Manchester United

The World Cup may be in full flow, but there's no rest for The Devils' Advocate team as they turn their attention to the 2026-27 campaign.

On the latest podcast, BBC Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath disagreed on who they believe needs to be a priority during the summer transfer window for Michael Carrick's side.

McGrath said: "Noussair Mazraoui hasn't come into his own at United. That right-back position is up there with one of the priorities."

Mazraoui featured in 21 games in all competitions for the Red Devils during the 2025-26 season.

Drinkwater believes United should strengthen the left-back position to allow Luke Shaw to be rested for some games.

Carrick's team will have an increase in games for the new season, due to qualifying for the Champions League.

"I agree that Shaw is better than Dalot, but Dalot is always available. We are going to play Champions League football next season, and I don't trust Luke Shaw to do it all season," added Drinkwater.

Newcastle's Lewis Hall has been linked with a move to Old Trafford but Drinkwater suggested he still wouldn't start Hall over Shaw in the left-back position.

He added: "If they're both fit and available, do I start Hall over Shaw? No, I don't.

"You're going to have to spend a lot of money on Lewis Hall."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

New Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says he is optimistic about the future and wants to bring "winning and exciting" football to Old Trafford.

Carrick was given a two-year contract to take charge at United after doing an outstanding job after being appointed as interim boss following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January.

United have qualified for the Champions League after a two-year absence and fans are looking forward to Friday's release of next season's Premier League fixtures with confidence.

Carrick shares the feeling.

Asked in an interview with the United We Stand fanzine if he was optimistic for the new campaign, he replied: "Yes, big time."

Carrick, who won 12 out of his 17 games in charge of Manchester United last season, outlined the kind of football he is looking for.

"Winning, exciting football is what comes to mind," he said.

"There are all sorts of different ways to get there but a version of winning and exciting football. There's a responsibility to try and produce both."

United have already agreed a deal with Brazil midfielder Ederson to join the club from Serie A outfit Atalanta when the World Cup comes to an end.

They also hope to agree a deal with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes who, along with Crysencio Summerville is regarded as the most likely to leave London Stadium this summer following relegation to the Championship.

United have prioritised strengthening the midfield positions this summer and Carrick understands why.

"It's essential to have a strong midfield and a strong spine on top of that," he said. "We're certainly conscious of that."

Although United begin their pre-season campaign against Wrexham on 18 July, the day before the World Cup final, Carrick does not feel the tournament itself will have a major impact on preparations for the new season, providing "everyone comes back fit".

And he is thankful for the trust placed in him by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, outlining the relaxed relationship between the pair.

"Nothing crazy formal," he said. "It's just chatting.

"Him picking my brains on a few things. General conversations about the players or club or feelings. It's not maybe how you think it would be. He's been good with me to be honest and left me to do a lot of the work and trusting me."

Manchester United have valued Marcus Rashford at £40m but ruled out the possibility of the England forward, 28, joining Liverpool or Manchester City. (ESPN), external

United are interested in West Ham pair Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, but the relegated Hammers want a combined £140m for Portugal midfielder Fernandes, 21, and Netherlands winger Summerville, 24. (Mail), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The deadline Barcelona agreed with Manchester United to trigger a £26m clause to turn Marcus Rashford's loan into a permanent deal passed without it being activated.

No-one expected any different.

On 1 July, when Rashford will hope to be preparing for a World Cup last-32 encounter in Atlanta, he will officially return to being a United player, with a £325,000-a-week contract that still has two years to run.

So, what happens now?

In theory, Rashford could return to his boyhood club and resume his career there.

Head coach Michael Carrick knows him well. Carrick has been a team-mate, coach and - for three games following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal in 2021 - hands-on manager of one of the recent star graduates of the academy.

When Carrick was asked about Rashford in April, he said no decision had been made about the forward's future.

He added: "Whoever's here, I want to work with them and help them to improve."

It is not quite as simple as that.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bring wage costs down and that is not easy when the highest earner is on such a huge sum.

In addition, United gave Rashford's number 10 shirt to Matheus Cunha last season and are hardly likely to take it off the Brazilian.

The summer squad rebuilding plans are being pieced together in the belief Rashford will not be part of them.

Yet it is tricky. Twelve months ago, Ruben Amorim placed Rashford in his 'bomb squad' and told him to train at different times to the main group. He did the same with Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

Last week, world governing body Fifa announced a memorandum of understanding with global players' union Fifpro. Within the detail, it was confirmed any player exiled from the main group can demand to be released – and to have their contracts paid up.

It is fair to assume ostracising Rashford this season is off the agenda.

Read more about the options for Rashford here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

For the past couple of seasons there have been demonstrations by Manchester United supporters sitting in front of the directors' box at Old Trafford complaining at the fact they were being relocated to other parts of the stadium.

An email sent to fans on Tuesday confirming Elevate as United's first "official hospitality partner" goes some way to explaining why.

United say the partnership "expands our official hospitality offering".

There are four packages listed (there are a lot more besides these).

One offers a meet and greet with a current first-team squad member; another a photo with the team captain before kick-off; a third helps with "planting the corner flag"; and another is the "dugout club experience".

All offer padded seating behind the team dugout as part of the overall package.

The basic reality is United knew they could make far more money from the seats between the directors' box and the dugouts than they had been generating.

The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.

And to get in the mood as Manchester United prepare for a first full season under Michael Carrick, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.

Get in touch with your memories here

And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how United's league fixture list has fallen.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Harry Maguire has revealed England boss Thomas Tuchel told him his World Cup dream was over on a FaceTime call.

Maguire's omission from Tuchel's 26-man squad was one of the most contentious and led to a stinging rebuke from the Manchester United defender at the time as he said he was "shocked and gutted".

Speaking on Gary Lineker's Rest is Football World Cup podcast, Maguire says he still believes he should have been picked – and revealed the method Tuchel chose to deliver the bad news.

"He FaceTimed everyone," said Maguire. "It was quite an awkward call.

"I received a text saying can I speak to you about 4pm. It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone's reactions.

"I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.

"He said he can't give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the autumn.

"It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly."

At the age of 33, Maguire accepts he probably will not get the chance to play in another World Cup.

However, he has been in touch with long-standing friends in the England camp, including skipper Harry Kane, midfielder Declan Rice and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to wish them good luck.

And, despite the setback, and the knowledge Tuchel will lead the team into Euro 2028, Maguire will not quit the international scene.

"I don't think I would retire from England," said Maguire, who won his 66th cap in the friendly defeat to Japan in March.

"I still feel I have something to offer. There will be a time and a place where I don't deserve to get picked but I probably still wouldn't come out and retire.

"If I got one more cap it would be worth it."

Barcelona's option to sign Marcus Rashford for 30m euros (£35m) is set to expire without them choosing to make the 28-year-old England forward's loan move from Manchester United a permanent switch. (ESPN), external

Real Madrid have made contact regarding a move for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes but Manchester United remain frontrunners for the Portugal midfielder, 21. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United are not prepared to meet West Ham's asking price for Fernandes, which is about £80m, but he is also a target for Paris St-Germain as well as Real Madrid. (Mirror), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

On the latest The Devils' Advocate podcast, BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater, Joe McGrath and Michael Clarke discuss United's best starting XI for next season if they were in charge of transfers.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We are officially four days and 12 games deep into the biggest World Cup ever, so we want to know who has grabbed your attention early doors - especially as the summer transfer window is now officially open.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations? Who have you got down as your one to watch?

Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick from the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC is launching live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every match wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

• Set up live lock screen match updates by following these simple steps

A new predictor game is being introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The new game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real-time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Manchester United's Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner against Ecuador to secure Ivory Coast three points in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup.

Diallo's goal ensured his nation go level on points with Germany in Group E, but the four-time World Cup winners sit first with a superior goal difference.

Visit our World Cup index to keep up with all the latest from the tournament

Brazil midfielder Ederson was scheduled to have a medical on Sunday as the 26-year-old closed in on completing his move to Manchester United from Atalanta. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian, external)

United sacked manager Ruben Amorim in January and could make a significant saving on the £15.9m compensation package following his departure if the Portuguese takes over at AC Milan. (Mirror, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on who you would like Manchester United to keep, loan and sell from the squad this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Mehdi: Keep - Johsua Zirkzee. A solid squad player who can provide support for Sesko, he brings something different to the team. Loan- Harry Amass. Sorry, I know he's popular as an academy graduate, but I don't have faith he'd be enough for a title push. Sell - Diogo Dalot. I feel like he just slips under the radar, but he is generally mediocre. Time for an upgrade!

Rob: Keep - Mason Mount. The squad clearly love him and when he is fit and playing he can make a real difference. Loan - Leny Yoro. Send him to Europe to play every week. Not a regular starter but potential with Ayden Heaven to be an amazing pairing in years to come. Sell - Zirkzee. Won't play enough but would get a good transfer fee and they love him in Italy.

Faisal: One player to keep is Shea Lacey, as he can definitely provide cover for Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo. One player to sell is Altay Bayindir as he's just not that good. A player to loan out would be either Amass, Diego Leon or one of the Fletcher twins as they'd benefit more from some more first-team game time.

Dermot: Keep Mount as he has great attributes if he can stay fit. Loan out Zirkzee but don't sell him yet. Sell Dalot... just not good enough. Buy Adam Wharton!

S Liv: Keep Radek Vitek. Quality young keeper who deserves to be number two and be given game time. Loan Zirkzee. There is definitely a player in there but if you ask me his best position, I have no idea. Needs games. Sell Andre Onana. If I have to explain why, you've not been paying attention!

Seth: Keep Zirkzee - I know a lot of people have large doubts about his quality - fans tend to either laugh or cry when he gets subbed on, including me - but he's so important for team spirit and morale it would crush the dressing room if he leaves Loan Onana out - need an explanation? Sell Manuel Ugarte - again, no reason needed for this one!

Christine: I would keep Zirkzee he has loads of ability but not the muscle that a forward requires and he needs to work hard at this. I would loan out Marcus Rashford even if we cannot sell him. I don't like the way Barcelona have gone about the Rashford deal but it proves he is not at elite level. I would sell Ugarte as he is simply not good enough, and Onana, because I still have nightmares with him in goal, especially against Grimsby.

Mark: Keep - Amass as cover for Shaw. Loan. Loan - Shea Lacey to allow him to develop playing regularly. Sell - Onana. Don't care how much for, just don't want him back at United.

Ratheesh: Keep - Mount. He is industrious and I strongly believe he can provide cover for Bruno Fernandes in a busy calendar ahead. Loan - Chido Obi . He needs to get the experience playing regularly in a competitive league, preferably in the Premier League or Championship. Sell - Ugarte. There may be other candidates, but given the reinforcements planned for the midfield, he may be surplus to requirements. Honourable mention to keep - Rashford.

Manchester United are interested in Newcastle and England defender Lewis Hall, 21, who wants to leave the Magpies. (Sun), external

Fulham and United States left-back Antonee Robinson, 28, is also being viewed by Manchester United as a possible signing for next season. (Sky Sports), external

Barcelona are set to reject the chance to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 28, for his £26m release fee, with the clause set to expire on Monday. (Daily Mirror), external

Manchester United may also move for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, 23, having been priced out of a move for Nottingham Forest's England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23. (Teamtalk), external

Trabzonspor are eager to secure the permanent transfer of Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, 30, this summer. (Mirror), external

Manchester United are also looking to offload Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, 28, and Czech stopper Radek Vitek, 22, who was on loan at Bristol City last season. (Sky Sports), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Change is inevitable at football clubs during the summer months and we want to ask you something specific about Manchester United's squad.

Tell us:

• One player who should be kept who may be on the fringes and why?

• One player who should be loaned out

• One player who should be sold

We would love names and reasons for all three - get in touch with your views using this form

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath and Jay Motty from The Stretford Paddock have reflected on Rasmus Hojlund's permanent departure to Napoli after he spent the season on loan at the Serie A club.

"I feel a little bit sorry for Rasmus Hojlund because he never should have been the main striker," Motty told The Devils' Advocate podcast.

"As a young lad who scored nine Serie A goals at Atalanta the season before he arrived at Old Trafford, he wasn't ready to be the main man. He was made the main striker because we didn't buy anyone else and the other attackers were lacking,"

Hojlund joined United from Atalanta for an initial £64m in the summer of 2023 and scored 26 goals in 95 appearances, winning the FA Cup, despite struggling at times for form and consistency.

"I don't think it really worked out, he had some good moments, he had a little purple patch. I wish him well, I think he will get a good reception if he returns to Old Trafford, it's not his fault he wasn't quite good enough."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on Manchester United's decision to take a step back in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

Here are some of your comments:

Deborah: We should only be interested in players that are interested in signing for us.

Peter: Anderson is a real class player and I understand why he is highly in demand. I think we should still 'keep tabs' on him while looking at alternatives. I also agree with a more guarded approach to our disastrous past player purchasing and wage bills.

Terry: Absolutely the right decision. No point wasting two months of the transfer window when they could be going for players they actually have a chance of getting. I'd like to see them go for Adam Wharton and Mateus Fernandes.

Jason: The board not wanting to fight for a player shows a lack of ambition. Saying they don't want to overpay and then overpaying for a player with less quality hardly makes sense. For example, Ederson is nearly £40m for a player in the last year of a contract.

James: I would love to see Anderson in a United shirt as his potential is frightening. But we've been through the days of paying stupid transfer fees and wages for players to join just for the pay day. If Anderson doesn't want to join United, or his costs are too prohibitive, fine - move on to the next.

Maz: Definitely right to back away. Why pay over the odds for a lad who doesn't believe in the team?

Charlie: Good call turning away from Anderson. United's retained list includes a healthy selection of academy talent eager for first-team opportunities. If purchasing, coachable players like Hayden Hackney or Cammy Devlin could enhance the midfield without breaking the bank. Whoever comes in needs to fit Carrick/team/organisational culture, not just show up well in matchday stats.