Manchester United’s difficult start to the new season is likely to see them push for squad reinforcements at the turn of the year. The Red Devils are 13th in the league table after seven games, with just one win to their name.

Michael Carrick is under tremendous pressure after failing to live up to the promise he showed as a caretaker manager. However, the general belief is that the English giants also lack the squad depth required to compete at the highest level.

United’s inability to keep goals out could see them strengthen the backline in January. A new left-back and a new centre-back is expected to be on the agenda, but the team’s unimpressive performances in the final third could also force INEOS to consider attacking reinforcements.

A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that they have their eyes on Atletico Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone to strengthen their frontline.

Simeone just what United need

United’s attack appears to have lost its edge this season, with the team managing just 10 goals in seven Premier League games so far. Five of them were scored against Ipswich Town in the 5-2 victory, and the Red Devils have managed just five goals in the last five league games, failing to win any of them.

Bryan Mbeumo has not been in his element this season, while Amad only just returned from an injury. The English giants have lacked intensity in the final third and this is where someone like Simeone could make a difference.

This season, the 23-year-old has registered two goals and two assists in 12 appearances across competitions.

The Argentine’s experience, relentless running and tenacity could be just what the doctor ordered for Carrick in the middle of the campaign. However, it now appears that securing his services in January may not be possible.

Simeone unlikely to leave in January

According to Football Insider, United will struggle to prise Simeone away from the Metropolitano Stadium in January. The report states: “Manchester United will find it ‘difficult’ to sign Atletico Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.”

“The Red Devils have the 23-year-old on their radar as a potential winter target, but it won’t be easy for them to prise him away from the Spanish capital.”

The report insists that Diego Simeone has no desire to let his son leave Atletico Madrid at the turn of the year. It continues: “Simeone plays under his father Diego at the Wanda Metropolitano, and it is understood that the boss is ‘counting’ on his son moving forward.”

However, the report also adds that the Red Devils have other priorities in the winter transfer window, stating: “Sources say that United’s ‘priority’ for the upcoming window is to strengthen their defence, rather than add any more attacking options.”

Final Thoughts

Simeone’s arrival could improve United’s attack, but all signs indicate that this move is unlikely to materialise. The Red Devils, instead, should focus on Premier League-proven alternatives who can hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 6/10

Why?

Giuliano Simeone has been linked with a move to United in previous reports.
The Argentine remains an important figure for Atletico Madrid.

TPP view

We believe that it is quite unlikely that Simeone will move to Old Trafford in January.

Featured image by Angel Martinez via Getty Images

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Manchester United are really suffering due to their lack of defensive signings in the summer.

Injury woes

United rebuilt their midfield in the summer, bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

Nonetheless, there were no new additions in defence and their lack of numbers is really starting to show.

Michael Carrick confirmed that Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven are not in the squad to face 1907 Como in the Champions League, and Leny Yoro is suspended after his red card in Madrid on matchday two.

This means that Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played since November 2025, are the only two fit senior centre-backs available for the match.

Josh Acheampong interest

One player United have looked at in the past for the centre-back position is Josh Acheampong at Chelsea.

TalkSPORT report that, “sources have told them that Manchester United were among the clubs who made enquiries for Acheampong.”

Nonetheless, the deal did not progress as the London club seem to have no intention of letting the player leave.

In fact, any future move seems highly unlikely as “Chelsea are set to hand defender Josh Acheampong a bumper new contract.”

The 20-year-old has played in six of Chelsea’s seven Premier League matches this season and appears to be a key part of Xabi Alonso’s squad moving forward.

The article asserts, “the Blues rejected offers from clubs in England and Europe in the summer after declaring the England Under-21 star ‘untouchable’.”

His current deal expires in 2029, but he will be offered a much longer contract on improved terms to commit his future to the West London side.

United will take on Como this evening in a must-win Champions League encounter at 17:45 BST.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba’s new career move seems to be gaining momentum.

Post-Old Trafford

Pogba had two spells at Old Trafford between 2009 and 2012, and again from 2016 to 2022.

The 2018 World Cup winner rejoined Juventus as a free agent, but major injury issues and a doping ban ruined his return to Italy.

His suspension was reduced to 18 months after an appeal, and he joined AS Monaco in 2025.

Unfortunately, recurring injury problems ruined his chance of a dream return to European football, and he was released in August.

Future move

Pogba appears determined to continue his football career despite no European teams making a concrete move for him as of yet.

Last month, Pogba was linked with a move to Turkish side Bursaspor, but no transfer has materialised.

TuttoJuve.com have suggested that the Frenchman’s future appears to lie in the United States of America.

The article states, “Paul Pogba could make a fresh start in Major League Soccer.”

Whilst the source admits that “there are currently no concrete negotiations at an advanced stage,” Pogba is certainly of interest to numerous MLS clubs.

It is asserted that, “in recent months, Pogba’s name has been linked with several Major League Soccer clubs. These reportedly include DC United, which is said to have been in contact with the player’s entourage in the past.”

What’s more, “two particularly interesting destinations have also been mentioned: Inter Miami and New York City FC.”

It is asserted that Inter Miami’s global presence and the chance to play with Lionel Messi would also hold appeal. New York’s potential for marketing opportunities is also seen as an attractive option for Pogba.

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia is not seen as a big attraction for Pogba, with the article stating, “this option appears to have lost momentum.”

Featured image Ed Sykes via Getty Images

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Manchester United prepare to take on Como in the Champions League amid a defensive crisis.

United’s leaky defence has kept just one clean sheet in their first 10 games of the season across all competitions.

To make matters worse, Leny Yoro is unavailable for the trip to Italy after being sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid. Luke Shaw and Ayden Heaven are also expected to remain sidelined after missing Sunday’s draw with Leeds United.

As such, United’s makeshift backline could be in for another rough ride against Como, who are known for their attacking style of play.

Severe weather could hamper Como vs. Manchester United

Speaking of a rough ride, UEFA officials may face a major scheduling headache in Lombardy tomorrow.

Manchester United are scheduled to face Como at 5:45pm on Wednesday evening UK time.

However, according to talkSPORT, the Champions League fixture is at risk of being called off and postponed.

BREAKING: Como vs. Manchester United at risk of being called off, due to a severe weather warning. #MUFC https://t.co/ceVhAZ8YfH

— Shaun Irvine (@_shaunirvine) October 20, 2026

Torrential rain could bring disruption to the clash between the two sides, as Lombardy has been issued with an orange warning for rain.

“This is described as a severe warning of dangerous weather and there is a call for vigilance,” the report states. “Rain has fallen throughout Tuesday afternoon and into the evening in northern Italy, and is set to continue until the end of the match on Wednesday.”

Simon Peach of the Press Association has also reported that 64mm of rain is forecast before kick-off.

Furthermore, only one of the four stands at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is covered, meaning fans could encounter very wet conditions.

Carrick looking forward to battle in Como

Michael Carrick is not too worried about the weather, stating: “No, nothing immediate from me, we’re used to the rain. We’ll make the most of it!”

A positive result against the Serie A outfit would certainly ease the pressure on Carrick, but a defeat would raise more question marks over his time at the helm.

Como boss Cesc Fabregas, who has impressed with his philosophy, was asked about possibly landing on United’s list of potential replacements for Carrick.

“As you can imagine I don’t want to answer that. It’s not a nice question,” the former Arsenal midfielder insisted. “It shows a lack of respect for a great player and coach like Michael Carrick and for United as an institution.”

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Manchester United will face Como in the Champions League in a match that could prove pivotal in dictating the direction of their European campaign this season.

The Red Devils currently find themselves 18th in the table after securing a win over Sabah FK, followed by a defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United failed to strengthen their defence

After the 2-0 loss in the Spanish capital, Lisandro Martinez underlined frustrations behind the scenes by criticising United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, for his work in the transfer market.

INEOS headed into the summer fully aware that the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw was the only senior left-back at the club following the departure of Tyrell Malacia.

Yet, Wilcox failed to bring in a left-back and, as everyone expected, with Shaw struggling with injury issues, Michael Carrick finds himself in a precarious position amid United’s disastrous run of form.

Martinez has issued a formal apology for his outburst in Madrid, but it is difficult to disagree with the Argentina international, who remains a key part of the leaky defence, with just one clean sheet to show for this term.

Man United hierarchy acknowledge they made a mistake

According to The i Paper, Manchester United’s hierarchy are already looking at ways to overhaul the squad next summer.

It is understood there is recognition, even among senior figures, that the defence should have been addressed in the summer.

“Everyone at the club, at all levels, recognises United’s hierarchy made a huge misstep in not signing a left-back,” the report states.

Lewis Hall was United’s preferred target for the left-back role, and it is claimed the Red Devils will revisit the deal for the Newcastle United man next summer.

United are also long-term admirers of Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert, but they are set to face plenty of competition for the French full-back’s signature.

Furthermore, INEOS reportedly intend to sign at least one central defensive option and, should Martinez leave, they could sign another.

The club’s recruitment team have already “set the wheels in motion to completely transform the rearguard roster.”

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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Left-back plans

Having prioritised strengthening the midfield department during the summer window, United are expected to turn their attention towards other areas of the pitch in 2027.

United explored a move for Hall but eventually opted out after Newcastle made it clear he was not for sale.

It’s understood that Hall was open to joining Michael Carrick’s ranks. Hall has since signed a new long-term deal with the Magpies. Meanwhile, United’s failure to sign a left-back already looks like a massive mishap, given the glaring issues they are facing in that position.

Luke Shaw has already been sidelined twice this term and now confronts another long spell out. Patrick Dorgu is out too, injured on international duty, while Noussair Mazraoui has been battling his own fitness woes.

Shaw’s contract with United expires in the summer of 2027, and irrespective of whether an extension is offered, there is an acceptance that a younger, more robust and more reliable player is required.

Interest in Hall remains alive, although a recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Newcastle value him at more than €100m.

United are also admirers of Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Now, Football Insider have shared an update on Hall and what he thinks about an Old Trafford transfer, after it collapsed the first time.

Hall to United update

The news outlet claims, “The 22-year-old left-back has been admired by those at Old Trafford for a long time, and understandably so, given his displays for the Magpies.”

“Hall would have joined the Red Devils months ago had it not been for Newcastle’s eye-watering price tag, one which might have only gone up.”

“Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Hall remains interested in a move to Old Trafford, with his stance not changing since the summer.”

Football Insider add that Adrien Truffert of Bournemouth is also an option for the Red Devils but they will not find it easy to sign him, given the competition for his services.

Hall remains the primary target.

Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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Manchester United travel to Italy to face Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Michael Carrick having to deal with a severely depleted squad.

Injury problems mount before Como clash

As relayed by The Peoples Person earlier on Tuesday, Carrick confirmed that Lisandro Martinez will not be involved, Kobbie Mainoo is expected to remain out for around another 10 days and Luke Shaw faces a slightly longer lay-off.

Ayden Heaven missed training through illness, although the young defender could still come into contention if he recovers in time. Marcus Rashford is managing a hip problem and is also likely to be unavailable.

Benjamin Sesko remains absent, while Manuel Ugarte is sidelined with a long-term injury.

There is at least some positive news surrounding Matthijs de Ligt. The Netherlands international has travelled with the squad and Carrick declared him “ready”.

Goalkeeper and defence

Senne Lammens should retain his place in goal.

Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are expected to operate as the two full-backs, although it is difficult to predict which side each player will occupy.

Leny Yoro could move back into central defence. That would provide a more natural option than asking Mazraoui to fill in centrally, as happened following Martinez’s withdrawal at Leeds.

Heaven would also be in the conversation, while Harry Maguire should retain his place.

Midfield

Carrick may move Youri Tielemans into a deeper position alongside Carlos Baleba, with Andrey Santos dropping out of the side after struggling to establish himself.

Tielemans played in a more advanced role against Leeds and registered the assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, but his versatility gives Carrick a route to restoring Bruno Fernandes to his preferred number 10 position.

Baleba should retain his place at the base of the midfield, where his athleticism and ball-winning ability will be especially important against Como.

Attack

Mbeumo has performed well through the middle and is expected to continue as the central striker.

Matheus Cunha could return on the left flank, with Fernandes operating behind Mbeumo. That combination should give United greater mobility around the penalty area while allowing Fernandes to influence the game centrally.

Amad struggled to make an impact against Leeds and may drop to the bench. Mason Mount is the leading candidate to replace him on the right, although Shea Lacey provides Carrick with another attacking option.

Joshua Zirkzee may also get some minutes.

The De Ligt decision

De Ligt’s availability is the most intriguing selection call. Carrick could be tempted to throw an experienced centre-back straight into the side given the number of defensive absentees.

However, starting after 11 months out would carry obvious physical demands. A place among the substitutes, with Yoro partnering Maguire, appears the more measured route.

Final Thoughts

• Heaven and Rashford doubtful
• Martinez out
• Shaw, Mainoo, Sesko and Ugarte remain unavailable
• Amad and Santos could make way for Mount and Cunha.

Featured image by Molly Darlington via Getty Images

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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is poised to reach a landmark club milestone during Wednesday’s clash against Como.

Rashford concerns

There are doubts regarding whether Rashford will be fit and available to Michael Carrick for selection when United come up against Como in the Champions League.

Rashford missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds. Carrick revealed that the forward is dealing with a hip injury, which the club has been managing carefully.

The England international was on the bench at Elland Road but remained an unused substitute despite United needing a goal after the visitors restored parity through Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Earlier today, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Rashford was absent as the United squad participated in a light training session at Carrington. He was not spotted. Other absentees included Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko.

Should Rashford feature against Como, it would mark a special United achievement for him.

Career landmark

United note that last week’s defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium was Rashford’s 49th appearance in the Champions League.

He has played 34 times for United in the European competition. His other 15 appearances came for loan clubs Aston Villa (4) and Barcelona (11).

Should Rashford step onto the pitch, he will draw level with Bill Foulkes and Ronny Johnsen on 35 United matches in the Champions League.

In the 34 Champions League appearances Rashford has made for United, he has notched 12 goals.

According to the statisticians Opta, only Harry Kane (34), Raheem Sterling (20) and United legend Andy Cole (18) have scored more than Rashford’s 17 goals in their opening 50 Champions League appearances among English players.

Como vs. United kicks off at 5.45 pm.

Featured image by Angel Martinez via Getty Images

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Earlier today, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that there were multiple first-team players who missed training at Carrington.

It was indicated that Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko were all not present.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the contest, Carrick shared updates on the mentioned players. He confirmed that Marcus Rashford is indeed managing an injury, while Heaven is sick. The news on Shaw and Mainoo was not that positive, with Carrick indicating that Mainoo is set to be out for slightly over a week and Shaw even longer than that.

Team news

Carrick said when asked for team news, “Bit of a mixed bag, we’ve got quite a few missing. Licha’s is not that bad, but he is not with us.”

“Kobbie, we’re looking at another 10 days or so, and Luke a little bit longer than that.”

“We have a bit of illness and injuries. Ayden is ill. Marcus is still feeling a hip issue that we’re trying to overcome.”

With Shaw out, Carrick was asked whether Harry Amass is in contention for minutes at Como. The United boss answered, “Yeah, for sure, that is why he’s with us, he’s right in contention. At some point players need an opportunity.”

On Sesko, Carrick said, “We’re hoping soon that we have a clear picture. I’m not trying to delay it, hopefully by the end of the week we will have something clearer.”

“There has been some work going on.”

Matthijs de Ligt has travelled with the squad to Italy and will be hoping to get on the pitch after several months away from action.

Carrick said about the Dutch defender, “It’s great to have him back. He’s had such a long journey, 11 months or so. He’s been patient and has worked hard. We’re delighted to have him back, he’s ready.”

Carrick on his role

Asked about his opposite, Como boss Cesc Fabregas, Carrick told reporters, “Yeah, I have huge respect for what Cesc has done here, and the football club, how well they’ve done. As a coach, the way the team is playing.”

“It’s clear he’s got some really good ideas and he’s created a really good team. Huge respect. He was a fantastic player and one of the best I played against.”

Attention then shifted to Carrick himself, who is coming under some scrutiny amidst United’s turbulent start to the new season. Carrick was pressed on Erik ten Hag’s recent scathing remarks about the United hierarchy, but he distanced himself from those words.

“Not for me (red flags); that’s Erik’s opinion, and I don’t really know the details, so it’s totally wrong for me to comment and get involved.”

“As a club, the way we’re working, the results dictate the feeling and the energy, or not so positive, but within our walls as a team, we’re composed but driven. We have to think calmly and direct them in the right way. There are certain conversations we have that we’re really clear about.”

Carrick made it clear that he doesn’t need any guarantees from the board regarding his job security.

“I don’t need any reassurance. It’s pretty clear. I know the role, I know my responsibilities, I don’t need anyone to tell me when it’s going well or when it needs to be better.”

“I know the realities and have no problem with that. I know we got to win football games for everything to flow and fit into place. I feel backed, yeah, why wouldn’t I? I have a really good relationship with everyone at the football club. There are no issues on that side.”

Carrick stressed that he harbours no regrets about United’s failure to sign a left-back in the summer.

“Listen, I think when we have injuries, you can always look at what could have been done and what we could have improved. I spoke to you about making the best of the window and the situation we had.”

“And this man next to us (Santos) was a big part of that and I’m delighted to have him. Pat is injured and it’s just the way it goes sometimes.”

“Toxic culture”

While Ten Hag has described United as “toxic” under its owners, Carrick said that has not been his experience.

“No, I haven’t. I haven’t since I came back. The players, the staff, they’ve given us everything that they could give. Yeah, we’ve had some good performances; we’ve had some performances that we want to do better, we can improve on.”

“We’ve made some mistakes; that’s football, and that’s pushing performance. But I have to say, and I can only repeat what I said the other day, you know, if you haven’t got a good group, the type of performance, I’m not talking about the level, but the type of performance that the boys put into the weekend and showed an athletic effort for a large part, I think, and what the feeling that we have, there’s a lot of togetherness there.”

He added, “There’s a lot of will, there’s a lot of determination to do better and want to do it for each other, which is important. So, in that regard, for us as a group, I couldn’t be happier with the togetherness.”

Carrick conceded that United’s defensive frailties and their failure to keep clean sheets are a genuine problem.

“Yeah, you’re dead right, I can’t argue with that, you know? As a team in general play, not on play, I thought the other day we defended pretty well and didn’t give much away.”

“We know they were a good set-piece team and in the end that made a difference for them. So, there are definitely parts of our game that we have to improve to make things easier, fully aware of that.”

Como vs. United kicks off at 5.45 pm.

Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images

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Como boss Cesc Fabregas issued a telling response when directly asked about speculation that he could be a potential Michael Carrick successor at Manchester United.

Must-win clash

Carrick is facing a pivotal game against Como on Wednesday as pressure mounts on him and his coaching staff.

United are enduring a miserable start to the new season as they languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table. The Red Devils have managed just seven points from their opening seven fixtures, which represents their worst start to a top-flight campaign in 40 years.

United were also beaten 2-0 in the Champions League by Atletico Madrid last week. While there are no immediate plans to replace Carrick, things could change drastically if results and performances do not improve.

United would normally be considered favourites against Como, but this is hardly the case for the current side. Como recorded a comfortable win over RB Leipzig in their inaugural Champions League match and have performed impressively in Serie A this season.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the contest, Fabregas leapt to Carrick’s defence when asked about rumours that he could be on United’s list of potential replacements.

Fabregas responds

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder said when asked about the links, “As you can imagine I don’t want to answer that. It’s not a nice question.”

“It shows a lack of respect for a great player and coach like Michael Carrick and for United as an institution.”

Fabregas refuted any notion that United are a club in crisis.

“In my opinion, there are no crises in football. I’ve never been through a crisis.”

“Every three days there’s a game on, a win to fight for. There’s no time to think about whether there’s a crisis or not. It’s 11 v 11. You look to do your best and try to win.”

“Crises? You make them up. We don’t feel them. We’re footballers. We’re professionals. All we want to do is play and compete. I don’t believe in crises.”

“Man Utd have great players. Tomorrow we’re going to go out there and try to win.”

Como vs. United kicks off at 5.45 pm.

Featured image by Marco Luzzani via Getty Images

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