Manchester United entered the summer transfer window with the aim of overhauling their midfield after having strengthened their attack last year.

INEOS did well to bring in three top-quality, Premier League-proven midfielders to Old Trafford this year, but they neglected the backline, intending to address it properly next summer.

However, with United yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this term, that decision is starting to look worse by the day.

Manchester United targeting three defenders for 2027

Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have received widespread criticism for their approach and refusal to deviate from a predetermined transfer strategy. However, it is claimed that the sporting department continues to work behind the scenes.

According to Theatre of Red’s Shaun Connolly, Manchester United are targeting a trio of new faces in defence, with a new option on “each full-back side, and a further central addition to complement long-term prospects Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.”

Lewis Hall has signed a new long-term deal at Newcastle United, but INEOS reportedly retain their desire to sign the 22-year-old left-back, and “one source has maintained internal confidence in a deal.”

United are also thought to be eyeing Tyrick Mitchell, who is viewed as a viable alternative to Hall, given his Crystal Palace contract is due to expire at the end of the season, though Palace have the option to extend it for an additional 12 months.

Manchester United admire Wesley

For the right flank, United have “earmarked several potential names” domestically and on the continent.

It is reported that Brazilian star Wesley has “gained many admirers at Carrington, particularly in Michael Sansoni’s department.”

The 23-year-old right-back, who plays for AS Roma, has been described as a classic wing-back who “embodies much of the flamboyant ethos and cavalier mentality of many of the great United full-backs of old.”

Wesley scored five goals in 30 Serie A appearances last term and has an assist to his name this season.

At the heart of the defence, Wilcox and company want to bring in someone who can hit the ground running, having closely monitored names like Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Murillo of Nottingham Forest.

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The former United captain ultimately selected the Brazilian ahead of Angel Di Maria, with The Athletic FC via Metro detailing his assessment of the club’s recruitment over the past 13 years.

United’s post-Ferguson recruitment record

United have conducted extensive transfer business while trying to return to the heights reached under Ferguson, who ended his celebrated managerial reign in 2013.

Neville believes very few arrivals during the subsequent period can be considered unequivocal successes. He identified Bruno Fernandes as the outstanding exception, arguing that the midfielder is worth more now than when United bought him.

The former right-back remains an outspoken observer of events at Old Trafford. TPP recently covered Neville’s fierce criticism of United following their 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Why Neville chose Antony over Di Maria

Di Maria was Neville’s first thought when he was asked to identify the club’s worst signing of the post-Ferguson period.

Neville told The Athletic FC: “Di Maria was a bad one and I was so excited about him, by the way. I thought that was an amazing signing.”

He added: “Can get from box to box, he’s quick, quality and then obviously he just didn’t adapt, didn’t settle. All those reasons. That was a bad one.”

Marouane Fellaini was also suggested, but Neville rejected his inclusion because the Belgian gave everything during his time at the club and did not command the same level of expenditure.

Cost ultimately pushed Antony to the top of Neville’s list. He said: “When you’re looking at massive outlays, Antony. This is not a criticism of the boy, it’s reflective of United that they paid that money for him after panicking.”

Neville concluded: “I would say Antony and Di Maria. I’d have to say Antony.”

Antony and Di Maria’s Old Trafford returns

Antony cost United £82 million but scored only 12 times in 96 appearances while operating predominantly from the right flank.

Di Maria arrived from Real Madrid in 2014 for just under £60 million amid considerable excitement. The Argentina international registered four goals in 32 appearances across all competitions.

His stay lasted only one season before he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, making his expensive and short-lived spell one of the clearest symbols of United’s recruitment problems during the era Neville was assessing.

Neville was more encouraged by the club’s 2025 intake. He believes Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens have settled, while Benjamin Sesko could yet do the same.

He described that group as the first recruitment cycle for a United manager that has appeared to work since Ferguson’s departure, offering a more positive contrast to the Antony and Di Maria deals.

Final Thoughts

• Neville selected Antony as United’s worst post-Ferguson signing.
• Angel Di Maria was the other leading candidate.
• Antony cost £82 million and scored 12 goals in 96 games.
• Neville praised the impact of several 2025 arrivals.

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A left-back signing is expected to top the agenda at Old Trafford in 2027.

Manchester United identified this as an area to strengthen last summer; however, after completing the midfield overhaul, INEOS could not proceed with a marquee left-back signing.

While this is expected to be revisited next year, the Red Devils may no longer be able to return for their top target, Lewis Hall.

Hall has just committed to a new deal at St James’ Park and has declared his allegiance to Newcastle United, admitting he sees himself there for a long time.

Tyrick Mitchell emerges as the Red Devils’ top left-back target

Consequently, United have now found themselves strongly linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s
Tyrick Mitchell.

Indeed, Mitchell’s quality, Premier League experience, and the realisation that his deal at Selhurst Park expires next summer must have appealed to INEOS.

However, as the 20-time English champions strategically position themselves to strike a bargain deal for the Englishman, an interesting update has emerged.

Palace react to interest in Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace, as per Football Insider, are now set to try to secure Mitchell’s future at the club quickly.

They report: “Crystal Palace are accelerating plans to tie Tyrick Mitchell down to a new long-term contract.”

They explain: “Palace chairman Steve Parish recently confessed there are “one or two” players the club are keen to tie down, and sources have indicated Mitchell is first in line.”

As a result, it seems the persistent links to United, and suggestions that the full-back would jump at the chance of moving to Old Trafford, must have spooked the Eagles.

Even so, who knows? Mitchell could turn down a new deal to keep hopes of a move to United alive.

Yet, even then, it may not prove a straightforward transfer for the Red Devils, as Palace hold an option to extend Mitchell’s current deal by one more year.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?

Backs up reports that Palace plan to open contract talks

Source is not the most reliable

TPP View

Palace were never going to let Mitchell leave without trying to renew his contract; it was always expected.

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The left-back position has been the biggest concern for Michael Carrick at the start of the season.

Luke Shaw has struggled to remain fit, having already missed the Manchester derby, and Patrick Dorgu has appeared reckless in possession.

Regardless, after Shaw, Dorgu, who likes to maraud forward, is the only senior player at Carrick’s disposal who could be considered a natural left-back and has looked more comfortable out wide on the left than the versatile Noussair Mazraoui.

Patrick Dorgu joins injury list

Now, things might get even trickier for Carrick as Patrick Dorgu has suffered an injury setback.

Dorgu started for Denmark against Wolves for their Group D clash in the Nations League on Sunday.

However, the young Dane was substituted for his side less than half an hour into the fixture with a suspected hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old went down holding the back of his thigh before limping off alongside a national team staff member. He was replaced by Mohammed Daramy.

Patrick Dorgu has been subbed off after just 29 minutes against Wales due to an injury. pic.twitter.com/hcahoammT5

— utdreport (@utdreport) September 27, 2026

This would be a major setback for United and Dorgu in particular, as he looked very promising for his country during the international break. Earlier this week against Norway, he created the most chances (3) in the game.

Bruno Fernandes managing complicated injury problem

Carrick might also be forced to deal with the fitness issues of Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko in October.

Sesko withdrew from the Slovenia squad due to a recurring shin injury.

Meanwhile, Fernandes started in Portugal’s first game against Wales in the Nations League and lasted until stoppage time before being replaced by Joao Neves.

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus described the hip injury as a “worrying one” before revealing that the attacking midfielder has been playing with that pain for around three matches. He will not face Norway.

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Manchester United Women secured their second win of the week and first in the league this season, as they defeated West Ham United 2-1 at the Progress with Unity Stadium.

First half

United got off to the perfect start when Norwegian striker Elisabeth Terland headed in Anna Sandberg’s corner after nine minutes.

Hanna Lundkvist was the next to challenge the Hammers’ goal, but her effort was eventually dealt with by the keeper.

Ella Toone was next to test Picaud-Inconnu in the visitors’ goal after running free in the middle of the pitch, but her long-distance effort was stopped.

Lundkvist almost scored again just before the end of the half when her header was terrifically deflected over the crossbar.

Second half

Medina has started her career in Manchester wonderfully, and she was inches from scoring her first goal after just 30 seconds of the restart, but her effort crashed against the crossbar.

Jess Park continued to pile on United’s pressure, but her volleyed strike went just wide.

Estelle Cascarino had her side’s first effort on target when her long-distance strike was well stopped by Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Medina finally got her reward when she cut inside and rifled the ball into the top corner to give United a cushion.

Rebeca Bernal scored two goals in the Players’ Cup during the week and almost added her third for the club, but her effort was well blocked. Lundkvist also had a shot well stopped by the Hammers’ defence.

Viviane Asseyi added a late consolation goal for West Ham from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute, but United held on for the win.

The Red Devils are now up to ninth in the table but are still five points from the Champions League spots.

Eva Olid’s side will next be in action away to Durham on Wednesday night in the Players’ Cup.
featured image

Featured image by Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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They are not just keen to build a formidable Manchester United side for now with Premier League-proven talent such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, but also want to sustain those levels for years to come with talent from Carrington.

In recent months, the Red Devils have captured exciting talent including Karim Cassim from Manchester City, Isaac Konde from Liverpool, David Eze from Manchester City, Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur and Manuel Appiah Boakye from Leicester.

Louis Page could have followed Boakye from the King Power Stadium to Old Trafford, but the move failed to materialise.

Even so, a move for Page may be revisited, though he is not the only exciting talent INEOS are currently eyeing.

Jerayno Schaken eyed

The Red Devils are also said to be closely following Feyenoord’s Jerayno Schaken.

Schaken is tipped for a breakout season after making his first-team debut, scoring five minutes into his Eredivisie debut for Feyenoord.

That goal makes him the youngest player to score on his Eredivisie debut.
But it is not just about his record. Schaken also represents the kind of traditional winger who has become a rarity in the modern game: a technically gifted talent who owns the touchline and has an eye for a pass.

 

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Man United not alone in Schaken chase

While the Red Devils carry out their due diligence before a potential move, On The Minute are now reporting on the battle they could face.

They claim, “Hull City are following Jerayno Schaken’s development at Feyenoord.”

Explaining, “Hull are keeping tabs on the youngster. Chelsea and Manchester United have previously been linked with an interest, placing the Tigers alongside heavyweight competition.”

This revelation should certainly nudge the 20-time English champions to show their hand in the Schaken chase.

Surely INEOS are wise enough not to let such a talent join a rival for peanuts, only to end up paying over the odds for his services down the line.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?

Fits INEOS’ transfer policy of signing young, exciting talent

No reports Feyenoord have been approached over Schaken

TPP view

INEOS’ pursuit of top young prospects makes Schaken a natural name to surface on their radar, and it is no surprise a player breaking Eredivisie records has also caught Hull City’s eye.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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Manchester United failed to make any attacking additions to their squad this summer, but it now appears that this was not for a lack of trying. The Red Devils entered the transfer window with a view to bolstering their midfield following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury.

The English giants signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba to address the situation. However, United were also expected to add more creativity to their squad, especially with Bruno Fernandes already on the wrong side of 30.

Among the players linked with the Red Devils for the job was Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez. Unfortunately, a move never materialised and the Spaniard ended up staying at Camp Nou.

A fresh update has emerged that has provided an insight into the transfer saga.

Fermin Lopez turned down United this summer

According to TEAMtalk, Lopez turned down United, Arsenal, and Chelsea this summer. The report states: “Spanish star Fermin Lopez rejected interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.”

The report confirms that the Red Devils held talks regarding a move for the Spanish forward early in the summer, adding: “TEAMtalk can confirm that early in the summer, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd all held conversations regarding Lopez, with intermediaries believing a deal could potentially be there to be done.”

“We understand Lopez’s camp were assessing the options available to the 23-year-old and, as part of that process, contact was made with other clubs. However, Barcelona always insisted they remained believers in Lopez and head coach Hansi Flick has underlined that the midfielder is viewed as a huge part of their future plans.”

“That stance has now been justified, with Lopez emerging as an increasingly important player and both he and Barcelona ultimately deciding against a possible move away from the club.”

Fermin Lopez Stats: 2026/27 Season

Lopez could be key to United’s Olmo pursuit

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that United have been offered the chance to sign Dani Olmo in January. The Spaniard is also highly rated in the European circle and could add creativity and trickery to the Red Devils’ attack.

It now appears that Lopez could be a deciding factor in the Premier League giants’ pursuit of Olmo. TEAMtalk continues: “We can also confirm that part of Barcelona’s reasoning behind potentially listening to interest in Dani Olmo is their belief that they would not necessarily need to sign a replacement because of Lopez.”

“The Catalan giants see Lopez as capable of filling an important role within their squad, further underlining why they were reluctant to lose him despite the interest from Premier League clubs.”

Final Thoughts

Lopez has been on fire this season, and all signs suggest that United’s luck in their pursuit of the Spaniard is unlikely to change. As such, the Red Devils should consider alternative targets for the job, including Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.

Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images

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Heading into last summer, it was the worst-kept secret in football that United would overhaul their midfield.

There was a need to find a Casemiro replacement, while also finding strong partners for Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park.

Aurélien Tchouaméni was one of the Red Devils’ dream targets, but when a move for him proved tricky, it was suggested that the 20-time English champions turn to his compatriot, Koné.

A top midfield target

Koné was one of Europe’s top midfield performers last season, and he then went on to perfectly replace Tchouaméni in France’s engine room, dropping masterclasses at the World Cup, further opening many eyes to his brilliance.

He was then heavily tipped to leave Roma, with United as his likeliest destination.

However, United ended up signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, signings that blocked a potential move for the 25-year-old.

He therefore stayed, and has made a strong start to the season with a 7.3 rating from five Serie A appearances and two goals.

What is needed to prise Koné away from the Stadio Olimpico

Roma know his stay was down to fortune, and it is only a matter of time before another top club presses hard to land him.

Fresh enquiries are anticipated, with Gazzetta dello Sport now claiming: “While last summer, the Giallorossi repelled Chelsea’s bid for nearly €60 million (and even before that, Atlético Madrid’s bid for €45 million plus bonuses), now they’re looking at €100 million. Crazy? Not so much.”

While Koné was an exciting target for INEOS, such a hefty asking price makes a return unlikely.

But never say never; he could yet prove too good for the 20-time English champions to ignore, forcing them to reconsider their plans and splash the cash to bring him to M16.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?

Kone was among Man United’s top midfield targets

A swoop now looks unlikely after United’s successful midfield rebuild

TPP view

Kone is one of Europe’s most exciting midfield talents, and Roma were always set to demand a fortune for their prized asset if they kept him last summer.

Featured image Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images

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Manchester United’s slow start to the season has already ignited talk of possible reinforcements in the winter transfer window. The Red Devils focused entirely on midfield in the summer transfer window and ran out of time and resources to strengthen other areas of the pitch.

The English giants are a little short at left-back, having failed to reinforce the position this year. United would prefer a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, with Patrick Dorgu failing to impress in the role.

While the left-back area could be of interest for INEOS at the turn of the year, they could also be tempted to invest in the attack. The Red Devils wanted a new left-forward this summer, but could not get their top targets after Marcus Rashford’s proposed move to Barcelona broke down.

With the Englishman failing to register a goal or an assist so far, the Premier League giants could revisit the position in January. It now appears that they have already identified a possible candidate for the job.

United locked in battle for Kevin Schade

According to Caught Offside, United are ready to battle Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Brentford forward Kevin Schade. In his column for the news outlet, journalist Mark Brus wrote: “Manchester United could about to get involved in the Kevin Schade transfer saga amid growing uncertainty over his Brentford future.”

“There’s been talk of Brentford trying to convince star player Kevin Schade to sign a new contract after his fine start to the season, but my understanding is that initial contacts earlier in the season have not progressed anywhere meaningful.”

“Sources with ties to the agents industry tell me that Schade is likely to be one to watch in the winter window, even if Brentford are eager to keep hold of the Germany international.”

Schade is under contract until 2028, so a cut-priced move could be possible if he does not renew by January.

Who is Kevin Schade?

Schade rose through the ranks at Freiburg before establishing himself with the senior side. The German forward’s performances with the Bundesliga side caught the attention of Brentford, who signed him initially on a six-month loan in January 2023.

Schade managed to impress the Bees, who made his stay permanent at the end of the season. The 24-year-old has been heavily involved since and has also enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign.

Schade has registered three goals in six appearances for the London club this season, all but one of which have been starts.

Kevin Schade Stats: 2026/27 Season

Schade’s devastating speed makes him an attractive option for the Red Devils, while his versatility could also be an added bonus. The player has ample experience of operating in the Premier League, making him an almost perfect profile for INEOS to consider.

Final Thoughts

United have a good opportunity to rectify their transfer errors from the summer in January, and Schade ticks a lot of boxes. The German could also be a solid replacement for Rashford, whose future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 4/10
Why?

Caught Offside does not have a good track record when it comes to United news.
Kevin Schade has not been linked with United by any top-tier outlet

TPP view
While Schade has been impressive for Brentford, it might be too soon to suggest that United are willing to battle Arsenal and Liverpool for the German in January.

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Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes’ creative mastery has been unparalleled since his arrival at Old Trafford in January 2020. The Portuguese maestro has been a menace for the opposition and the darling of the Old Trafford faithful so far.

His ability to split up the opposition has already seen him gather widespread acclaim, but Fernandes hit an upper gear last season. The 32-year-old broke a Premier League record that had stood for over two decades, surpassing both Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne to register 21 league assists last campaign.

Having subsequently picked up the Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Player of the Year and the FWA Player of the Year awards, Fernandes has earned the right to be named among the best the league has seen. The Portuguese’s consistency has been one of his strongest assets, as he has maintained his high standards over the years.

A recent stat now further justifies the player’s place among the finest creators in Europe.

Fernandes among Europe’s best creators

According to Squawka, only Lamine Yamal has created more big chances than Fernandes in Europe’s top five leagues since the 2023/24 season. The Spanish sensation has created 76 big chances in 107 games so far, five more than the United skipper, who has 71 in 111 games.

The Portuguese Magnifico is the only current Premier League player to make the top five in the list, with ex-Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah finishing in fifth. The Egyptian, who left Liverpool this summer to move to Trabzonspor, has created 60 big chances in 97 games.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is ninth in the list, having created 48 big chances in 96 games. Chelsea star Cole Palmer completes the top ten, also registering 48 big chances in 102 games.

Fernandes’ stats from this season

Fernandes has endured a mixed start to the new campaign, in which he has registered four goals and one assist in seven games across all competitions. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus recently revealed that the player has been playing through injury in the last three games, further raising concern among fans.

While Fernandes has not been his prolific self in recent games, he has still registered some impressive numbers. According to FotMob, the 32-year-old has created 13 chances in the Premier League, the same as Marcus Rashford, with only Pascal Gross (15) and Morgan Gibbs-White (14) having more.

The Portuguese, however, is lagging behind in big chances, having created just one so far, with his teammates Matheus Cunha (3) and Bryan Mbeumo (2), managing more. Fernandes has also hit the woodwork twice, the joint-most in the English top flight.

The Portuguese, however, is in the final 12 months of his contract, adding to speculation over his future. The Red Devils are already locked in talks over a new deal, and also have the option of an additional year.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2026/27 Season

Final Thoughts

Fernandes remains a key figure for United and the recent reports of his injury will certainly concern supporters. The Red Devils, however, will hope that the Portuguese can recover in time when club football resumes next month.

The most big chances created in Europe's top five leagues since 2023/24. https://t.co/YkNgkhzzTB pic.twitter.com/4z0AR8iORR

— Squawka (@Squawka) September 26, 2026

Featured image by Michael Regan via Getty Images

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