Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the truth about rumours linking Manchester United with Barcelona midfielder Gavi. The Red Devils remain in the market for a new midfielder, despite signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans last month.

The English giants are looking to offset the departure of Casemiro, who parted ways with the club as a free agent at the end of his contract. The Brazilian was outstanding last season, playing a major role in United’s third-placed finish in the Premier League.

Understandably, the Red Devils want to ensure that the five-time Champions League winner is not missed at Old Trafford. Santos and Tielemans have been brought in to strengthen the midfield department, but Manuel Ugarte’s unfortunate injury has further complicated matters.

The Uruguayan ruptured his ACL at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is expected to be sidelined for a while. As such, a third midfielder remains on the agenda, and United have subsequently been linked with several candidates for the job.

Among their long-term targets is Barcelona prodigy Gavi, whose future at Camp Nou has been subject to speculation of late.

One of Barcelona’s brightest stars

Gavi is a product of the fabled La Masia and remains highly regarded at Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder broke into the senior side in 2021 as a teenager and was soon earmarked as a future club captain.

While the player’s career has been marred by injuries so far, his stock remains high. Last season, the 22 year old registered one assist in 13 appearances across competitions.

Gavi Stats: 2025/26 Season

Over the summer, Gavi won the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain, but his future at Camp Nou remains unclear following the club’s recent acquisition of Rodri. With the young midfielder already struggling for game time under Hansi Flick, he could further drop down the pecking order in the 2026/27 season.

The situation has added to speculation regarding Gavi’s next move, prompting Romano to provide an update on the matter.

Gavi unlikely to join United

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that Gavi is unlikely to leave Barcelona any time soon. He said: “Gavi will not be leaving Barcelona. That is absolutely impossible. Barcelona are more than satisfied with Gavi, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Barcelona and Gavi began discussing a new contract in the coming months.”

While addressing the player’s links to United and talk of a possible €55 million move, Romano added: “All of this is nonsense and completely untrue; Gavi is staying.”

The reputed journalist also reiterated that Rodri’s arrival will have no bearing on the young midfielder’s future, concluding: “Rodri’s move to Barcelona is simply excellent news for Gavi; their relationship is excellent. Rodri’s move does not in any way imply that Gavi wants to leave.”

Final Thoughts

There are no doubts about Gavi’s qualities, but his recent injury woes do add a degree of risk to any potential move. Perhaps United are better advised to target Premier League-proven midfielders instead of the young Spaniard.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 9/10
Why?

Reported by a tier-one journalist with a strong Manchester United track record.
No strong links with Gavi in recent weeks.
No official confirmation from club.

TPP view
We believe Romano is right that it’s highly unlikely that United are pursuing a move for Gavi at the moment.

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He explained that the Red Devils’ midfield transfer activity may depend on market opportunities. In other words, if no strong option emerges, the club will stick with the current squad.

These revelations must leave United fans worried that, just as last season, the club’s decision-makers will once again overlook an obvious transfer need yet still expect a top campaign.

Postponed midfielder transfer plans

Heading into last season, everyone knew former United head coach Ruben Amorim wanted a ground-eating midfielder.

After missing out on top target Carlos Baleba, however, United’s chiefs chose not to pursue an alternative. Most expected them to revisit the transfer this summer.

Analysing the squad since then, though, it became clear that the club needed more than one midfield reinforcement. With Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte clearly no longer viewed as the Brazilian‘s long-term replacement, United needed to sign their successors in a double deal, while also finally landing the midfielder they missed out on last summer.

In Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, the club has arguably already replaced Casemiro and Ugarte. The 20-time English champions now need to sign that one remaining midfielder, the very player they failed to sign last summer, to complete their midfield rebuild.

The Mason Mount option

Some have suggested Mason Mount could fill that gap. Shifting him from an attacking role into central midfield would introduce a fresh option in the engine room.

Mount deputised for Casemiro last season against Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion, then carried that form into pre-season, where he dazzled alongside Santos. This certainly suggests a future for the former Chelsea man in midfield.

Yet the biggest question over the Englishman has never been ability; it has always been availability. Injuries have repeatedly disrupted his United career, leaving him fit only in short bursts.

He enjoyed a strong pre-season and looked set for a transformative 2026-27 campaign. Then, just 20 minutes into the friendly against Paris Saint-Germain, Mount came off. Reports initially framed the substitution as pure precaution, suggesting the technical bench simply refused to risk him continuing.

More than a week later, however, and three days into the new season, Mount has still not returned to training.

Reports now suggest he has picked up a knock, and it would not be surprising if the absence stretches into weeks or even months.

Ultimately, this latest setback should serve as a clear reminder: United cannot rely on Mount as their third midfield option.

All eyes on Ineos

That third midfielder needs to be signed, and Mount’s injury provides the perfect justification to push hard for a signing while the transfer window remains open.

If the club’s leadership truly shares the ambition and believes this squad must chase glory, they need to prove it with action. Their shifting transfer plans, first recognising the need for three midfield additions, then behaving as though two will somehow suffice, already leave many questioning their true ambitions for this team.

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Michael Carrick is still sweating on Mason Mount’s fitness as Manchester United prepare for the season opener against Hull City this weekend.

Midfield Minefield

Heading into the summer transfer window, the Red Devils’ priority was a major revamp in midfield, with the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the only fit midfielder in Carrick’s engine room.

£85 million has been spent to sign Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. But the club remain on the hunt for a third option to bolster the squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.

However, Mount emerged as one of the early bright spots during pre-season when deployed in a deeper position by Carrick. Most often played as an attacking midfielder or on the wing throughout his career, the 27-year-old was outstanding in friendlies against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid in a double pivot alongside Santos.

This has led to suggestions he could function as the ‘third’ member of Carrick’s new-look midfield, particularly as Shea Lacey also impressed in the No. 10 role in Bruno Fernandes’ absence.

Unfortunately, as has been a constant problem since arriving at Old Trafford from Chelsea for fifty-five million pounds in 2023, Mount was forced off the pitch against Paris Saint-Germain with an injury. It was initially said to be precautionary, but the Portsmouth native has not played since, missing both the Leeds United and AC Milan matches.

Still not in training

With the new season less than five days away from kicking off, this absence looks set to continue after the club released an official update from Carrington today, revealing Mount was still not in training.

“There was no Mason Mount, after he picked up a knock in the clash with Paris Saint-Germain,” the report stated, though Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt were both noted to be present after their long-term absences.

“Benjamin Šeško was present, which is a welcome sight as he has not played since being injured in the home win over Liverpool on 3 May. The Slovenia striker enjoyed a promising first season with the Reds and will hopefully be available soon for selection.

“Matthijs de Ligt was also with the group as the Dutch defender continues his progress in recovering from a back problem.”

It looks unlikely Mount will make the matchday squad for the trip to Hull, let alone start alongside Santos as had been anticipated a few weeks ago. In his place, Tielemans is expected to make his competitive debut in a red shirt.

Final Thoughts

There can be little surprise Mount has suffered another injury setback as Manchester United prepare to start the new season. If anything, the only surprise should be INEOS’s decision to be seemingly reliant upon him as a key part of Carrick’s midfield – as his absence has proven.

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Analysing the business done so far and what is still needed, it is clear that two key transfers are required before deadline day.

Left-back transfer need

United need to pursue a capable deputy for Luke Shaw. Given how packed United’s fixture list is, the Englishman cannot play every game as he did last season; he will need breathers to maintain his fitness and form.

Lewis Hall remains the dream target, but this transfer will be hard to pull off, as Newcastle United do not want to sell. Ineos will therefore have to consider the alternatives.

Beyond a left-back signing, a midfielder signing is needed.

Need for a defensive midfielder

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans undoubtedly raise the team’s technical ability, yet there are concerns when they play as a pivot, or when one of them lines up alongside Kobbie Mainoo in that role.

With them anchoring midfield, United lack raw physical dominance, a weakness laid bare against AC Milan. As a result, this midfield is crying out for a player who can inject athleticism and aerial authority.

Finding such a midfielder this close to deadline day will prove tricky.

In fact, unlike the left-back search, this deal now looks set to hinge on opportunity in the market. Looking at what is available, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams could represent exactly that.

The United States international is not the most prolific, but he fits the destroyer profile this United team needs.

If United were to go for him, the transfer probably would not make headlines, yet Adams, as he once hinted himself, could be everything a top team’s midfield needs to function at its best.

Liverpool transfer battle looming

Links to his services have kept surfacing, and now a top United source, Dylan McBennett, has warned INEOS that they must act on this transfer or risk their arch-rivals Liverpool beating them to the deal.

He wrote on X:
“Understand Tyler Adams has interest from Manchester United and Liverpool before the window ends as both clubs look to plug gaps in the middle of the park.”

Adams’ elite tackling, relentless pressing, and brilliant positional awareness could bring real balance to United’s engine room.

Liverpool, however, may see the same qualities and feel they are what Andoni Iraola’s engine room is craving.

In the end, this could come down to whichever club moves quickest to strike a deal and wrap things up before the other pounces. Hopefully, that will be United.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?

Reported by a journalist with a decent record on Manchester United news

Follows reports that United are eyeing opportunistic midfield deals

No club-to-club contact has been opened over a transfer

TPP View

As tricky as the midfield market looks, we believe a decent player like Tyler Adams could well be under consideration for top clubs. In the end, though, it will come down to who is ready to take a gamble on him.

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Future settled

A week ago, Depay took to social media and blasted Corinthians after they made a drastic U-turn on offering him a new deal.

Depay officially entered free agency at the start of the month when his terms with the Brazilian club expired. Discussions had been ongoing, but an outstanding debt owed to the player made negotiations fragile. Despite that, there remained genuine optimism that a deal could be struck, and everything suggested he would remain in Brazil.

Then Corinthians issued a shock statement announcing they would not keep Depay due to his unrealistic demands. Corinthians even thanked the ex-United star for his services, bidding him farewell.

Depay responded by describing the club’s actions as “unacceptable” and indicating his intention to seek remedy for what he perceived as unjust treatment.

Now, it has been confirmed that the Dutchman is poised to stay, with an agreement now in place.

Fresh twist

According to ESPN Brasil, Depay has agreed to waive about R$21m (£2.9m) from R$75m (£10.6m) owed to him by the club as part of the new two-year deal that is worth a total of R$135m (£19.1m).

The remaining R$54m (£7.6m) will be paid in four instalments starting in January 2027. The club could lose the discount if they miss any payments.

Corinthians president Osmar Stabile told reporters, “Everything’s fine. It was hard work. Obviously, you can’t get an international star done very quickly; it was a lengthy process, as everyone knows, but thank God we took it to CORI and everything worked out.”

“We got the necessary votes for approval and we’re at ease. We managed to do it. I want to give special thanks to the people at CORI, who fought so that we could reach the numbers we did. We also thank Memphis Depay’s team and him personally. We had a personal meeting and he managed to reduce numbers that his team couldn’t achieve.”

“We did what was best for Corinthians, especially in financial terms.”

He added, “I’ve always said that the financial aspect was the most important thing for Corinthians. There was no point in me signing any contract if I couldn’t afford to pay it in the future. I’m not thinking about myself. I’m thinking about who comes after me. We’re making a two-year contract. I don’t know if I’ll be here.”

“I’ve always thought about the institution. I suffered the consequences… For me, it would have been much easier to sign any contract, as they were doing at Corinthians, and then leave celebrating; it was the most convenient thing for me.”

Stabile claimed that his phone number, as well as those of his family members, were leaked as a consequence of the uncertainty that surrounded Depay’s future.

He further alleged that he had been the target of threats from individuals he believed to be armed, potentially with firearms and edged weapons.

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Inactivity

It’s been very quiet at United since announcing the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow last month.

Heading into the summer window, it was widely reported that United would be busy, having turned things around under Michael Carrick to secure Champions League football. The opposite has largely been true.

It’s believed that United remain on the hunt for a third midfield acquisition but the identity of this player remains a mystery. Striker, left-back and left-winger positions could also come into play, with two weeks left until the close of the window.

Wharton’s performances at Palace since leaving Blackburn haven’t gone unnoticed and United are known to be among his admirers. He has also continuously been linked to Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool.

But the England international is still waiting for his big move, almost certainly thanks to Palace’s hefty valuation of him. There have been rumours that the Eagles want £80m – £100m to sanction a sale. His suitors have demonstrated little willingness to fork out such a sum.

While there may be late business before the deadline, United are unlikely to be the party willing to gamble on Wharton.

But Scholes believes the Red Devils should absolutely pursue Wharton.

Speaking on the most recent episode of The Good, The Bad The Football podcast, Scholes insisted that he does not understand why United are still unsure about the Palace man.

Scholes’ Wharton verdict

Scholes said, “I can’t believe Manchester United are not trying to buy Adam Wharton.”

“I think I’ve said on here before that Sandro Tonali would’ve been my first choice. But obviously with him gone now, Adam Wharton looks perfect for me.”

United open their 2026/27 Premier League season on Saturday when they go away to Hull City.

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Silence

Since announcing the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow last month, it has been relatively quiet at United in terms of transfer activity.

United were expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer window ahead of their participation in the Champions League and the opportunity to mount a title charge, but that has not materialised.

Michael Carrick recently appeared to lodge an appeal for recruits, as have fans, who are growing concerned by just how little United are doing. With only two weeks of the window left, United could find themselves short-handed just as a crucial season gets underway.

According to The Athletic, United are deliberately pausing to ensure their next moves are the right ones.

The newspaper claims, “United then decided [after signing Santos, Tielemans and Darlow] to take stock and assess options, while seeing how Carrick’s team progressed through pre-season. Certain situations have also needed time to develop, so United waited.

It would be an understatement to describe United’s inactivity as merely bizarre, particularly given the club’s financial capacity and the fact that they had formulated a plan ahead of the summer window.

It is difficult to justify halting momentum merely to reassess, as if the window will remain open indefinitely.

On the agenda

The Athletic insist that the Red Devils remain on the hunt for a midfielder and left-back. Ideally, they could sign someone who is capable of being used in both positions. This is where Myles Lewis-Skelly comes in.

The Arsenal youngster was offered to United, although he himself is understood to be keen on remaining in North London, where he is settled.

Other left-back options for United are Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Jorge Salinas (Racing Santander) and Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge).

Newcastle are adamant that Hall is not for sale. Salinas has a €16m release clause while Brugge have made it clear that Seys will not be allowed to leave.

United could also dip into the market for a striker of Joshua Zirkzee leaves.

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Manchester United ended the season on a high, exceeding expectations following Michael Carrick’s arrival after initially struggling under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese head coach failed to live up to the billing in his controversial 14-month reign despite investing over £200 million last summer.

Amorim lost his job in January with the Red Devils in danger of missing out on a top-four finish once again. INEOS opted to turn to club legend Carrick, initially in a temporary role, to steer the club out of troubled waters.

The Englishman, however, turned out to be a revelation, instantly transforming the team into a well-drilled machine. Carrick ditched Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and embarked on a run of 12 wins and three draws in his 17 games in charge.

United finished third in the Premier League and the Englishman subsequently secured the full-time job. The team’s form added to optimism among fans ahead of the new season, with a belief that another fruitful transfer window could help the Red Devils fight for silverware next season. Unfortunately, it has been a mixed summer so far.

United’s mixed transfer window

United entered the summer expected to prioritise the midfield following Casemiro’s departure. Despite missing out on top targets like Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, INEOS managed to sign Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for the position.

They also reinforced the goalkeeping department by signing Karl Darlow for free. However, things have been quiet for the past month, even though the Red Devils remain linked with several players.

A third midfielder is a necessity following Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury, while United could also do with a new left-back to cover for Luke Shaw. A new left-forward is also on the agenda amid Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future, while Benjamin Sesko’s injury woes have also sparked talk of a striker addition.

Nevertheless, the mood remains upbeat, especially following some impressive displays in pre-season. Club legend Paul Scholes has now explained whether the Red Devils can win the league next season.

United backed to win the league under Carrick

Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes pointed out that Carrick will have to deal with a congested fixture list this season, especially mentioning the midweek Champions League games. He said: “The thing Michael Carrick is going to have to deal with now as well is midweek football.”

“He had an unbelievable run last year, but everything was in his favour, if you know what I mean. Now all of a sudden he’s got these extra games which will have an impact on the squad.”

The Ginger Prince, however, tipped his former club to eventually win the Premier League under Carrick, adding: “I think Michael Carrick can win the Premier League with Manchester United, but it won’t be this season. But if he can build the right team, he can do that.”

Final Thoughts

United fans would love to see INEOS add more depth to the squad before the end of the summer, especially in midfield and attack. The Red Devils, though, are running out of time to reinforce the squad, with the transfer window set to close in just over two weeks.

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Icon

Ronaldo enjoyed two stints at United, one between 2003 and 2009 and the other between 2021 and 2022.

Initially joining United as a teenager from Sporting CP, Ronaldo made his club debut as a substitute in a 4–0 win over Bolton Wanderers. George Best famously called it one of the most exciting debuts he had seen.

He joined United as a skinny winger with bags of skill but little end product, known for his tricks and step-overs. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, he became a powerful striker with a killer instinct in front of goal.

The Portugal international truly announced himself in 2006/07 when he bagged 23 goals. He followed that up with a mind-boggling 42 goals across all competitions in the subsequent season. Ronaldo helped United win three consecutive Premier League titles, a Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

He also won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first United player to claim the prestigious prize since Best in 1968. He then moved to Real Madrid for a world-record fee in 2009.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in late August 2021, signing a two-year deal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored twice on his debut against Newcastle. He finished that season with 24 goals in all competitions. He reached 100 Premier League goals during this period and briefly helped keep United competitive in the Champions League.

But his second spell coincided with a difficult period under Erik ten Hag and interim boss Ralf Rangnick. Ronaldo left under a cloud of controversy after publicly slamming the manager, his teammates, and the club in general. Left with no choice, United terminated his contract and allowed him to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

He recently married his long-term partner, Georgina Rodriguez. In a candid interview with Vogue, he indicated that the 2026/27 season may represent his final year as a professional footballer.

Revelation

Ronaldo told Vogue, “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out.”

“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.”

“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned – what we’ve earned.”

“Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo did not feature in Al-Nassr’s opening day Saudi Pro League victory over Al Fateh. He is likely to be back for their next match against Al-Riyadh on August 21st.

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United exit

On Monday, Stockport and United both announced that Ennis had joined the League One side on a permanent transfer.

Ennis signed for United in 2021 after turning down an offer from Liverpool. He rose through the ranks in the academy and was part of the Under-18s team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2022.

He had his first taste of senior football during the 2024/25 season when he secured a loan move to Doncaster Rovers.

The 21-year-old spent last term on loan at Fleetwood Town. He made 46 appearances, contributing an impressive six goals and eight assists while playing across multiple positions.

United were understood to be keen on retaining Ennis, but the young forward has opted to move on, signing for Stockport as he looks to continue his development.

The Red Devils said in a statement, “Everyone at the club would like to wish Ethan all the best with his next step.”

Contract details

Nathan Salt of the Daily Mail has revealed key details of the agreement between United and Stockport.

According to Salt, United have inserted a hefty 50% sell-on clause, enabling them to massively benefit from any future sale of the forward.

Carrick’s side have additionally secured a buy-back clause and matching rights, affording them the option to match any subsequent offer Stockport may receive for the player.

Ethan Ennis signs permanent deal at Stockport County.

United part of deal is:
50% sell on clause
Buy-back clause
Matching rights on sale #mufc pic.twitter.com/OYse103zOO

— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) August 17, 2026

While United may have received an initial nominal fee, they have positioned themselves well for future returns and retained a degree of control over Ennis’ future.

United kickstart their 2026/27 Premier League season on Saturday when they go away to Hull City.

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