Life is never dull at FC Barcelona – or ‘Can Barca’ as the club and its surrounding environment is known in Spain.
Even the sleepiest off-season Sunday can suddenly erupt into the latest melodramatic controversy, with rumours, counter-rumours and abrupt U-turns a matter of course.
This summer has been no different, with Rashford’s first fortnight at the club overshadowed by a series of sagas.
The biggest of those, centred on club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, looked for a while as though it would even delay Rashford’s league debut.
Ter Stegen is a Barca legend with more than 400 appearances and 17 trophies under his belt. But he has recently sustained several injuries, playing only nine games last season, and the summer signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol strongly suggests the club is ready to shove their captain aside.
Attempts to sell him, however, were thwarted when the keeper underwent surgery on a back problem – and that also had wider ramifications.
Barca are currently barred by La Liga from registering their new signings, including Rashford and Garcia, because their troubled finances do not meet La Liga’s strict guidelines.
Selling Ter Stegen would have freed up enough salary space to do so, but his surgery made a summer sale impossible. So Barca devised another plan: de-register their captain until January.
Ter Stegen, however, refused to sign the necessary paperwork, reasoning that his injury should only sideline him until November.
Barca reacted furiously, opening disciplinary proceedings against the keeper and stripping him of the captaincy.
Ter Stegen then relented, had the captaincy restored and will spend the next few months as an unregistered player in rehab before – barring poor form or injury to his replacement Garcia – most likely being sold in January.
That should open the door for Rashford and other new signings to be registered (but take nothing for granted until the paperwork is complete), meaning he’ll be available for next Saturday’s league opener against Mallorca.
That game will be played away from home… and therein lies another summer drama.
Will Jacks and Tawanda Muyeye shared a blistering 114-run stand as defending champions Oval Invincibles inflicted a nine-wicket thrashing on Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
Having skittled the visitors for 128 at The Kia Oval, Invincibles bludgeoned their way to victory from 57 balls – the joint second-fastest win in the men’s competition in terms of deliveries remaining – to maintain their perfect start to the tournament.
Muyeye finished unbeaten on 59 from 28 balls, while Jacks fell for 61 from 26 with just 15 required for victory.
Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan was the pick of the Invincibles bowlers, taking 3-19, while fast bowler Saqib Mahmood also impressed with 2-26.
After being put in to bat, Originals were in trouble early, with opener Matty Hurst and England star Jos Buttler both dismissed without scoring.
Captain Phil Salt smashed three sixes in his 41 from 32 balls and put on 50 with New Zealand’s Mark Chapman to give the away side hope before both fell to the irresistible Rashid.
The wickets kept tumbling and matters only got worse for the Originals with the ball as Jacks and Muyeye went to work.
Jacks was responsible for 21 of the 25 runs taken from Jimmy Anderson’s first 10 balls but the England legend was not alone in going the distance.
Every bowler was under threat as Jacks made the early running, hitting 10 fours and two sixes in total, before Muyeye joined the party and briefly overtook his opening partner.
It was 24-year-old Muyeye who reached his half-century first, from 22 balls – a delivery quicker than Jacks – and he was there at the end as a Jordan Cox boundary put the winless Originals out of their misery.
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…
December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford
January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington
January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO
February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed
February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added
March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move
March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football
March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford
March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December
April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled
April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director
April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton
May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness
May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof
May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish
May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy
May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket
May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed
May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result
June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground
June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office
June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team
July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation
July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026
July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.
July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment
July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board
July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125
July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie
August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window
August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet
October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson
October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled
October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches
October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m
November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause
November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim
November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings
November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association
December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century”
December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66
December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director
December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher
December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth
December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars
December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has suffered an injury setback and is unlikely to be “really fit” until after the September international break, says manager Pep Guardiola.
The Spain international spent most of the 2024-25 season sidelined as a result of suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury last September.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner returned to action when he came on as a late substitute in City’s penultimate Premier League game of last season against Bournemouth.
The 29-year-old was also part of Guardiola’s squad at the Club World Cup in the United States during in the summer when City went out at the last-16 stage to Al-Hilal.
Rodri came on as a second-half substitute against the Saudi Arabian side but went off early in extra time with what is thought to have been a groin issue.
“Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al-Hilal,” said Guardiola.
“He has trained better in the last few days. Hopefully after the international break, he will be really fit.”
The Slovenia striker was also a target for Newcastle United, having scored 39 times in two years for RP Leipzig.
Manchester United have signed Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko from Germany’s RB Leipzig on a contract until 2030, the Premier League club have announced.
The transfer fee is 76.5 million euros ($89m) with 8.5 million euros ($9.9m) in bonuses.
The 22-year-old, who joined Leipzig from the Austrian club RB Salzburg in 2023, scored 39 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions for the German side.
“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special, but what really excites me is the future,” Sesko said upon completing the deal on Saturday.
“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
“I cannot wait to start learning from [manager] Ruben [Amorim] and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Manchester United, who finished 15th in the Premier League last season, have also signed forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for the new campaign, which starts at home against Arsenal on August 17.
Sesko had also been a target for Newcastle United, who are actively seeking replacements for wantaway striker Alexander Isak.
“Benjamin possesses a rare combination of electrifying pace and the ability to physically dominate defenders, making him one of the most exceptional young talents in world football,” Jason Wilcox, Man Utd’s director of football, said in the club’s announcement.
“We have followed Benjamin’s career closely; all of our data analysis and research concluded that he has the required qualities and personality to thrive at Manchester United.
“Working under the guidance of Ruben and our excellent performance team, Benjamin is joining the perfect environment to support him to reach his world-class potential.
“The desire that all of our new signings have shown to join the club this summer highlights the appeal and stature of Manchester United, as we continue to build and develop a team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”
Current United strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scored just 18 goals between them in all competitions last term as United fell to a club-record 18 losses in the Premier League era and its lowest points total of 42.
Only four teams scored fewer goals than United in the top flight last term — including the three relegated clubs – as the 20-time English champion recorded its lowest finish in the modern era when it placed 15th, just three places above the relegation zone.
Sesko has been compared to former Paris Saint-Germain and United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic because of his height – both are 1.95 meters (6 feet, 5 inches) tall – and flashes of technical skill.
Of his goals, the striker has six goals in 28 Champions League games for Leipzig and his previous club Salzburg. He has also tallied 16 goals in 41 games for Slovenia.
Sesko, 22, was also a target for Newcastle United but has chosen to join Ruben Amorim’s side.
“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko.
“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”
Liverpool have named former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor as their new head coach.
The Reds have been without a permanent manager since sacking Matt Beard in February, with Amber Whiteley taking charge on an interim basis for the remainder of 2024-25.
Taylor was sacked by City in March just five days before the Women’s League Cup final.
“Everyone in football knows about the history, size and potential of this club, and I am really looking forward to the task ahead,” Taylor said.
“Our aim is to create a team that supporters can be proud of, which plays good football and which will hopefully bring success along the way.”
The Welshman began working with City’s academy in 2011 and was appointed head coach in 2020.
He won the FA Cup during his first season and led the club to League Cup glory in 2022, while his side missed out on the Women’s Super League (WSL) title on goal difference in 2023-24.
Liverpool finished seventh last season, 35 points adrift of champions Chelsea.
Marcus Rashford is one of seven Barcelona stars at risk of not being registered in time for their LaLiga opener.
As has been the case throughout the last few years, Barca find themselves scrambling around in order to navigate LaLiga financial rules and register all their players.
With one of their highest-earners Marc-Andre ter Stegen a long-term absentee, the Catalan side felt that they had found a loophole in order to solve their issues.
In order to do so, however, club bosses need Ter Stegen to sign off on a medical report being sent to the league, which he has so far failed to do.
That means up to SEVEN Barcelona stars may be unable to play against RCD Mallorca, including Rashford.
Sesko delivery
Benjamin has touched down in the UK ahead of his medical with Manchester United.
The Slovenia international is on the verge of completing a sensational transfer from RB Leipzig to the Red Devils.
United have been battling Prem rivals Newcastle for the striker’s signature and stole a march on the Magpies on Thursday by agreeing a £74million deal with Leipzig for the 22-year-old.
The deal will see United pay an initial £66.5m and an additional £7.3m in add-ons.
When is Sesko’s unveiling?
Benjamin Sesko will complete his transfer to Man United today.
But his announcement may not be made today too.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Red Devils will confirm the transfer on Saturday.
It is even possible that he could be presented to fans at the pre-season friendly against Fiorentina.
Sesko’s plan today
Benjamin Sesko is set to become a Manchester United player TODAY.
The Slovenian flew into Manchester last night on a private jet ahead of his £74million move from RB Leipzig.
It is thought that he will have his medical and sign his contract later today.
Hojlund suitor
Rasmus Hojlund reportedly has one named suitor this summer.
The striker could be allowed to leave Manchester United on loan following the arrival of Benjamin Sesko.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that AC Milan are interested in the Dane and could make another move for him before the end of the window.
Transfer business
Here is a look at all the transfer business completed by Manchester United this summer.
Benjamin Sesko’s impending arrival is not included as he is yet to be announced.
FORMER MANCHESTER CITY goalkeeper Eike Immel has been sentenced to two years and two months in prison in relation to 107 cases of fraud.
According to reports from Bild, the majority of the cases centred around the 64-year-old borrowing money and not returning it.
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Eike Immel has been sentenced to over two years in prison in relation to over 100 cases of fraudCredit: Getty
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Immel played 43 times for Manchester City following long spells with Stuttgart and Borussia DortmundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The total value of the money in question is reported to be £29,775.
Immel also sold tickets to a European Championship game, keeping the money but failing to deliver the tickets.
The German was found guilty in all cases before being sentenced by the district court in Marburg on Thursday.
The former Euros-winning goalkeeper’s defence brought up his financial issues as a reason for his failure to repay the money.
Bild report that a statement given by Immel’s defence attorney read: “Mr. Immel is deeply ashamed of what is being discussed here in the courtroom today.
“He lives hand to mouth. This fact has been publicly known for years.
“[He is] not a professional fraudster, but a failed former footballer.”
Immel declared bankruptcy in 2008, and has since spoken to the media about his money troubles, last year claiming to be living off of benefits.
Watch the dramatic finish of Southern Brave’s one wicket win over Manchester Originals, as the away side seal the victory with a ball to spare in the Men’s Hundred at Old Trafford.
Six locations are included in the trial of POP MART products at The Entertainer, before they are rolled-out to additional stores nationwide in coming months.
The stores where the toys can be found include:
Manchester Arndale
Kingston The Bentall Centre
Lakeside Shopping Centre
Milton Keynes Centre: MK
Sheffield Meadowhall
Stratford Westfield
Coming in mystery-style blind boxes, a surprise figure is contained inside.
Dramatic moment crowds join massive queue to grab viral Labubu dolls as latest doll craze sweeps across the world
This has added to the growing excitement and demand for these products, which have even been popular amongst celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rihanna.
Chief Product Officer at The Entertainer, Brian Proctor, said: “As the POP MART phenomenon continues to rapidly grow, we’re thrilled to reveal that The Entertainer will stock the popular toys in selected stores.
“The upcoming arrival of POP MART at The Entertainer highlights our ongoing commitment to offering innovative and exciting products to our customers. In addition to the arrival of POP MART, we will continue to ensure that our diverse product range offers plenty of choices for toy fans across the country.”
The Entertainer has over 160 stores across the UK, with thousands of toys and games to offer customers.
It also provides through a thousand concessions like Tesco and Matalan, as well as trading internationally and online.
News of the products coming to the UK comes just as huge crowds have been swarming to toy stores to snap up the viral Labubu Dolls at POP MART stores countries across the world.
A queue in the German city of Berlin was seen extending all the way around the block of a POP MART store as it just opened with Labubu dolls.
The craze for these collectable toys has also being going off online.
TikTokers have been raving about the collection of new plush toys that have labelled the “next Labubus“.
The Wakuku dolls have been compared to Labubus, and shoppers are also able to get a blind box of the toys online.
These toys have reallytaken the internet by storm– with Chinese toymaker POP MART’s valuation skyrocketing to £31.6bn.
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POP MART’s valuation has skyrocketed to more than £30 billion thanks to LabubusCredit: Getty
AN OASIS fan says she slipped over just yards from where a man plunged to his death at the reunion concert.
The man – aged in his 40s – was understood to be sittingin the upper tier of the stadium when he plunged to his death at Wembley on Saturday night.
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Oasis came to Wembley as part of their reunion tour this summerCredit: RV / BEEM
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A fan in his 40s was understood to be sitting in the upper tier of the stadium when he plunged to his death at Wembley on Saturday nightCredit: RV / BEEM
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Other fans have blasted the “deathtrap” Wembley stadium, calling for the venue to be “held accountable”Credit: Alamy
The highest stands in the 90,000-seat venue are some 170ft above the ground.
Police and paramedics attended to the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Now, other fans have blasted the “deathtrap” Wembley stadium, calling for the venue to be “held accountable”.
Gig-goers who danced the night away to Wonderwall say they were forced to hobble along low railings with a steep drop and a “lethal” slippery floor that was “like an ice rink.”
Some are labelling it “horrendous” given “the amount of money they’ve spent on this new Wembley”.
Jade, 31, from Essex, was at the gig and stumbled in a domino effect of falling fans, suffering minor injuries.
A man a few rows up from her fell down, tumbling into her and knocking her down too.
“The floor was slippery from loads of spilled drinks,” she told The Sun.
“My bag got soaked. Everyone in the seated section was jumping and dancing and way drunker than other concerts.”
Watch the moment that ‘proves’ Oasis feud is finally over as Liam Gallagher pays emotional tribute to Noel live on stage
She fell onto the row in front of her about halfway through the concert, and people helped her up.
“I just got up and carried on. But today I have a dodgy ankle, a few bruises and hurt knees.”
“People were absolutely w***ered,” recalled another on Reddit.
“A bloke near us collapsed, tumbled over a couple of seats and had to be evacuated by the medics – everywhere you looked people were out of their minds.
“It occurred to me that all it would take is one wrong step up there and you’d be a goner.”
One fan said on Facebook: “You’d think a modern venue like Wembley would have sufficient guards for this kind of thing.”
“The top tier is bloody steep. It’s dreadful the barrier is so low,” added another on Facebook.
Not everyone agrees that the stadium is to blame.
One fan said on a fan group: “18 years worth of events, most with 90,000 people attending, and never an incident like it. It’s a tragic accident, and blaming it on the venue or security is ridiculous.”
An eyewitness to the fatal fall wrote on Facebook: “He fell from the top tier into our block. My friend’s daughter did CPR until the paramedics arrived.”
Another shaken onlooker, who was sitting just three seats away, recalled: “Hearing the bang and seeing the aftermath was just something that will stay with you forever.”
“The atmosphere was incredible,” commented a third on Facebook.
“We were nearing the end of the concert, when in the middle of Wonderwall, he fell right in front of us, a few metres away.
“It was very shocking and we left Wembley very upset.”
Oasis released a statement about the man, saying that they are “shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of a fan at the show last night.
“Oasis would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person involved.”
Before singing Live Forever on Sunday, Liam Gallagher appeared to pay his respects to the late fan.
He said: “This one’s for all the people who can’t be here tonight, but who are here if you know what I mean, and aren’t they looking lovely.”
But Liam has used that line before singing that hit song on the other tour dates.
In the gig after Ozzy Osborne passed away, the Britpop duo paid tribute by displaying an image of the Black Sabbath singer on stage during Live Forever, then dedicated Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, to Ozzy.
In a statement on Sunday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed a man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining “injuries consistent with a fall”.
A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: “Last night, Wembley Stadium medics, the London Ambulance Service and the police attended to a concert goer who was found with injuries consistent with a fall.
“Despite their efforts, the fan very sadly died.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, who have been informed and are being supported by specially trained police officers.
“The Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.
“Tonight’s Oasis concert will go ahead as planned.”
Saturday’s gig was the fourth of seven London shows on Oasis’ blockbuster reunion tour.
The band crashed ticket sites when they announced they were making a comeback last year – as more than 14 million fans tried to secure a seat at the highly-anticipated gigs.
Last month Liam and Noel reunited on stage in Cardiff for the first time since a backstage bust-up broke up the band 16 years ago.
The Britpop icons returned to their hometown of Manchester for five dates in July.
They performed a 23-song setlist of classic hits, including Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger and Live Forever to a roaring crowd of 80,000 people at Heaton Park.
They will head to America later this month before returning to London for two more gigs in September.
Wembley Stadium said in a statement to The Sun: “Wembley Stadium operates to a very high health and safety standard, fully meeting legal requirements for the safety of spectators and staff, and is certified to and compliant with the ISO 45001 standard.
“We work very closely and collaboratively with all relevant event delivery stakeholders – including event owners, local authorities, the Sports Ground Safety Authority and the police – to deliver events to high standards of safety, security and service for everyone attending or working in the venue.”
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Saturday’s gig was the fourth of seven London shows on Oasis’ blockbuster reunion tourCredit: instagram/oasis
On the surface, all this seems positive. Certainly, reports from inside the club say the sports science team were delighted with the numbers from the early training sessions after Amorim’s players returned for the start of pre-season on 7 July.
This, they reasoned, suggested the players had stuck to a pretty detailed and strict fitness programme to work on during their time off.
This is Manchester United, so there were some commercial appearances, but they have reduced from previous tours.
In fact, potentially the most significant commercial event as far as the club was concerned had no player involvement at all as Lord Coe, chair designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the Old Trafford regeneration project, was part of a delegation who addressed an audience of Wall Street investment banks and US financiers in New York to try to generate interest in helping to fund the planned £2bn new stadium project.
The fact neither Coe nor chief operating officer Collette Roche, who spoke at length to travelling media about the stadium plans in Los Angeles 12 months earlier, met the press this time suggests strongly nothing significant has changed and the feeling is growing United will not meet an initial five-year timeline minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke of in March.
That is not Amorim’s concern, of course.
He must deliver on the pitch. And to that end, United did look much better than last season.
It was obvious the much-discussed three-man defence splits when Amorim’s team have the ball so, when the build-up begins, the right and left-sided defenders operate as normal central defenders with the middle man of the three – Matthijs de Ligt is in pole position for that role – moves into midfield alongside the deeper of the two chosen for those jobs.
Matheus Cunha definitely brings more invention to Amorim’s attack and Amad Diallo, if selected, is a massive danger offensively at right wing-back, even if questions are asked defensively.
It is clear Amorim feels he can find an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, even if many would argue a better use of the funds United do have would be to find someone who can bring physicality and energy to midfield.
Watching the industry of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott emphasises it is a significant weakness in Amorim’s squad.
Nevertheless, as tours go, this has been a fairly calm one. Amorim’s group of players, in general, seem happy enough and the positive spirit needed for any team to be successful does exist.
Yet the reality of modern football is that everything in seen through, and judged by, the prism of results.
The walk through might be an advancement. If United win it will be seen that way. If they lose it will be written off as a terrible idea – even though it is the exactly the same process.
Conceding the winning goal to Tottenham in the Europa League final through a flick off Brennan Johnson – that took a deflection at close range off Luke Shaw and then squeezed in at the corner despite Onana’s desperate attempt to keep it out – has nothing to do with training and everything to do with the small margins managers across the league talk about.
This does seem to be a better United. Amorim is getting his ideas across.
But Arsenal’s upcoming visit to Old Trafford and the 37 Premier Leagues games afterwards will decide whether the progress is real or if pre-season 2025 was just another false dawn.
United are waiting to decide their next move and there have been reports that the player would prefer to switch to Old Trafford.
United sources are adamant they could do a deal before selling players.
But it is accepted that there would have to be exits to ensure they remain compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
And, if Sesko arrived, Hojlund would be marginalised.
If Hojlund was sold for £30m, it would effectively be a loss for United given the forward’s ‘book value’ is £43m as he is two years into the five-year contract he signed.
United have spent almost £130m this summer on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
A KNIFEMAN is on the loose after a teenage boy was stabbed to death in a Powerleague football car park.
Cops now say a murder investigation has been launched after the brutal attack in Bury, Greater Manchester.
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A murder investigation has been launched after a teenage boy was stabbed to death in BuryCredit: MEN Media
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The attack happened in the car park of a Powerleague football complexCredit: MEN Media
The 19-year-old man was attacked just before 9pm on Friday, August 1 in a car park on Market Street, according to Greater Manchester Police.
He sustained several stab wounds and later died from his injuries, the force said.
His family are being supported by specially trained officers.
No arrests have yet been made in what police believe was a “targeted attack” and officers have appealed for any witnesses to contact them.
Detective Chief Inspector John Charlton, from the Major Incident Team, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends after this tragic and upsetting incident – our specially trained officers are supporting them at this difficult time.
“This incident will have shocked the community and distressed anyone who witnessed it, but we believe this was a targeted attack with no wider threat.
“We have several scenes in place with the investigation ongoing in order to identify and apprehend the offenders responsible.
“There will be officers in the area today and in the coming days as we are determined to bring the family the answers they deserve.”
Last season’s runners-up Manchester City have been drawn in Group A alongside Women’s Super League side Everton and second tier Nottingham Forest and Newcastle in the Women’s League Cup.
Manchester United were also not included in the draw because they have to go through Champions League qualifying. If they fail to reach the group stage in Europe, there will be another draw to determine if they slot into Group A or Group B.
The group-stage matches will get under way on 24/25 September.
Ruben Amorim’s side need to improve on their 24-25 performance, when they finished 23 points behind seventh-placed Nottingham Forest, who took up the last of the European qualifying places based on a league finish.
United have already spent more than £125m to bring in forwards Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
They also continue to be linked with strikers, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins’ the most recent subject of speculation following suggestions of a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.
Both rumours involved out-of-favour winger Alejandro Garnacho going the other way.
United sources are adamant no deal is imminent, with Villa privately saying Watkins is going nowhere.
The club have travelled to the Unired States for their three-match Premier League Summer Series campaign featuring games against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.
In the meantime, Garnacho and fellow outcasts Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia are training with club staff at United’s Carrington training complex.
Real Betis are still keen to bring Antony back to the club after last season’s successful loan spell, while Juventus are keen on Sancho but need to create room in their squad before they can pursue any deal.
The 27-year-old completed his loan move to Barca with an option for the switch to be made permanent next summer.
England forward Marcus Rashford said Barcelona was a club where “dreams come true” as he joined the La Liga champions on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with an option to buy at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Media reports said that Barcelona would cover Rashford’s wages this season after the player accepted a pay cut, with the option to buy set at about 30 million euros ($35.25m) for the 27-year-old.
“Very excited. I think it’s a club where people’s dreams come true. They win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well. So it feels like I am at home,” Rashford told reporters following his unveiling on Wednesday.
“Another factor is because the conversations I had with the manager [Hansi Flick] were positive. What he did last season was terrific.
“To lead such a young team to a very successful season and come back to preseason and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club, and it’s everything I wished.”
Once seen as a club icon and homegrown star, Rashford had a dramatic fall from grace at United, marked by a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim that paved the way for him to move to Aston Villa on loan in February.
“[Manchester United] is in a period of change, and they have been for a while. I don’t have anything bad to say as it has been an important part not just of my career but my life, so I was grateful for the opportunity,” he added.
“But like life, not everything goes as simple as you thought, and this is my next chapter, and I’m fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies.”
Barcelona said Rashford had signed his contract earlier on Wednesday afternoon. “Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barca shirt,” the club said in a statement.
Marcus Rashford moved from Manchester United to Aston Villa during the mid-season transfer window in February [File: Chris Radburn/Reuters]
Second time lucky with Barca loan deal
The move to Barcelona came after Manchester-born Rashford, who made 426 senior appearances and scored 138 goals for United in all competitions, fell out of favour with Amorim, who called his work rate into question.
Rashford, who won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League title with United, joined Aston Villa on loan after Amorim said he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all.
United issued a statement wishing Rashford well as they announced the deal with Barcelona.
“Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season,” the club said.
The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games, while United had their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings.
Rashford said he had wanted to move to Barca during the mid-season transfer window when he joined Villa.
“I was clear on my preference [to join Barcelona] from the beginning. Actually, from maybe in January. It didn’t work out in January, so I went to Villa and enjoyed a good period there,” he said.
“It was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. [Barcelona] is a family club, something I’m used to from my past. It feels like home.”
Barcelona are set to play three preseason friendlies in Japan and South Korea, starting on July 27.
The Cameroon international, who recorded career-best figures in the EPL last season, joins the club on a long-term deal.
Manchester United has signed forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford until 2030, with the option to extend for a further year, United said.
United paid 65 million pounds ($88m) to Brentford, with another 6 million pounds ($8m) potentially due in add-ons for the 25-year-old Cameroon international, according to a club source.
Mbeumo hit new heights in the 2024-25 league season, finishing with a career-high 20 goals to help Brentford to a solid 10th-place finish in the Premier League. Only Mohamed Salah (29), Alexander Isak (23) and Erling Haaland (22) scored more league goals.
“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams, the team whose shirt I wore growing up,” Mbeumo said on Monday.
“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit of character to reach another level here, learning from [manager] Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.”
The versatile Mbeumo thrived on the right wing and also impressed as a centre-forward, proving indispensable for Brentford by starting every league game last season.
He joined the London club from Ligue 2 side Troyes in 2019 and made 242 appearances, scoring 70 goals and providing 51 assists.
“Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional. His remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons,” said United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox.
“We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the preseason tour. The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new teammates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.”
Mbeumo becomes United’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and youngster Enzo Kana-Biyik.
United are playing three preseason matches in the United States: July 26 vs West Ham United in New Jersey, July 30 vs Bournemouth in Chicago and August 3 vs Everton in Atlanta.
Whatever the decision on United’s striker dilemma, there can be little argument the addition of Mbeumo – alongside Cunha – strengthens their firepower.
Only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored more than his 20 Premier League goals last season.
It was, though, the first time he has reached double figures for a top-flight club, and his expected goals (xG) statistic of 12.3 – which he outperformed by 7.7 goals – is something that would be difficult to repeat.
In the past five Premier League seasons, just 14 players have overperformed their xG by five goals or more.
Sutton said: “He has done well at Brentford but playing for Manchester United is very different. With respect to Brentford, there is no great expectation there. At United, he will be expected to perform straight away.
“He has experience, he is a good finisher and his versatility is a big positive – he can play as a central striker as well as on the wing, cutting inside off the right on to his left foot.
“But he has had one very good season where his numbers were very good, so the question is whether he can repeat that.”
The Cameroon international is not being bought just for his goals, though.
Mbeumo prefers to play on the right behind a striker – with Cunha expected to feature on the left – but also has the versatility to play centrally, offering another solution to the striker problem.
He topped the list for touches per 90 minutes for players who scored more than 15 goals last season – showing his involvement in play – and ranks as one of the best ball carriers in the league, consistently with an effective end product.
He was 17th on the list of top assisters – with seven – but in expected assists he led the way in the Premier League with 9.3 xA.
Alongside Cunha’s creativity, that can only be good news for whoever is chosen to play the central striker role.
“Consistency in those forward positions is what United are striving for, because they have not had it with, say, Alejandro Garnacho or Antony,” said Sutton.
“They are maybe thinking an older, more experienced player, who is more reliable, is what they need. That’s Mbeumo – he fits into Ruben Amorim’s system and he fits the bill as proven Premier League quality too.
“Amorim wants a harmonious camp as well as a consistent performer, not someone who is a 3/10 one week and a 9/10 the next.
“That’s what Manchester United have really been lacking and the numbers Mbeumo provided could be really important. That is the part of the jigsaw they have got to really solve if they want to be challenging at the top end of the table.”
