United held

United were denied victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium courtesy of a stoppage-time stunner from substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Bryan Mbeumo fired United into the lead with a superb finish just after the interval. Yet, for reasons unclear, the Red Devils withdrew into their shell and permitted Everton to seize the initiative.

Everton finally got their reward in the 83rd minute when Tyrique George thundered an effort beyond Senne Lammens.

Benjamin Sesko’s maiden goal of the campaign seemed destined to be the winner, but United were dealt a sucker punch when Maitland-Niles arrowed an unstoppable effort into the top corner from outside the box.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Carrick admitted that he was disappointed with his players’ failure to see the game out.

Carrick however pointed to a rare silver lining: United showed attacking intent and were perhaps unlucky not to register more goals.

But the worrying thing for most fans is just how leaky United have proven in these opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign.

Concerning stat

United’s campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Hull City, but they responded emphatically by coming from behind to beat Ipswich Town 5-2. Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Everton continued their mixed start

OptaJoe highlight: “For just the second time in the last 50 years, Manchester United have conceded 2+ goals in each of their first three games of a league season.”

2 – For just the second time in the last 50 years, Manchester United have conceded 2+ goals in each of their first three games of a league season, along with 2020-21.

Leaky. pic.twitter.com/B2Dk6Ioxkq

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 6, 2026

The other time this happened was in 2020/21 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The decision not to reinforce the defence during the summer window has left United with little room for manoeuvre. Carrick and his coaching staff must now look within the squad for answers, lest their progress be derailed

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Special story

Sabah have taken the football world by storm with their meteoric rise. Founded as recently as 2017, the club will this season fulfil the dream of playing in the Champions League.

And no one personifies the club’s remarkable journey more than their manager, whose own rise from obscurity to the Champions League is the stuff of fairytales.

Dambrauskas famously appeared on ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ in 2002 and it was his winnings from that show that enabled him to pursue the improbable ambition of a career in football management.

He didn’thave a football career and was only a student when he appeared on Lithuania’s version of the popular show. He walked away with 4,000 Lithuanian litas, which he used to bankroll a move to England. He studied Sports Science and Coaching at London Metropolitan University and in the process, worked with several youth academies and set-ups including United, Brentford and Fulham.

He then took over at Kingsbury London Tigers down in the ninth tier and did well there before heading back to Lithuania to coach the youth set-up.

The 49-year-old enjoyed trophy-laden spells in Latvia, Bulgaria and Croatia, yet it is at Sabah where he has made his biggest mark. Appointed last summer, he wasted no time in delivering the club’s first league crown as part of a domestic double.

Sabah were just the only one of 28 teams that entered in the first qualifying round to survive all four stages and reach the league phase of the Champions League.

He will be hoping to add another chapter to this fairytale when his side visits Old Trafford this week.

Dambrauskas spoke to the BBC and reflected on his story and the upcoming chance to test himself against Michael Carrick’s men.

Sabah boss speaks

He said about facing United, “This is beyond my imagination. To go through that tunnel on to that pitch.”

“I’ve been many times to Old Trafford with the kids, and now I’m going to come as a coach.”

Asked about turning out for “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, he answered, “This is so long ago. A back-in-the-year story that really was forgotten. And now suddenly everybody is speaking about this.”

“Everybody now takes only this part, you know, about the money. But yes, it is a true story. My idea was somehow I will try to go on these [coaching] courses to gain the coaching badge, maybe go back one day to Lithuania and start to work as a football coach.”

He said of being part of Manchester United Soccer Schools in 2004, “That was the best thing that could happen in my life.”

“I went through three or four interviews. I will be forever grateful to [Foundation chief executive] John Shiels, the way he gave me this chance, because I didn’t have experience.”

“I’d never been in a place with so many great personalities as I got in the Manchester United Soccer Schools.”

He revealed the immense challenge of balancing multiple jobs, raising a family, and chasing his football dream all at once.

United vs. Sabah kicks off at 8 pm.

Featured image by Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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Defensive woes

United have conceded six goals in just three games this season and have managed only three clean sheets in their last 14 outings. Their defensive numbers are, quite simply, disappointing.

The attack continues to produce, yet a leaking defence undermines that effort.

What is particularly frustrating is that the backline United have fielded in the last two games is the very one Erik ten Hag left behind.

If neither Ten Hag nor Ruben Amorim could win anything with a back four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw, it raises the question of how Michael Carrick expects a different outcome.

It is time, therefore, to rethink United’s back four, and legendary former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has already given Carrick one non-negotiable for his selection.

Rio Ferdinand: Yoro and Heaven need to be trusted

Ferdinand wants either Leny Yoro or Ayden Heaven trusted as a first-choice starter.

Explaining why, and pushing especially for Heaven’s inclusion, he said on his YouTube page:

“Yoro, I thought he would be a bit further ahead than he is now; he’s taken a little bit longer to push up that ceiling and fulfil that potential. I think it’s still going to come, but I think it’s been slower than anticipated, 100%.

“Heaven, I think he could play now, but the manager’s making a choice and decision, and he wants to go with what he’s got. But I would always have one of those two in the backline just for pace at this level, 100%.”

Fast, agile and technically gifted, the duo certainly merit consideration, and Heaven in particular demonstrated as much during pre-season.

It remains unfortunate that Carrick appears reluctant to trust him, repeatedly overlooking his claims for a starting berth.

Hopefully, despite a less than convincing performance against Hull City, he will still be given his chance.

As for Yoro, his development has not gone entirely to plan. He is now being tried at right-back, and it remains to be seen whether that experiment unlocks his potential.

Ultimately, though, if Yoro and Heaven are to be the future of United’s backline, both need to be trusted with a key role.

Featured image by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

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Manchester United were interested in Mohamed Kader Meite at the beginning of the year, but Al-Hilal pipped them to his signature in January. The Red Devils have targeted talented young players with a high ceiling of late and the Ivorian fits the bill.

Meite’s progress through the ranks at Rennes was rapid and he ultimately broke into the senior side in 2024. He was quite impressive for the French side, prompting United to enter the race at the turn of the year, but their pursuit ultimately ended in disappointment.

The Premier League giants were also in the market for a new striker this summer, but ended up without reinforcing the position. United were considering a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who was heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford, but ultimately ended up staying.

While their plans failed to materialise, it appears that the Red Devils have retained their interest in Meite.

United retain Meite interest

According to TEAMtalk, United have retained their interest in Meite after eyeing him this summer. The report states: “Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, made enquiries about striking starlet Mohamed Kader Meite before the transfer deadline, with their interest in the France Under-21s star still active, TEAMtalk understands.”

The report confirms that even though the Ivorian joined Al-Hilal in January, the Red Devils maintained contact with the player, adding: “TEAMtalk sources can confirm that United maintained contact over the striker, while several other Premier League clubs were alerted to his potential availability this summer.”

Meite was reportedly ready to move back to Europe this summer, although the Saudi side refused to let him go. The report continues: “TEAMtalk understands Meite himself was considering a return to Europe this summer, with intermediaries exploring potential opportunities after his move to Saudi Arabia.”

“However, Al-Hilal’s stance ultimately proved decisive, with the club unwilling to entertain approaches this summer, despite the level of Premier League interest.”

Al-Hilal yet to make Meite decision

Al-Hilal are already convinced of Meite’s potential, although his stay in the Middle East is not set in stone. The Saudi side are all set to welcome former Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes in a senior sporting role this year.

The Scot will be tasked with assessing the Ivorian’s situation and making a decision on his future. TEAMtalk concludes: “TEAMtalk understands Hughes will be tasked with assessing Meite’s long-term future and deciding whether the teenager is ultimately part of the club’s plans in Saudi Arabia or whether a route back to European football should be explored.”

Mohamed Kader Meite Stats: 2026/26 Season

The 6’4” striker knows his way to goal, is blessed with blistering pace, and is very good at finding free space in the final third. Meite is also excellent in the air, can shield the ball and is technically sound, qualities that have endeared him to the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Final Thoughts

Meite is exactly the kind of player United should be targeting at the moment. While INEOS narrowly missed out on the Ivorian earlier this year, they could have a chance to secure his services in 2027.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 6/10
Why?

Reported by Graeme Bailey, who has a decent United track record.
United were previously linked with the player in January.
No official confirmation from the club regarding a move.

TPP view
We believe it is quite likely that Meite will be among the players currently being monitored by United. However, it is too early to suggest that the Red Devils will move for the player next year.

Featured image by Yasser Bakhsh via Getty Images

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Overy leaves

The Perth-born Overy signed for United in 2024 after impressing the club’s scouts. Overy has been in the Australia national team set-up, although he was not selected for the World Cup this summer.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United will not bank any initial money from parting ways with Overy.

United have, however, included several safeguards in the deal that will see them profit handsomely from any future sale.

The Red Devils released a statement which reads, “Academy defender James Overy has agreed a move to Australian side Sydney FC, subject to registration.”

“The versatile full-back will return to his homeland ahead of the new A-League season, which starts in October.”

Academy full-back James Overy has agreed a move to Sydney FC.

Thank you and good luck for your return to Australia, James

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 6, 2026

“Everybody at Manchester United would like to wish James the best for the next step in his career.”

Overy reacts

Reacting to his switch to Sydney FC, Overy confessed that leaving United was tough but he is prepared for the next chapter in his career.

He remarked, “I grew up with those boys, from sixteen to eighteen.”

“It is pretty emotional – it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and you have to almost let go of that United dream in a way, but I’m ready to start my professional career, I’m ready to start playing games and I’m so excited to be here.”

He revealed that he spoke to Darren Fletcher before the decision was made to depart Old Trafford.

“I think I squeezed everything I could out of it. On and off the pitch I learnt so much. You train with the best players in the world every single day, so I learnt so much, and I think it was time.”

United are next in action on Thursday when they face Sabah in their Champions League opener.

Featured image Tim Warner via Getty Images

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History maker

Fernandes enjoyed a magical 2025/26 season, playing a leading role as United finished third and secured Champions League football after a two-year absence.

The Portugal international broke the all-time record for Premier League assists, setting up 21 goals to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Fernandes also found the back of the net nine times.

He scooped up United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year prize for an unprecedented fifth time and was also named the FWA’s Footballer of the Year in May.

Last month, Fernandes won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award for the very first time. Even more significantly, the award was voted for by his fellow players in the division.

Bruno Fernandes is the PFA Players’ Player of the Year

Voted for by the players. pic.twitter.com/CPkxcnVNVY

— PFA (@PFA) August 25, 2026

Fernandes made the Team of the Year and he’s carried that form straight into the new season, banging in a sensational hat-trick in United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich

Now, Sam Cohen reveals that the United ace is a contender to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Fernandes in line for glory

According to Cohen on X, “EXCLUSIVE: Bruno Fernandes is set to be named among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or.”

“The Manchester United captain will feature on the shortlist, which is officially revealed tomorrow.”

EXCLUSIVE: Bruno Fernandes is set to be named among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or.

The Manchester United captain will feature on the shortlist, which is officially revealed tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/fSnXLS53Pd

— Sam C (@SamC_reports) September 7, 2026

Whether Fernandes ultimately clinches the award is a debate for another day but the nomination itself is yet another feather in his cap as his career continues to ascend.

The 31-year-old and his teammates return to action on Thursday when they face Sabah in their Champions League opener.

Featured image by Michael Regan via Getty Images

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Konde interest

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumed operational control of United in 2024, the club has placed greater emphasis on signing relatively unknown gems who can be nurtured to potentially become world-class.

United have intensified their scouring of the domestic market in recent months, with the club showing no hesitation in snapping up promising talents from their fiercest competitors.

It was recently indicated that United had successfully lured David Eze away from Manchester City. In July, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils were working on a deal for Konde.

While Konde primarily operates on the left flank in attack, he is equally effective on the opposite wing. A product of Liverpool’s academy, he will now take the next step in his promising career at United, where he will be hoping to break into the first team.

Romano has revealed that United have secured Konde’s services.

Konde latest

The Italian journalist wrote on X, “Manchester United have completed deal to sign 16-year-old midfielder Isaac Konde from Liverpool.”

“Here we go!”

“All set for Manchester United move as formal steps have been completed in the last 24 hours.

Manchester United have completed deal to sign 16-year-old midfielder Isaac Konde from Liverpool, here we go!

All set for #MUFC move as formal steps have been completed in the last 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/JoYA8BcjNF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2026

How Konde adapts to life at Old Trafford will be one of the talking points of the season, especially given the superb impression he made at Liverpool, which is the very reason United came calling.

The teenager is likely to be initially integrated into the Under-18 setup under the tutelage of Darren Fletcher. Should he perform to the required standard, he will be earmarked for promotion through the age-group pathway.

Meanwhile, United return to action on Thursday when they face Sabah in their Champions League opener.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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In 14 matches, the Red Devils have managed just three. For silverware ambitions, that record falls well short.

An ambitious team must become hard to break down, but this 2026-27 United side looks worryingly porous. Conceding six goals across three recent games only underlines how far they remain from genuine glory.

Relying on a back four that was never good enough

Michael Carrick now finds himself leaning on the same back four that Erik ten Hag once trusted. Years after the Dutch tactician’s departure, and after Ruben Amorim has come and gone, the familiar quartet of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot continues to start.

Against Ipswich and then Everton, Carrick fielded exactly that combination. The numbers that have surfaced when they play together prove damning. The four have lined up together on 12 occasions and kept a clean sheet on only four.

That statistic alone suggests the unit is not reliable enough.

Carrick should rethink his back four

Carrick must now show boldness and rethink his defensive approach. He already possesses other stronger options in Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and, once fit again, Matthijs de Ligt.

Mixing these players with the four into a more formidable back four should become a priority.

Heaven impressed throughout pre-season, emerging as one of the standout performers match after match.

Mazraoui impressed at left-back for Morocco during the World Cup, delivering consistent high-level displays that regularly drew praise.

Yoro is not a right-back, and he deserves regular starts ahead of Maguire at central defence. United signed the Frenchman with the clear intention of developing him into an elite centre-back; continuing to handle him as they currently do risks preventing that progression entirely.

Ultimately, Carrick must find a way to stop his team leaking goals and start collecting clean sheets. He can achieve that, but only if he proves willing to make the tough decisions required over his back four.

Featured image by Michael Regan via Getty Images

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Manchester United’s failure to sign a new left-back this summer has been hotly discussed by fans and pundits alike. The Red Devils focused mostly on the midfield in the recently concluded transfer window, signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.

The English giants also brought in Karl Darlow on a free transfer to strengthen the goalkeeping department, which saw Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir leave on loan. United were heavily linked with several left-backs over the summer, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall reported by many as a priority target.

The 21 year old was touted as a possible long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, who recently turned 31 and has entered the final year of his contract. While the move failed to materialise, the Red Devils are likely to explore a move for the player in 2027.

However, they have now been urged to move for a Bournemouth full-back instead.

United backed to sign Adrien Truffert

Speaking recently on talkSPORT, former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy suggested that Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert could be the best left-back in the country right now. Responding to a fan who praised the Frenchman, Cundy said: “You’re absolutely right – what a baller he is. I think he could be the best left-back in the country right now.”

Fellow pundit Jamie O’Hara argued that Manchester City’s Nico O’Riley and Hall should also be in the conversation for that tag. Cundy responded by tipping Truffert to move to Old Trafford, adding: “By the way, struggled a bit today, Lewis Hall, and I’m a big fan.”

“Listen, Truffert will get a big move, and do you know who should go for him? Man United. I’ve seen him last season. This is not just me picking up for this season. He is a damn good left-back.”

“I’ve seen enough of Truffert in the Premier League last season since Kerkez has gone to Liverpool, I promise you. They [Man United] are after Lewis Hall, but I mean Bournemouth will drive a hard bargain, but Man United need a left-back!”

Truffert’s stellar record last season

Truffert arrived at the Vitality Stadium last summer from Rennes in a reported £14.4 million deal, which soon turned out to be a bargain. Not only did the Frenchman fill the void left by Milos Kerkez, who moved to Liverpool, but he also turned out to be one of the best in his position last campaign.

The 24 year old was the only player to make more than 50 overlapping runs last season, finishing the campaign with one goal and five assists. He also started every game in the Premier League, helping the Cherries qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.

Adrien Truffert Stats: 2025/26 Season

Truffert was the full-back with the most interceptions (48) and tackles (103) last season, while he was also among only three players to win back possession over 100 times (105) in the defensive third. The Frenchman covered 402.59 kilometres last season in the Premier League, with only James Garner and Elliot Anderson managing more in the entire league.

As such, Cundy’s tag does not seem far-fetched at all. United did consider a late move for the player this summer, but it failed to materialise.

Final Thoughts

United missed a trick by failing to sign a new left-back this summer, although it is believed that budgetary constraints played their part in that decision. However, the Red Devils will have the chance to rectify that error in 2027 and should Truffert continue his steady rise, he could be an option for them to consider.

Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images

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Speculation has swirled ever since about his next destination.

Where next for Jadon Sancho?

One report claimed Borussia Dortmund were considering a move to bring him back to the club where he arguably produced his finest football.

Another suggested he had agreed terms to join Jesse Lingard and Memphis Depay in Brazil by signing for Palmeiras.

Beyond those two options, whispers also emerged that UAE second-division side Arabian Falcons wanted to lure him to Dubai.

Yet while those rumours circulated, TeamTalk has now reported a fresh twist.

Two Premier League clubs in the mix

According to the outlet, “Sancho is in talks with at least two Premier League clubs over a potential move, with fresh approaches made for the former Manchester United winger in the last week.”

The teams’ identities, interestingly, remain undisclosed for now. It will prove fascinating to discover exactly which they are.

Sancho never quite rediscovered his best form or justified his £73 million price tag at Old Trafford. After falling out with a former Manchester United manager, he spent the last few seasons out on loan.

He was decent at Chelsea, who even considered a permanent deal, but the winger refused to lower his wage demands. That stance did not sit well at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues ultimately walked away.

Aston Villa then seized the chance to take him on loan, and the 26-year-old spent the 2025-26 season at Villa Park. He proved less prolific there, which may explain why the club has shown no interest in signing him permanently despite his free-agent status.

That said, whether Villa, Chelsea or other sides are now competing for Sancho’s signature, the race to secure the free agent will make compelling viewing.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 5/10
Why?

Free agent Sancho is on the hunt for a new club

The story comes from a source whose track record is not the most reliable

TPP View

With no clear indication of which clubs are supposedly involved, this smells like pure speculation cashing in on Sancho’s free agent status.

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