m release clause for other clubs excluding Manchester City and Liverpool, but the 28-year-old still believes Barcelona will return for his services.

The United graduate feels Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick is ‘counting on him’, and he is prepared to wait until the back end of the transfer window to decide on his future.

Rashford has not ruled out joining another club if Barcelona snub him.

United should keep Rashford if Barcelona can’t strike a deal

The Englishman had a superb season with the La Liga holders, with 28 goal contributions, and has carried over the form into the World Cup, scoring in the 4-2 win over Croatia.

Rashford is enjoying one of the best phases in his career, but this has not convinced Barcelona yet.

The Blaugrana recently signed Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon to reinforce their left wing. They are now prioritising a marquee striker, with Atletico’s Julian Alvarez at the top of the list.

A fresh approach for Rashford may only happen after an elite striker is secured. United, on their part, are unlikely to accept £26m to part ways with their graduate after his seasonal exploits.

If Barcelona are reluctant to pay more, there could be some English clubs interested. Aston Villa, Newcastle United and even rivals Arsenal could emerge as a realistic destination.

However, we believe United should hold on to Rashford if Barcelona can’t strike a deal.

United need a solid competitor to Matheus Cunha on the left wing. Patrick Dorgu has impressed in phases, but the Dane is not a specialist in the role and lacks sufficient creativity.

Rashford would provide an immediate and much-needed upgrade without any outlay. United manager Michael Carrick has already opened the door to reintegrating him in the squad.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Tottenham Hotspur have joined Manchester United in the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to The Athletic.

Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi admires Fernandes and is pushing for his signature.

Tottenham’s interest in the Portuguese is separate from their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Man United lead the race for Fernandes

United have made Fernandes their ‘leading target‘ after concluding a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson.

The young midfielder has also been linked with Real Madrid and Arsenal this summer, but he prefers to join the Red Devils.

Man United have already held talks with Fernandes’ representatives and West Ham, but are reluctant to pay his £80 million valuation.

With Fernandes preferring a move to United, the Hammers could eventually reduce their asking price for the Portugal international.

The East London side need to raise £150m this summer following their relegation to the Championship. Fernandes is one of their most valuable assets.

The 21-year-old impressed for West Ham last season, recording five goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

Fernandes offers physical presence in midfield, excelling in duels and recovering possession. His strength also allows him to evade pressure and carry the ball into advanced areas.

The former Southampton star also stands out in possession with his progressive passing ability, making him an all-round midfielder.

Fernandes would form a perfect combination with Kobbie Mainoo in manager Michael Carrick’s two-man central midfield pairing.

Meanwhile, United are already lining up alternative targets should they miss out on the Sporting CP academy graduate.

Fulham’s Sander Berge is being considered, while Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba remains on their radar after a failed pursuit last summer.

Stats from transfermarkt.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Former Newcastle United star Jermaine Jenas has backed Lewis Hall to join Manchester United from the Magpies this summer.

The Red Devils are planning to recruit a ‘dynamic‘ left-back to compete with Luke Shaw next season.

Hall has emerged as the number one target, and it has been reported that he could be prised away for around £50 million.

In an interview with 10bet, Jenas has now endorsed the prospective move and believes it would be a huge step in the right direction for Hall.

He said: “I think it’s a great move for him. I really do. He’s had a fantastic couple of years at Newcastle.

“For a club like Manchester United to come in for him is a huge step in the right direction – not only for United, because he’s just consistent week-in, week-out, but it’s also a big loss for Newcastle.”

Hall would be an ideal successor to Shaw

Shaw had a fantastic 2025/26 season with United. The Englishman stayed unscathed for the entire campaign and started every Premier League game despite the change of managers.

His current deal expires in June next year, but discussions are underway over a contract renewal. United have told the 30-year-old to accept a pay cut, which he is most likely to oblige.

Regardless, United need to plan for the future. Shaw will turn 31 next month, and the club ideally need a young left-back who can provide the right balance in attack and defence.

Patrick Dorgu was brought in as a potential deputy, but the Dane has looked defensively vulnerable with his positioning and looks more adept operating as a wide attacking player.

With his emergence as a left winger, the priority could be placed on pursuing a deal for Hall.

The 21-year-old started only 24 league games for the Magpies last term, but fared relatively well.

He won five duels per league appearance with two tackles and almost five recoveries.

Hall managed only two goal contributions, but impressed with his overlapping runs. At 21, he has yet to enter the prime of his career and could prove a fabulous long-term signing for United.

The Chelsea graduate could start as Shaw’s understudy at the club, with a rotational starting role. He could eventually displace his compatriot to become an undisputed starter at left-back.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United have informed left-back Luke Shaw that he will have to take a pay cut to sign a new contract, according to The Sun.

The England international has had his injury troubles during his time at United, but he stayed unscathed throughout the 2025/26 season.

Shaw started all 38 league matches and therefore became only the fifth United outfield player to achieve that feat in the Premier League era.

The 30-year-old’s contract expires in June next year, and the club’s hierarchy now want him to accept a salary reduction to prolong his stay.

Shaw earns £200,000 per week and will need to lower his wages for a renewal, with United already planning for a new long-term left-back.

Shaw likely to accept pay cut at United

The Southampton graduate has missed over 200 matches during his Red Devils career due to injuries, but he continues to remain a key player at the club.

This was evidenced by him being an undisputed starter last term. Patrick Dorgu, who is the deputy left-back, had to operate as a wide attacking player under manager Michael Carrick earlier this year.

Dorgu showed his potential higher up the field, and reports claim that United are planning for a ‘dynamic‘ left-back due to the Dane’s emergence as a forward.

In our view, the club could pursue a deal for Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. Sporting CP’s Maxi Araujo could be a surprise option due to his attacking traits.

Regardless, the Red Devils will want to keep Shaw in their ranks for at least the next two seasons.

Harry Maguire accepted a pay cut to pen a new contract until June 2027 with an option for another year.

Shaw, described as ‘world-class‘ by former United manager Ruben Amorim, could accept a similar reduction to extend his stay, as no European club is likely to match his present wages, given his age.

A lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League could provide him a bigger payday, but there is no indication that the Englishman is considering such a prospect.

Stats from Transfermarkt

Article written by Sri Aswin .