Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter in Helsinki

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Manchester United have played down fitness concerns over striker Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

The pair were notable absentees from the 25-man squad named by head coach Michael Carrick for the opening game of United's pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.

Sesko missed the final three games of last season with a shin problem that flared up during the home victory over Liverpool on 3 May.

Wales and former Leeds United keeper Darlow has had what is being described as a "procedure" at the end of last season.

"Both players are expected to be fully fit and available for the start of 2026-27," said the club.

Andrey Santos, a £48m signing from Chelsea, is included, but Youri Tielemans is missing, along with United's other senior players who have been at the World Cup.

There is no Matthijs de Ligt in the squad as he recovers from back surgery.

Defender Tyler Fredricson is not involved either before what is expected to be a permanent summer move away from Old Trafford. Europe is seen as a likely destination for the 21-year-old, whose proposed switch to Celtic in January fell through after he was injured before it could be completed.

Fifteen-year-old forward JJ Gabriel is not involved as he only returned to training less than a week ago.

The Wrexham game marks the start of a six-game pre-season for United, who have opted to stay in Europe rather than venture to the United States or Asia.

They also play Rosenburg in Trondheim on 24 July before facing Atletico Madrid in Stockholm (1 August), Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg (8 August), Leeds in Dublin (12 August) and AC Milan in Wroclaw (15 August).

Travelling squad: Heaton, Vitek, Mee, Maguire, Dorgu, Yoro, Shaw, Heaven, Amass, Kamason, Armer, Mount, Santos, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Collyer, Gore, Devaney, Thwaites, Zirkzee, Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Wheatley, Lacey, Williams.

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With pre-season officially in full swing, we asked you to tell us what you're looking forward to about club football returning.

Here are some of your replies:

Beth: I can't wait to see Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans play together. Hopefully it's our year!

Nigel: Simply looking forward to seeing Manchester United compete in all competitions. We have not seen this for a while.

Paul: I am hoping that United can get closer to the top teams this season, have a reasonable Champions League campaign and maybe win a trophy (League or FA Cup).

Peter: I long for United to once again be a force in the Premier League. However, they never will be as long as they miss out on players such as Elliot Anderson because of the cost. United must be one of the richest clubs in the world but are being run as a business and not a football team.

Andrew: For the first time in a long time, I'm optimistic about the season. United have made a couple of key signings. I'd like to see Harry Amass as back-up to Luke Shaw and integrate some youth players into the squad. We have to develop these players! Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all do this. You can't solve everything by spending, and bringing young players through will encourage others to sign.

Mark: The youth making an impact on the first team - JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey and Jim Thwaites all getting first-team minutes. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans combining well, or alongside Kobbie Mainoo or Mason Mount. Benjamin Sesko getting 20 goals in a season - he should play more regularly.

Dom: Watching Kobbie actually getting to play football.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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In the immediate aftermath of Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January, Manchester United let it be known their search for a new boss would be widespread – and would likely involve managers who were committed to countries competing at the World Cup.

However, a good source quickly told me such an approach was impractical, certainly if it involved one of the countries predicted to have a long run in the competition.

Managers could not risk the backlash that would inevitably follow if they committed to go elsewhere once the tournament ended as it would deflect attention away from the task in hand.

Then, there is the reality results would dictate whether the particular manager had succeeded or failed.

In United's case, the three most commonly mentioned were Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

None of that trio has enhanced their reputation in the United States this summer. If Tuchel had been preparing to take over at Old Trafford given the fall-out from his perceived tactical disaster against Argentina, the German would have found himself on the back foot from day one.

There was a lot of debate around whether Michael Carrick should have been given the job – given his results he was a clear and obvious choice – but as he flies out to Helsinki for United's first pre-season game against Wrexham on Saturday, United's hierarchy can be thankful they at least are starting from a solid base.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United coach Jonny Evans gave the club's approach for Youri Tielemans his seal of approval.

The pair were team-mates at Leicester for four years, from 2019, and were part of the Foxes' 2020 FA Cup-winning side.

Both players left King Power Stadium in 2023, Evans for United and Tielemans for Aston Villa.

The Belgium international has now made a £35m switch to Old Trafford himself.

Evans has kept in touch with the 29-year-old, who is expected to bring some creativity to United's midfield under Michael Carrick.

It was natural therefore Carrick should talk to Evans before pushing through with the deal.

"Jonny has been a big influence," Tielemans told United's in-house media. "I think he spoke to the manager about my character and personality."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United head to Finland on Friday afternoon to start their pre-season campaign against Championship side Wrexham in Helsinki on Saturday (16:00 BST kick-off).

United are not planning to announce their travelling party until just before departure, but with a combination of under-21 and under-18 group players on a separate trip to Germany for a couple of games on Friday, there have been some clues about who might be included in Michael Carrick's squad.

This week, United posted a series of pictures from training - 25 players were shown, including four goalkeepers.

Given Tyler Fletcher has returned to training this week as well after Scotland's World Cup campaign and Karl Darlow has joined United's goalkeeping ranks, that takes it to 27, which feels about right for a first pre-season game that will almost certainly see Carrick use completely different XIs in each half.

Star attraction was £48m midfielder Andrey Santos, who completed his move from Chelsea on 13 July.

Among the younger players pictured were defender Harry Amass, midfielders Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore and Toby Collyer, and striker Ethan Wheatley. They all spent at least part of last season away from Old Trafford on loan.

Midfielder Jim Thwaites, defender Dan Armer and striker Chido Obi were also pictured. They were part of the United side that lost the FA Youth Cup final to Manchester City in May.

Interestingly, JJ Gabriel wasn't shown and the fact the 15-year-old returned to training at Carrington less than a week ago may signal he is not quite ready yet for his first exposure with the senior squad.

Defender Matthijs de Ligt and striker Benjamin Sesko were not shown training on the actual pitches.

De Ligt had back surgery in May after missing the second half of the season, while Sesko didn't play again after being replaced at half-time against Liverpool on 3 May with what Carrick described as a "shin issue".

The World Cup has done a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.

As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is a Manchester United fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.

So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?

Get in touch here

Manchester United will target West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, 24, if Marcus Rashford leaves this summer, with the Netherlands attacker costing about £30m. (Guardian - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Luke: I would love to see goalkeeper Orlando Gill and midfielder Matias Galarza from the Paraguayan squad at Manchester United. Both showed a lot of fight and steel with some real quality - and neither looked like they have ego problems either.

Rich: From seeing Germany play, I think Nathaniel Brown would be a key signing for Manchester United this summer. He is class in attack with great crosses but also tracks back well and makes tackles. An ideal left-back.

Lisa: I would like to see us sign South African centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He was all-action and built like a tank. I would 100% take a chance on him - young, fast, hard-working and fearless.

Shane: I would like to see Richard Rios at Old Trafford. I think he has the quality in midfield to bring us back into trophy contention and I also think he would only cost around £35m to £40m.

Francis: Lionel Mpasi, the DR Congo goalkeeper, has got great instincts. He is for sure a great goalkeeper worthy of being at one of the big teams in Europe. Manchester United need to look into him as a replacement for Altay Bayindir.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United have confirmed Manuel Ugarte's knee surgery has been a success.

Ugarte suffered cruciate ligament damage during Uruguay's World Cup defeat by Spain last month.

The 25-year-old is expected to be sidelined into 2027.

"Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has undergone successful surgery to address a knee ligament injury," said the club.

"Ugarte will now begin the rehabilitation stage of his recovery and will be carefully managed by the club's medical and performance staff."

It had been anticipated Ugarte, who joined United from Paris St-Germain in a £50.8m deal in 2024, would move on this summer as the Old Trafford outfit reshape their midfield.

That will not happen as instead he tries to recover from what he has said is "the most serious injury a footballer can face".

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Youri Tielemans' arrival at Old Trafford has been a bit of a slow burner - and another example of Manchester United's increased use of data around transfers.

Tielemans could have joined United when he left Monaco in 2019. He could also have moved when his contract ran out at Leicester City in 2023. On both occasions, United backed away - this time, they have not.

United repeatedly stressed they were prioritising the midfield areas this summer. It was also obvious they had multiple targets.

When Mateus Fernandes' planned move from West Ham fell through, Old Trafford officials continued to insist they were relaxed about the situation, even as fans started pressing the panic button.

The make-up of their midfield has always been seen as fluid.

Had Elliot Anderson come in, funds for additional players would have been stretched. That was also why United would not keep increasing their bid for Fernandes. They were determined to remain disciplined in their approach to the market and felt enough alternatives had been identified to fit their template not to stress.

Instead of Fernandes' youth, they have Andrey Santos. Instead of Ederson's experience, they have Tielemans'.

It is possible he is slightly older than the initial targets but that minus is made up for by the significant pluses of Premier League experience and, if his signing announcement statement is to be taken at face value, a desire to play for Manchester United. These have both been viewed as key components for any signing, beyond the actual ability.

It has been a busy couple of days in terms of transfer announcements at Old Trafford. The key element is what happens now.

Tielemans is more of a number eight, someone to compete with Kobbie Mainoo. Santos is a six. At least one more midfielder is expected, a player with experience, capable of having an impact in the Champions League and who is likely to occupy a deeper role.

Read more about Tielemans' arrival at United here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury whilst at the World Cup with Uruguay and there have been several questions submitted via our Manchester United Ask Me Anything form about whether the Old Trafford club will be compensated for it.

The short answer is yes. The detail is more complicated.

The money doesn't come from Uruguay, it comes from Fifa's insurers. The actual detail states: "Players can receive up to $7.5m (£5.6m) per accident, paid daily for a maximum of 365 days after the first 28 days of absence. Payments are calculated on the player's fixed salary only, excluding bonuses or other variable pay."

It is not completely clear what Ugarte's salary is because most Premier League players will have bonuses and image rights included as part of their contract.

If he hits the threshold, though, it means United would get about £13,500 per day from 28 days after Ugarte's absence, which is also variable, depending on whether it starts when the injury happened – or when it was diagnosed.

Then there is the point at which Ugarte's absence ends. Is that when he plays again or when he can take part in team training and, in theory, be available for team selection?

If, for instance, the 28 days starts when Ugarte was injured, the compensation will start on 26 July. If he was out for a total of nine months, that would mean 244 days' worth of compensation - so £3.29m.

In short, United will be compensated, although I think they would have preferred the injury hadn't happened.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

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Fenerbahce have signed English forward Mason Greenwood from Marseille on a four-year contract, with former club Manchester United entitled to receive a percentage of the fee.

The Turkish club state the transfer fee is 39m euros (£33.27m) but did previously advise it would be a total fee of 45m euros (£38.36m).

Greenwood finished joint-second behind Rennes' Esteban Lepaul in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 golden boot standings with 16.

The 24-year-old, who scored 48 goals in 81 appearances in all competition for Marseille, joined the French side from boyhood club Manchester United in a £26.6m deal in July 2024.

At the time, United said they had negotiated a "sizeable sell-on fee", which is thought to be around 40%, for the academy product.

After an internal inquiry, United ruled out Greenwood returning to the club despite charges of attempted rape and assault against him being dropped in February 2023.

He subsequently joined Spanish outfit Getafe on loan for the 2023-24 season.

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New Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans says signing for the club is the "culmination of years of dedication".

The 29-year-old joins from Aston Villa, subject to registration, on a five-year deal until 2031, for a fee of £35m.

Tielemans, who has returned from the World Cup after captaining Belgium to the quarter finals, made his senior debut for Anderlecht at the age of 16 and has now played 668 games for club and country.

Last season, he registered seven assists for Villa and helped the club to win the Uefa Europa League, scoring the opening goal in the final against SC Freiburg.

"It's hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United," Tielemans told club media. "Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football.

"I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years."

Director of football Jason Wilcox added: "Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United.

"Youri's consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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The initial reaction in Manchester United circles to news of Youri Tielemans' impending arrival was positive.

A former team-mate of current first-team coach Jonny Evans, Tielemans is noted for scoring Leicester City's winner in the 2021 FA Cup final and for Aston Villa in their Europa League final triumph over Freiburg in May.

"Well done to the recruitment team because £35m for him is a phenomenal signing," said former midfielder Nicky Butt as he discussed the Belgian's potential impact with ex-United team-mate Paul Scholes on The Good, The Bad And The Football podcast.

"They needed to get a rocket on. If we want to compete in all four competitions we have to build a squad, not just a starting XI."

An erroneous post on X, in which a user claimed Tielemans had already played more minutes of football at the age of 29 than Scholes did in his playing career, grabbed plenty of attention on social media, but while it was incorrect, it did highlight the amount of football the Villa midfielder has played.

He made his senior debut for Anderlecht aged 16 years and 82 days and has now played 668 games for club and country.

That is over 100 more than Casemiro had done when he moved from Real Madrid to United in 2022.

Casemiro was 30 at the time and, after an excellent debut campaign, spent 18 months being told his career was finished as his performances dipped.

Observers defending United's recruitment team would argue Tielemans is more accustomed to the physical demands of the Premier League given he has played in England since joining Leicester from Monaco in 2019.

Last season, he was impacted by separate calf and ankle problems that restricted him to 35 appearances for Aston Villa - the lowest number during his time in England.

After impressing at the World Cup - including scoring a memorable 89th-minute equaliser against Senegal, then converting an extra-time winner from the penalty spot - his tournament came to a premature end when he was injured in the warm-up before the quarter-final defeat by Spain.

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We asked for your views on which players you're most excited to see in action during pre-season.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: Michael Carrick has made a point of following the progress of academy players since taking over in January. I'm sure he'll give game time in pre-season to Shea Lacey, Jim Thwaites and JJ Gabriel. Looking forward to seeing all three, plus the progress of Ayden Heaven, who I predict will be an England player by the end of the upcoming season.

Ryan: Very excited to see Lacey and Gabriel, so hopefully they both get a chance.

Carl: I love pre-season and all the friendlies have their own merit, so bring them on. There are a lot of youngsters and it would be good to see how the likes of Lacey, Chido Obi and Sekou Kone fare, as well as the loanees from last season, especially Harry Amass.

Michael: Looking forward to seeing the new signings, Andrey Santos and (hopefully) Youri Tielemans. Would also like to see Gabriel and Lacey to see how they've developed.

Ash: It would be good to see Toby Collyer and Jacob Devaney make their cases to become regulars in our midfield. We need to make sure that the route from the academy to the first team remains open for the young players coming through. I'd also like to see Amass make his case to be Luke Shaw's back-up this season.

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Manchester United's latest signing Karl Darlow says he is "extremely proud" to sign for the club after leaving Leeds United on the expiry of his contract.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper made 38 appearances for the Whites and was their first-choice keeper last season as Leeds retained their Premier League status.

"I'm joining an excellent group of goalkeepers and I'm really looking forward to all pushing each other to ensure that we maintain the highest standards, which this club demands," Darlow said.

"This is a really special opportunity. Everyone can see what an exciting time it is for the club and I cannot wait to play my part in supporting my team-mates and helping to drive the group forwards."

Director of football Jason Wilcox added: "Karl has proven his ability to perform at the highest level. His work ethic and determined personality make him a really strong addition to our squad."