Gossip: United have £52m Yoro bid acceptedpublished at 07:28
07:28
Manchester United are negotiating personal terms with representatives of France Under-21 defender Leny Yoro after having a £52m offer accepted by Lille for the 18-year-old, who has one year left on his contract and is also a target for Real Madrid. (Guardian), external
Meanwhile, the Old Trafford club are unlikely to move for former England manager Gareth Southgate if they part company with Erik ten Hag. Instead, ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is expected to be the preferred candidate. (Mail), external
'Nothing to moan about' or 'a very poor showing all-round'?published at 08:16 16 July
08:16 16 July
We asked for your thoughts after Manchester United opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat by Rosenborg in Norway.
Here are some of your responses:
Kev: Same old (Scarily). Casemiro had no control flying in and getting bypassed, Mount anonymous, Rashford failing to spark, Wan-Bissaka unable to be an attacking full-back. As for the kids, they are as lazy as the first team and also cannot pass - a lot like the first team. Only bright spot was the goalkeeper. Not looking much different one game in.
Iain: Nothing can really be taken away from the first pre-season game - not style of play nor quality. It's predominantly about match sharpness for the first teamers and getting yourself into the loan shop window for the youth. Having said that, Vitek, Collyer and Fish stood out with decent performances. Looking forward to Rangers!
John: With the amount of first squad players who started in the first half you would expect more from United. In essence the result doesn't matter but it's not a good start losing the first game of pre-season. Ten Hag will have to get a fixed team ready for the start of the season which isn't far away. Mainoo will need a rest and he is the player that makes United tick.
Stan: A game of two halves with the second 11 showing their pre-season nerves against Norwegian players who are already in their season stride. The only comment is the youth players wanting to make a statement should up their game from the off.
Steve: Twenty outfield players managed just two shots on target and no goals. Ten Hag is back in business.
Adam: Unfortunately, today’s game showed why Southgate left Rashford out of the England squad, and why many are hoping Casemiro will move on. Subpar, not sharp enough, lacking enthusiasm. This was a very poor showing all-round.
Laney: First pre-season game, a third of the team made up of first teamers, all off at half-time, playing a team of experienced players half way through their season. Predictable result. Nothing to moan about, how can there be?
Paul: It's the same old same old! A lot of optimism and positivity going into the pre-season; good rebuilding from the top, but United desperately need good quality strikers, and defenders. This is again a poor show from Rashford, Mount, and Casemiro. This does not bode well for Ten Hag. I cannot see him or players lasting another poor season.
'We've seen enough from Kambwala'published at 08:16 16 July
08:16 16 July
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater believes United made the right decision in letting defender Willy Kambwala leave on a permanent deal to join La Liga side Villarreal as he "isn't going to be at the top, top level".
Kambwala spent almost four years at Old Trafford but the 19-year-old was limited in his first-team opportunities despite putting in a Player of the Match display in April's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
"Big Willy Kambwala is off to Villarreal," Drinkwater told the Devils' Advocate podcast.
"He did well when he stepped in - 10 appearances, eight in the Premier League.
"It was Bournemouth away where he dropped an absolute stinker. It was just inexperience maybe.
"We have a buyback clause - I know that about the deal which is promising.
"But, I think maybe we've seen enough from Willy Kambwala where it's another one of those players that United's academy has produced that is a fantastic footballer but isn't going to be at the top, top level.
"I hope he absolute smashes it, has a good career but loses every time he comes up against Manchester United."
Gossip: Man Utd ask about Tah availabilitypublished at 07:52 16 July
07:52 16 July
Manchester United have asked about Germany defender Jonathan Tah, after Bayern Munich failed to reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign the 28-year-old. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Galatasaray are in talks to sign 27-year-old Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay. (Metro), external
Ten Hag unhappy with Man Utd performancepublished at 19:49 15 July
19:49 15 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refused to use it being the opening game of pre-season as an excuse for his side's defeat by Norwegian side Rosenborg.
United's starting line-up contained Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans - but it was 20-year-old goalkeeper Radek Vitek who emerged with credit from the 1-0 loss.
The Czech keeper made five excellent saves, only to get beaten by Noah Holm in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
And, in the first game since United triggered his one-year contract extension, Ten Hag was not happy.
"The result is not secondary," he told MUTV. "It's pre-season, but the norm at Manchester United is to win matches. If you can't win, you shouldn't lose.
"This is not the standard for top football. Our performance today is by far not good enough. We are Manchester United and should perform better."
Vitek stars but Man Utd lose pre-season openerpublished at 19:19 15 July
19:19 15 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Manchester United via Getty Images
Young goalkeeper Radek Vitek made good use of his extended game-time with a man-of-the-match performance, but Manchester United still lost their opening pre-season game against Rosenborg in Norway.
With Andre Onana remaining in Manchester and Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton ruled out by their respective Euro 2024 commitments, 20-year-old Vitek was the senior keeper in Erik ten Hag's squad.
The Czech produced five superb saves but Noah Holm wrecked their hopes of a draw when he lashed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
United staff have spent the past few days emphasising how Kobbie Mainoo came to prominence in pre-season last year.
It is debatable whether Vitek will make the same rapid progress but in front of new goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar, he caught the eye.
With Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans part of an outfield starting line-up that was completely changed at half-time, United found it difficult at times to repel a Rosenborg side that is halfway through its domestic season.
Rashford did provide a moment to remember when he nutmegged Leo Cornig, which would have been appreciated by another new United coach, former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
And Darren Fletcher, who has also joined the coaching ranks following Jason Wilcox's arrival as technical director, would have been proud that his 17-year-old son Jack was given his opportunity in the second half.
Full-time: Rosenborg 1-0 Man Utdpublished at 19:00 15 July
19:00 15 July
Manchester United have been beaten 1-0 by Rosenborg in a pre-season friendly in Norway.
A starting XI containing Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Aaron Wan Bissaka played out a goalless first half, before a youthful second-half line-up conceded the only goal of the game late on.
Mainoo's slice of tournament historypublished at 16:39 15 July
16:39 15 July
Image source, PA Media
It was not to be for Kobbie Mainoo nor England in Sunday's Euro 2024 final against Spain, but the Manchester United midfielder was part of a major tournament first in Berlin.
With Mainoo starting for England and Lamine Yamal in Spain's line-up, it was the first time that two teenagers featured in the final of a World Cup or European Championship.
A day after his 17th birthday, Barcelona winger Yamal became the youngest ever player to appear in a major international tournament final, beating Pele's record set at the 1958 World Cup.
Mainoo, aged 19 years and 86 days, is the fifth youngest to play in a major final, behind Yamal, Pele, Italy's Giuseppe Bergomi (1982 World Cup) and Renato Sanches of Portugal (Euro 2016).
Is Zirkzee the forward Man Utd have been looking for?published at 12:24 15 July
12:24 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Manchester United signing 23-year-old striker Joshua Zirkzee on a five-year contract.
How do you think he will fit in?
Here are some of your thoughts:
Maximillian: Zirkzee is a young striker who has a different profile to Rasmus Hojlund and will give the coach different options and approaches to games. He is also versatile, which is a bonus. It is a good signing which confirms Ineos' intent of building for the future.
Haddock: Another unproven goalscorer. Why can't United invest in a proven goalscorer? It's not a difficult decision when you have wasted money on Martial, Antony, Sancho and possibly Hojlund. Why not buy Harry Kane? This guy scored 12 goals last season. How come when Manchester City and Liverpool buy players they get value for their investments and we get zero return?
Edward: It is hard to say what Zirkzee will bring to United, as yet. If he can hold the ball with his back to the goal - something that Hojlund can't do - he will be a great improvement. He has the physical stature to put up with robust defenders and, if he has the ball skills that Hojlund lacks, he will be fine.
Matthew: I'm pleased that United have secured him. Usually we leave it to the last minute! AC Milan were also interested so credit to Ineos, who look a lot more confident in pursuing what the club needs. My only fear is that United only play with one striker, so Hojlund and Zirkzee may not be happy sitting on the bench more than usual.
Steve: It's interesting that for the Netherlands he only came on twice and Wout Weghorst was the preferred option for Ronald Koeman when bringing on a substitute. He is not the proven article but hopefully he won't turn out to be another Manchester United buy that fails to materialise.
Al: Zirkzee is an OK signing. He is not a striker who is going to come in and score 30 goals per season, but he might take some of the pressure away from Hojlund. I would like to see us sign an experienced centre-forward, like Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins, but it is a step forward after Martial's injury problems last season limited him to 13 Premier League appearances and one goal.
'I hope Man Utd have learned'published at 12:24 15 July
12:24 15 July
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United must learn from their recent experiences with Dutch signings following the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee, BBC Sport has been told.
The 23-year-old striker joined the club from Italian side Bologna on Sunday in a deal worth £36.54m.
Zirkzee's arrival comes after the exit of compatriot Donny van de Beek, who was bought by Girona for an initial £420,600 last week after struggling to establish himself at Old Trafford since a £35m move in September 2020.
Netherlands forward Memphis Depay was another who struggled, leaving in 2017 after scoring just seven goals in two seasons.
"I hope Manchester United, as a club, have learned from what happened with Memphis Depay," said Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan.
"He came in at a very young age - big expectations, big transfer fee. He was a player who had established himself in the Dutch league, but that is not comparable to the Premier League or the size of a club like Manchester United.
"United still have the same expectations as one of the top five clubs in the world - and this is huge. That is why [Erik] Ten Hag will bring Zirkzee in gradually and let him get to know English football. Dutch players need time.
"We've seen many failures – Donny van de Beek, Davy Klaassen and Daley Blind did not have an absolute blast. It needs time but the potential is there."
Zirkzee can play as a number nine or a 10, but may have to compete with striker Rasmus Hojlund for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
Van der Kraan believes Zirkzee will benefit from playing under Ten Hag, but added: "The Dutch tag has to come off Ten Hag and Dutch players, because being Dutch is no guarantee for success.
"You need to understand the culture of the Premier League and the huge expectations of the Premier League - and you have to really adapt and become a bit British in your style as a footballer.
"Big tempo and huge pace - physically it is tough and the amount of games is massive. I hope Ten Hag can guide him a little bit with his experience from his first two seasons."
'I am absolutely devastated' - Shawpublished at 12:21 15 July
12:21 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United and England defender Luke Shaw says he shares the supporters' disappointment at losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The 29-year-old made his first start in four months in Sunday's final after recovering from a long-term hamstring injury.
"I am absolutely devastated," said Shaw, who also made appearances as a substitute in the quarter-final win over Switzerland and the semi-final victory against the Netherlands.
"We really believed we could do it, but it wasn't meant to be."
On what England manager Gareth Southgate said to his players after the defeat, Shaw added: "He is extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved as a group but, of course, there isn't much else he could say.
"Everyone is truly gutted.
"I think we had massive belief and the fans deserved it. I just want to thank them for their support and I can only apologise to them."
Kambwala leaves Man Utd for Villarrealpublished at 11:14 15 July
11:14 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United have confirmed the exit of defender Willy Kambwala to Spanish side Villarreal.
The France youth international, 19, had a year left on his contract and rejected United's most recent contract offer.
Kambwala made 10 appearances for the Red Devils, all of them coming last season and eight of them in the Premier League.
Premier League stars take Copa America glorypublished at 10:35 15 July
10:35 15 July
Image source, Reuters
While many in England are lamenting the loss to Spain at Euro 2024, there are a number of players returning to their Premier League clubs draped in silverware.
Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani lo Celso, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez all played their part as Argentina edged Colombia in the Copa America final.
Indeed, it was Lo Celso’s clever through ball that finally unlocked their opponents’ defence in the second half of extra time to set up Inter’s Lautaro Martinez for the winner.
United's Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute as Argentina backed up their 2022 World Cup win with a second consecutive Copa America title.
Some consolation for sad England fans of these clubs this morning.
Zirkzee 'has had big expectations around him'published at 16:19 14 July
16:19 14 July
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
New Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is a "gem that needs to be polished" but "nobody knows" yet what his best position is.
Zirkzee began his career in the youth academies of a number of Dutch football clubs before moving to Bayern Munich in 2017 and then to Serie A side Bologna in 2022, where he made 58 appearances and scored 14 goals.
"Zirkzee is still a young gem that needs to be polished," Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan told BBC Sport.
"I know his transfer fee of about 40m euros is already a big figure, yet on the big international scene he hasn't fully arrived yet. But, from a very young age, he has had big expectations around him.
"When he went to Bayern Munich people thought that was a very early step to the big scene. He wasn't fully grown, wasn't physically strong enough.
"He made his name with one sensational goal which helped Bayern in one big game, but it is difficult to follow up and establish yourself among bigger players. This is why it was wise to go to Bologna. He has had two great seasons at Bologna and really developed well."
Although most of his time in Italy has been spent as centre-forward, the Netherlands international also played as a number 10 during his early career.
Van der Kraan added: "It's interesting with Zirkzee because nobody knows what his style is – is he a nine or is he a 10?
"During this European Championship, Ronald Koeman emphasised that and said he is actually a nine and a half. You can't be that in football but it more or less means he can be used as a nine or a 10 behind the striker.
"I don't think he [Zirkzee] has quite figured out himself yet what he is. Maybe that is why Erik ten Hag has said: 'Look, I need a different kind of striker to what I've got.'. You can't just take one striker into a big season with three different competitions.
"Ten Hag is definitely getting a different one. The fact he can play in various roles is maybe an advantage."
'I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning'published at 16:10 14 July
16:10 14 July
Image source, Getty Images
New Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee says he is "ready to make an impact straight away" at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee completed his transfer from Bologna on a five-year contract on Sunday.
"I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part," said the 23-year-old Netherlands international.
"I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning. I'm ready for this next challenge - to go to another level in my career and win more trophies."
United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth said adding a forward to the squad was a "key aim for this summer".
"We are delighted that we've managed to sign a player of Joshua's calibre this early in the transfer window.
"His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition."
New United chief wants 'titles and trophies'published at 15:13 14 July
15:13 14 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
New Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has promised fans he will do everything possible to deliver silverware back to Old Trafford.
After an extended period of gardening leave, Berrada officially took on his new role on Saturday.
One of his first tasks was to send a letter to various United supporter groups to highlight his short-term priorities.
"Taking the role of CEO at Manchester United is a huge responsibility," he said.
"I can promise you we will do everything we can to deliver the titles, trophies and culture expected of this club across our men's, women's and academy teams.
"I also want you to know how seriously I take fan engagement.
"I will be focusing on the summer transfer windows alongside joining our men's team's tour to the US. I will also be spending time with our women's team when they are back for pre-season."
The hard work behind Mainoo's fast track to stardompublished at 09:18 14 July
09:18 14 July
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United's head of academy Nick Cox has admitted Kobbie Mainoo's progress this season has caught everyone at Old Trafford by surprise.
It was 26 November when he started a Premier League game for the first time after recovering from an ankle injury, and the 19-year-old did not make his England debut until March.
But for Cox, the rapid progress should not obscure the hard work that has taken Mainoo to the brink of becoming the youngest player to win a major tournament for the Three Lions.
"He's moved much faster than we thought," said Cox.
"This season he's made a Premier League debut, scored a first Premier League goal, first England call-up, England debut, first England competitive game, first England tournament match, man of the match appearances, Champions League appearances.
"It hasn't been an easy journey, though. They never are. Everyone who watches him play on Sunday might think it must have been plain sailing, but there have been injuries, dips in form, times when he's had to spend time away from his family, or change schools.
"He had to move away from his mates, which is a brave thing to do. When he was 14 or 15, he was not sure what his best position was.
"Sometimes there's this false perception superstars get there easily. They don't."
Even though immortality awaits if England are successful against Spain, Cox accepts that Mainoo still has some progression ahead of him.
"He's not played 50 games for the first team yet," he added.
"It won't always be smooth though and he'll have times ahead of him where it's difficult or he doesn't move at the pace he is now.
"It's important people remain balanced and know he's got loads to go."
Gossip: Toney open to United movepublished at 08:43 14 July
08:43 14 July
Manchester United are interested in Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney and the 28-year-old is open to a move to Old Trafford. (Christian Falk, via Mail), external
United will have to offload winger Jadon Sancho before they pursue a move for Fenerbahce's 24-year-old versatile Turkey midfielder Ferdi Kadioglu, who is also a target for Arsenal. (Teamtalk), external
Meanwhile, United are keen to sell defender Victor Lindelof this summer and will also listen to offers for midfielder Christian Eriksen. (Manchester Evening News), external
How Mainoo chooses the right momentpublished at 16:24 13 July
16:24 13 July
Image source, Getty Images
When you're a young kid, playing at the level Kobbie Mainoo is, you sometimes try to prove why you are there.
I know from my own experience that you feel you always have to show what you can do, and you can end up trying too hard.
Kobbie's not like that, though. He won't try to push it and over-play.
I've watched him closely and the first 30% of passes of the ball he gets in a game, in those opening minutes, he is happy just playing the ball short, five or 10 yards, waiting for the right moment for his natural raw ability to come out.
Then, when the moment comes - and he knows exactly when - he can give you that little bit of 'wow' factor where he draws someone out, breaks the press or when the opposition think they are going to nick the ball off him.
There are those times when they have got him down a blind alley but he somehow just comes out the end anyway and you are left going: 'oh my god.'
What he is doing is a part of the game - and I heard Gareth Southgate say this too, by the way - that he makes look very easy, but is actually one of the most difficult things.
Ask any midfielder what it is like to receive the ball from your defence with your back to play, not knowing what is behind you and with people pressing you from behind from different angles, but being able to feel where they are and still get out.
