All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United have endured a torrid few years on and off the pitch, leading to discontent shown by the fanbase amid their lack of tangible success.

From managerial changes to board protests and record-low Premier League finishes, it really has been a continuous period for the supporters to forget about.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and transform the club, but so far to no avail, as seen by the 15th-placed league finish in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 40-year-old had the summer transfer window to try and transform the fortunes on the pitch, but so far he’s been unable to do so, only winning one of the first four outings to date.

£200m spent and yet another Manchester Derby defeat could spell the end for the manager, especially if recent reports around his future in the role are to be believed.

The latest on Ruben Amorim’s future at Man Utd

Despite his 20th defeat since taking the reins last November, it’s been reported in recent days that INEOS may not be looking to part ways with Amorim in the near future.

Many people on the board see the 40-year-old as the man to lead the club forward, but there’s no denying concerns have been raised given the dismal form under his guidance.

Contrary to recent reports, a report from Miguel Delaney states that the Red Devils are huge admirers of Andoni Iraola and could see him as a potential replacement in the months ahead.

The journalist claims that the hierarchy have been impressed by his work at Bournemouth in recent months, with the 43-year-old seen as an ideal candidate to take the reins.

However, Delaney’s report also states that rivals Manchester City are also keen on the Spaniard, who could move to the Etihad to replace Guardiola, should he depart the Citizens.

Why Iraola would be a huge upgrade on Amorim for Man Utd

Amorim’s record of just 18 wins in his 48 outings in charge of United is nothing short of shocking and has fallen way below the standards demanded from the fanbase.

His 3-4-2-1 system was something to be excited about upon his appointment 10 months ago, but now it appears to be a real sticking point of his tenure at Old Trafford.

He’s spoken about his reluctance to switch away from his preferred system, with his stubbornness potentially adding to the case to sack him from his current post.

The 40-year-old has failed to have the desired impact on England’s top-flight, but the same can’t be said for Iraola during his own spell at the Vitality Stadium.

The Spaniard has won 38 of his 92 games in charge of the Cherries, securing the club’s best-ever Premier League finish in the 2024/25 campaign. As a result, it’s arguably no surprise to see him described as the “best young coach in the world” by many, including Sky Sports pundit Sam Tighe.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 43-year-old will cost, and if he would want a move to Old Trafford, but when comparing his stats to those of Amorim – it’s clear he would be an upgrade.

Iraola, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Sky Sports’ Nick Wright, has achieved a higher win percentage to date, whilst also achieving a better point-per-game record in England’s top-flight.

Games managed

80

31

Wins

31

8

Draws

20

7

Losses

29

16

Points per game

1.4

1

Win percentage

39%

25%

Goals per 90

1.5

1.1

Goals conceded per 90

1.5

1.6

His side have also scored more goals and conceded fewer per 90, showcasing his ability to get the best out of his sides at both ends of the pitch.

Such success if further highlighted in the higher league finish throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly conducting a better job in the role despite the Cherries having a much smaller stature.

There’s no disputing that Iraola has done a phenomenal job on the South Coast, massively outperforming expectations over the last few seasons – especially on a shoestring budget in comparison to the Red Devils.

If he’s able to achieve such success with limited funds, the prospect of him working under INEOS at Old Trafford would be one to get excited about – potentially able to be the perfect replacement for Amorim.

Amorim wanted his own Donnarumma & Haaland but Man Utd got Altay & Sesko instead

It’s been yet another poor start to a Premier League season for Manchester United.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 16, 2025

With each passing season, or even each passing game, what it means to be Manchester United appears to be drifting away.

No longer a winning machine, the soul of the club has also been somewhat lost of late, amid the relentless redundancies that have been rolled out by the INEOS regime – all to help fund another collection of expensive player incomings.

On the pitch, Ruben Amorim’s persistence with his 3-4-2-1 system appears at odds with the great teams of the past, having slipped so far from the gung-ho, edge-of-your-seat style which was synonymous with Sir Alex Ferguson – and those before him.

A microcosm of the modern game, United’s most damning act has been the repeated selling of the family silver, with academy graduates the major victims in recent years.

Only last summer, the Red Devils shipped Scott McTominay off to Napoli amid the desire to bring in Manuel Ugarte in his place. One of that duo is now a Ballon d’Or nominee…

As for this summer, Alejandro Garnacho has been allowed to join the Chelsea circus, while fellow FA Cup final hero Kobbie Mainoo has been tipped to follow him out the exit door, amid his lack of regular game time.

A player whom Gary Neville suggested the club should be “building [the team] around”, Mainoo simply can’t be allowed to leave. Instead, a new addition is needed to help revive him.

Latest on Man Utd's midfield search

“Now I’m a Baleba…”

The songs had already been written; scarves were no doubt being sold. Alas, unless a drastic change occurs, United won’t be forking out the required £100m plus fee for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, despite identifying the Cameroonian as a leading target.

With the Seagulls holding firm on their desire to keep hold of their 21-year-old sensation, Amorim’s search for an athletic number eight will have to shift its focus, with the centre of the park in particular need of reinforcement, amid the continued reliance on an ageing Casemiro.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With that in mind, Caught Offside have reported that United are showing an interest in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder, Conor Gallagher, with the England international seemingly in line for a return to the Premier League.

As per the report, the 25-year-old is available heading into the final days of the window, with the LaLiga outfit slapping a £45m asking price on his head. That would ensure that an offer in that region would likely be accepted.

Unsurprisingly, Amorim and co aren’t alone in their interest, as Tottenham Hotspur are said to be the club who are ‘leading the race’ right now. The Lilywhites are even said to be ready to make a bid.

Why Conor Gallagher could be perfect for Mainoo

The key crux of the issue right now for young Mainoo is that Amorim has outlined that he views the 20-year-old as a competitor, rather than a partner, for Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, thus ensuring his route to game time is severely blocked.

That said, United’s chief creator may well still be better suited to a number ten berth, thus perhaps opening the door for Mainoo to nail down the number eight role instead, having previously thrived in a deeper position during his breakout 2023/24 season.

While last term was a tale of injuries and frustration, it’s easy to forget just what a revelation the Englishman was the year prior, having kicked things off with a Man of the Match display on his first Premier League start at Everton in November 2023.

A meteoric rise over the next few months saw the then-teenager net that Wembley winner, prior to starting every knockout game during England’s surge to the Euro 2024 final – having even started the showpiece defeat to Spain.

A “generational” talent, in the view of teammate Rasmus Hojlund, Mainoo possesses that unerring ability to simply breeze past opponents, with his poise and power having even led Anthony Elanga to describe him as having “similar attributes to Paul Pogba”.

Marcus Rashford

£42m

Scott McTominay

£42m

Kobbie Mainoo

£42m

Alejandro Garnacho

£38m

Anthony Elanga

£36m

Mason Greenwood

£34m

Alvaro Carreras

£30m

Dwight McNeil

£21m

Dean Henderson

£17m

Angel Gomes

£17m

Pogba’s time at United is enough for a 10,000-word piece on its own, but where the Frenchman truly shone was on the international stage, partnering a certain N’Golo Kante as Les Bleus claimed World Cup glory in 2018.

Like the mercurial Pogba, Mainoo is in need of that athletic workhorse alongside him – particularly so in this 3-4-2-1 system.

Enter, Gallagher.

Previously described as being like “Kante with goals” by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino – having also been likened to his ex-Chelsea colleague by Thomas Tuchel – the Atleti star would represent the perfect foil for Mainoo in the engine room.

A pressing “monster” – as per Tom Dutton – the £45m man notably ranked in the top 4% of Champions League midfielders for interceptions per 90 last season, as per FBref, having been a relentless presence in Diego Simeone’s setup.

Also ranking in the top 1% for passes between 15 and 30 yards, the one-time Crystal Palace loanee plays a simple but effective game, ensuring he could win back possession, before picking out the likes of Mainoo ahead of him.

That’s not to say he’s simply the archetypal ‘piano carrier’, however, with Gallagher also offering a real threat in his own right in attack, having registered six goals and assists in LaLiga last term. His pass accuracy rate of 87%, as per Sofascore, is also nothing to be sniffed at.

There might be more technically proficient players on the market, but few boast such impressive physical traits, with the Cobham graduate perhaps representing the athletic solution that Amorim has been searching for all summer.

If a deal can be struck in the dying embers, it could well be just what is needed to get the best out of Mainoo again. Should Amorim fail to revive United’s golden boy, on his head be it…

Great news for Mainoo: Amorim's "magician" is now open to leaving Man Utd

Manchester United might lose one of their most important players before the transfer window closes.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 30, 2025

Nottingham Forest are now ready to advance on a deal to sign an “incredible” attacking midfielder this week, according to a reliable reporter.

Nottingham Forest chasing multiple targets who could replace Gibbs-White

Having already lost Anthony Elanga, Forest are now doing everything they can to make sure they don’t lose captain and talisman Morgan Gibbs-White as well. Tottenham Hotspur have already triggered Gibbs-White’s release clause this summer, but the Reds have threatened legal action due to Spurs’ move.

Gibbs-White has returned to pre-season training and played in a pre-season game over the weekend, but it remains unclear where his future lies.

Nottingham Forest strike "verbal agreement" with "complete" £35m forward

The Tricky Trees are making progress in their pursuit of an attacker, with an opening bid now in the works.

ByDominic Lund Jul 20, 2025

Therefore, the Tricky Trees are looking at their options, and there are now two names being looked at as possible replacements for the England international. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been a target for Forest for a while now, and the BBC’s Sami Mokbel revealed last week that Forest are advancing with their plans to sign Wissa, albeit he is of course more of an out and out forward.

As well as working on a deal for Wissa, according to Football Insider, Forest are now in pole position to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa. The Midlands side are reportedly open to selling the midfielder should they receive an offer between £40-50 million, as Ramsey is said to be unhappy due to his playing time last season.

Nottingham Forest to advance deal to sign "incredible" McAtee

The Premier League side are not stopping at Wissa and Ramsey, as according to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Nottingham Forest are looking to move ahead with their pursuit of James McAtee from Manchester City.

In his update, Percy also states that Forest are not the only team chasing McAtee, as teams from the Premier League and Bundesliga are also interested. It was reported a couple of days ago that Everton are prioritising a move to sign McAtee, as they look to spend £150 million on new arrivals this summer.

As well as Everton, Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for the England under-21 international, who looks set to leave the Etihad Stadium.

McAtee, who has been lauded as being “incredible” by former Sheffield United teammate Oli McBurnie, is out of contract at Man City next summer, and therefore, the Blues may look to cash in on their attacking midfielder, who played just 15 times in the Premier League last season.

Despite only having 12 months left on his contract however, City have still set a price tag of £25 million to sign McAtee this summer.

Apps

15

Starts

3

Goals

3

Shots per game

0.8

Chance conversion

25%

Big chances created

2

Key passes per game

0.2

Balls recovered per game

0.5

McAtee was very much on the fringes of the City team last season, but it is probably his two separate spells at Sheffield United that have teams continuing to circle with interest. The 22-year-old scored 12 goals in 67 league games for the Blades.

Although much of the focus has been on incomings so far this summer, one Manchester United player has now reportedly accepted an offer to leave Old Trafford.

Man Utd still working on player sales

With Matheus Cunha already signed for big money and a fresh offer worth over £60m now reportedly submitted to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United must clear some deadwood out of Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer.

The Red Devils must secure departures for the likes of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, who Amorim has reportedly told to find a new club this summer.

To that end, reports suggest that there is already work taking place to show the door to a number of players with Hojlund one of the likeliest to depart at this stage. The Dane has been linked with a return to Italy and is reportedly excited by the potential of a move to Serie A champions Napoli this summer.

Meanwhile, Antony has also been the subject of interest from clubs around Europe. The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive revival on loan at Real Betis in the second half of last season and is now reportedly on Bayer Leverkusen’s radar in an unexpected reunion with former manager Erik ten Hag.

Selling Antony and Hojlund would at least be a start for Manchester United, but they may not have the same luck when attempting to show Andre Onana the door.

While they continue to chase Emiliano Martinez, the Red Devils may see their pursuit scuppered by Onana’s reluctance to depart and instead compete for his place.

With their pre-season getting underway on July 7, United will be keen to have their business complete and that includes sales such as Hojlund, Antony, Onana and one big-money player.

Jadon Sancho accepts £160k-p/w offer to leave Man Utd

As reported by Turkish outlet Sabah and relayed by Sport Witness, Jadon Sancho has now reached an agreement to sign for Fenerbahce in a move that will see him earn €10m-a-year (£8.5m-a-year), which translates to £160,000-a-week. Jose Mourinho’s side are looking at an offer of €18m to sign Sancho, who also has interest from Serie A.

The former Borussia Dortmund ace was supposed to be a transformative signing at Manchester United when he first arrived for around £73m in 2021, but things couldn’t have gone much worse.

Their next Lukaku: Man Utd start talks to sign "prolific" £25m striker

Man United manager Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 23, 2025

Following a subdued first two seasons at the club, Sancho rediscovered some of his spark on loan at Borussia Dortmund only for last season’s loan spell at Chelsea to prove that was nothing more than a false dawn in familiar surroundings. Now at a crossroads with neither Chelsea nor Amorim wanting his talents at their disposal, the England international desperately needs a permanent fresh start.

Appearances

83

Goals

12

Assists

6

20 goal involvements in 83 appearances for the Red Devils sums up Sancho’s struggles in a United shirt and, after four years at the club, the best solution for all parties could be a permanent exit.

We might say it most years, but this time, it feels particularly true: this summer is going to be a massive one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves finishing runners-up in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season and ended a fifth campaign running without a major trophy.

So, while keeping their star players fit and on the pitch is going to be key to finally getting over the line next season, it’s just as crucial that Andrea Berta and Co help the manager by bringing in some brilliant talents in the coming weeks and months.

The good news is that, based on recent reports, that seems to be happening, as the Gunners have now been linked with a midfield destroyer who’s won comparisons to the legendary Patrick Vieira.

Arsenal's midfield mix-up

While fans and pundits alike are calling for Arsenal to go out and sign a new number nine and at least one winger – understandably so – it’s arguably just as important that the club bring in some midfield reinforcements.

Transfer Focus

After all, Jorginho left to join Flamengo and, based on recent reports from Fabrizio Romano, the talks over a new contract for Thomas Partey are not advancing, and the possibility of him leaving is now “concrete.”

Fortunately, the Romano has also reaffirmed that the deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad is set to proceed, with the club offering around £51m set to be paid in installments.

Yet, that still means the Premier League runners-up will be short a midfielder unless they move ahead to sign Lucien Agoumé.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are interested in the Sevilla star.

The report claims that the Gunners see the young Frenchman as a potential replacement for Partey, although to get him through the doors, the Spanish side will need to buy out the remaining 40% of his rights from Inter Milan.

It’s unclear how much he would cost Arsenal, but as the £17k-per-week gem joined the Andalusian side for €4m – £3.4m – last summer, he might not cost too much.

Moreover, with comparisons to Vieira and the possibility of seeing him play with Zubimendi, this is a deal worth pursuing.

Why Agoume would be a great signing

So, before looking at how he could complement and learn from Zubimendi, it’s worth looking into this comparison to Vieira and where it comes from, as the former Invincible is undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s greatest players ever.

Well, in this instance, it stems from the respected talent scout Jacek Kulig, who completed a profile on the youngster all the way back in 2019, when he concluded that the star most similar to his style of play was the Gunners’ former captain.

He came to this conclusion by pointing out the mirrored strengths in his game, such as his ability to control the midfield through a combination of pinpoint accurate passes and immense physical and mental strength.

These attributes haven’t left him in the years since that initial report either, with data analyst Ben Mattinson waxing lyrical about him in the winter, describing him as someone who is “composed at dictating the tempo,” a “good dueller” on the ground and in the air, and just as importantly, is a primarily defensive midfielder who’s “very progressive.”

We can see a lot of this in his outstanding underlying numbers, with FBref placing him in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of successful take-ons, the top 4% for tackles plus interceptions, the top 5% for just interceptions, the top 9% for average shot distance, the top 12% for goals per shot on target and more, all per 90.

Successful Take-On %

73.3%

Top 3%

Tackles + Interceptions

4.73

Top 4%

Interceptions

1.75

Top 5%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.58

Top 6%

Average Shot Distance

15.00

Top 9%

Goals/Shot on Target

0.50

Top 12%

Aerials Won

1.79

Top 13%

Tackles

2.98

Top 14%

So, if Partey is going to be leaving and Zubimendi is going to come in as the starting six, that could create the perfect environment for the Sevilla ace to come in as an understudy to the Spaniard, learn the role without much pressure and eventually – perhaps sooner than some would expect – begin to provide some real competition.

Moreover, given his similarities to Vieira in his tenacity and silky passing range, there is no reason he couldn’t start in a double pivot with the Sociedad star in certain games or come off the bench to form one when the team need to hold on to a lead.

Ultimately, the “extraordinary” ace, as dubbed by former Sevilla manager Enrique Sanchez Flores, might not be a household name just yet, but Agoumé looks like he’s on track to becoming one, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign him now, before his price tag skyrockets this season.

He'd make Saka more unplayable: Arsenal open talks to sign £90m "machine"

Arsenal could make Saka even more unplayable by signing a £90m star.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 19, 2025

Leeds United have now made an approach to sign a “true gladiator”, who could replace Junior Firpo, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

Leeds eyeing new defenders amid Firpo uncertainty

Firpo’s Elland Road future has been up in the air for quite some time, and the left-back is now looking increasingly likely to be heading for the exit door this summer, with Real Betis recently submitting a proposal to re-sign their former player.

The Dominican Republic international is out of contract at the end of this month, and Daniel Farke’s side have now started running the rule over potential replacements, with widespread reports suggesting Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno is of interest.

With Firpo set to leave for nothing, however, there may be a desire to bring in a replacement on a free transfer, and Jacobs has now taken to X to reveal the Whites have now made contact over a deal to sign a new target.

Indeed, according to the GiveMeSport correspondent, Leeds have now made an approach for Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo, who is set to be available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract after the upcoming Club World Cup.

There may be competition for the left-back’s signature from within the Premier League, however, with Sunderland and Nottingham Forest making proposals of their own, while the defender also has “options” from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

"True gladiator" Reinildo has experience at the highest level

The Mozambique international was a bit-part player for Atletico Madrid in the 2024-25 campaign, making 19 La Liga appearances and often being left on the bench, but he is experienced at the top level, having tested himself in the Champions League and Europa League.

Once lauded as a “true gladiator” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 31-year-old’s experience could be useful in helping Leeds avoid the drop next season, but there are some doubts over whether he would be an upgrade on Firpo.

Leeds United in talks over personal terms to sign £17m "absolute hero"

The Whites have stepped up their pursuit of a midfielder, with discussions ongoing.

2 ByDominic Lund Jun 11, 2025

In fact, the 28-year-old has even outperformed Reinildo across some key metrics for defenders over the past year, despite being more well-known for his ability on the front foot, having picked up 14 goal contributions in the Championship last season.

Average per 90

Reinildo

Junior Firpo

Tackles

2.13

2.27

Clearances

2.82

3.51

Aerials won

0.89

2.10

As such, despite Reinildo’s top-level experience, the evidence doesn’t suggest that he would be a real upgrade on Firpo, and it may be worth Farke giving his current left-back a second chance to prove himself in the Premier League, should a move to Betis fail to materialise.

Arsenal are now showing interest in signing a £100m+ forward, having scouted him extensively in recent months, according to a report.

Gunners eyeing new wingers in summer transfer window

Gabriel Martinelli has received criticism in recent times, with Jamie Carragher suggesting the Brazilian was one of the reasons the Gunners were unable to compete for the Premier League title.

However, the 23-year-old put in some improved performances towards the end of the campaign, with Gary Neville lauding his second-half display against Liverpool as “excellent”, and the left-winger appears to have caught the eye of one of Europe’s top clubs.

Indeed, there are now doubts over Martinelli’s future at the Emirates Stadium, with Barcelona believed to be interested in securing his signature, should the La Liga champions be unable to wrap up a deal for Liverpool star Luis Diaz.

Arsenal now keen on signing £70m PL striker who received offer from Chelsea

The Gunners could make a move for a Premier League forward, who has already been the subject of a bid from Chelsea.

ByDominic Lund Jun 2, 2025

The interest does not appear to be advanced as things stand, but should the Brazil international move on this summer, Mikel Arteta will need to bring in a replacement, and the manager could have a top-level option in mind.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Arsenal are now closely monitoring Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, having scouted him extensively in recent months.

The champions of Europe have little interest in sanctioning a departure, however, which means it could be tricky to facilitate a deal, and Barcola is believed to be valued very highly, with the French club of the view he is worth around €100m -€120m (£84m – £101m).

Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for the PSG star, but the Ligue 1 club are currently trying to tie him down to a new contract, which would ward off the interest from elsewhere.

Barcola needs starting role away from PSG

PSG secured their first Champions League in remarkable fashion against Inter Milan, thrashing the Italian giants 5-0 in Munich, and the French forward was lively after coming off the bench, albeit missing two big chances.

The PSG squad is stacked with talent, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ultimately getting the nod over the 22-year-old, but scout Jacek Kulig is a big fan, describing him as “one of Ligue 1’s absolute stars and one of the most exciting talents in Europe”.

That description is justified by the France international’s performance across a number of important attacking metrics over the past year, particularly impressing with his knack for picking up assists.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.47 (89th percentile)

Assists

0.39 (92nd percentile)

Progressive carries

5.45 (91st percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

8.95 (99th percentile)

As such, Barcola could be a fantastic replacement for Martinelli, should Barcelona press ahead with a move for the Arsenal winger, but it could be very difficult to get a deal done, given PSG’s eagerness to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes.

Manchester United may have signed off with victory at home to Aston Villa on the Premier League’s final day, although much of the talk is still centred around the fallout of Wednesday’s Europa League final disappointment.

From Luke Shaw’s depressingly downbeat post-match interview, to Bruno Fernandes’ admission that he could be sold, there was certainly plenty to unpack, not least regarding the future of Alejandro Garnacho.

Speaking after his late introduction as a substitute in the showpiece, the Argentine outlined his frustration at having started on the bench in place of Mason Mount, with Ruben Amorim adding fuel to the fire by pointing out the “big opportunity” that Garnacho had missed in the semi-final second-leg against Athletic Club.

After fighting his way back in Amorim’s plans, following his imposed exile – alongside Marcus Rashford – from the Manchester Derby back in December, that seemingly strained relationship appears to have finally cracked.

The latest on Garnacho's future at Man Utd

And so, Wednesday may well have been the last time Garnacho will be seen in a United shirt, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein breaking the news on Saturday that the 20-year-old has been told he can leave the club this summer. The youngster was then left out of Sunday’s clash with Villa.

That bombshell story follows reports in January that had linked the former Atletico Madrid starlet with a move to rivals Chelsea, with Scott McTominay’s Napoli also said to have made a bid during the winter window.

Despite ending the campaign with 21 goals and assists to his name in all competitions – a record bettered only by Fernandes among Amorim’s squad – an exit again looks to be on the cards ahead of next season.

Recent reports have indicated that United are keen to rake in around £60m-£70m for a player whom they reportedly signed for just £420k back in the summer of 2020, with last year’s FA Cup final goalscorer potentially a casualty of the club’s need to comply with PSR regulations.

If Amorim and INEOS deem that sale to be the best course of action, then so be it. Although, as The Telegraph’s James Ducker has suggested, the club must certainly be sure that they are able to bring in an actual upgrade to replace him.

Man Utd's search to replace Garnacho

After the days of scouring the Netherlands for new additions during Erik ten Hag’s ill-fated tenure, there does look to be a change in tact under the new regime, with the Old Trafford hierarchy hoping to raid the Premier League for ready-made solutions.

Indeed, recent weeks have seen United linked with players like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, while Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap also appears high on the agenda.

First and foremost, however, the end to the season could bring about a speedy move for Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with reports indicating that the Red Devils are now closing in on a deal for the Brazilian.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The suggestion from journalist Ben Jacobs is that United are now set to hold talks with Wolves over the 25-year-old’s this week as they look to trigger his £62.5m release clause.

Jacobs further reveals that personal terms have been agreed for a five-year contract.

Why Cunha will be perfect for Amorim

While United may have been undone by a soft, scrappy goal in Bilbao, that narrow 1-0 defeat highlighted the club’s particular woes at the other end of the pitch, having drawn a blank for the 16th time this season.

Aside from Rasmus Hojlund’s header, which was acrobatically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven, the Red Devils had little to shout about in the showpiece, with Amorim’s attacking unit looking distinctly underpar.

One man who did at least inject a sense of urgency in the first half was Amad Diallo, with the twinkle-toed Ivorian notably flashing an effort across the box early on, having largely looked like United’s only outlet down that right flank.

While the 22-year-old was ultimately unable to drag United over the line, he has no doubt enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, having rounded things off with 20 goal involvements in total, following his header against the Villans.

As Amorim suggested back in December, Amad is the “kind of player that we need in the team”, with the same seemingly true of Cunha. Indeed, the pair are noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in the Premier League this season, as per FBref.

Goals

0.35

0.54

Assists

0.30

0.22

G + A

0.65

0.75

Shot-creating actions

4.63

4.55

Successful take-ons

47.1

44.8

Progressive passes

2.84

5.02

Progressive carries

5.22

3.87

Tackles

1.79

1.29

Interceptions

0.55

0.61

That likeness between the two forwards – both of whom have typically operated as the number ten in a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation – is notably seen in their dribbling prowess, with the two men boasting a similar record with regard to successful take-ons per 90.

Equally, as indicated above, both Cunha and Amad boast an impressive average with regard to providing a goal and assist per 90, while also enjoying a similar return with regard to shot-creating actions per 90. In essence, there is a high chance of an opportunity being created in the final third when they get on the ball.

With the left-footed Amad posing a real threat down the right flank, the right-footed Wolves star could then offer the same spark on the opposite side, having showcased his credentials with 42 goals and assists in just 82 Premier League games for the Old Gold.

As Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley suggested, the £90k-per-week maverick would be “an amazing signing for a club in United’s position”, with such a deal potentially the catalyst for brighter things in Manchester next season.

Of course, losing a talent like Garnacho would be a blow, although if the Amad-like incoming can replicate what he has shown at Molineux, then such a sale might well swiftly be forgotten.

He'd make Cunha unplayable: Man Utd leading race for "incredible" £30m CF

Ruben Amorim needs to make impactful signings this summer to get Man United back on track.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 24, 2025

Derby County are now keen on signing a 100+ career goal forward this summer, with John Eustace personally driving the move, according to a report.

Derby's summer transfer plans taking shape

It was always going to be tough to avoid relegation from the Championship in Derby’s first season back in the second tier, but having just about got the job done, Eustace will be looking to bring in signings capable of helping his side push up the table next season.

The Rams have set out to raid some of their Championship rivals next summer, having submitted a bid for Hull City right-back Cody Drameh, although they did not receive the response they would’ve been hoping for, with the proposal being knocked back.

Drameh is not the only defender in Eustace’s sights, however, with enquiries also being made over centre-back Ricardo Santos, who is available on a free transfer upon leaving Bolton Wanderers.

Derby now fighting Blackburn for midfielder who won 139 duels this season

John Eustace could have a say in the transfer saga…

BySean Markus Clifford May 11, 2025

The Championship outfit are clearly keen to bolster their options at the back, despite maintaining a decent defensive record throughout the 2024-25 campaign, given their league position, shipping just 56 goals across the campaign.

However, there is also an eagerness to strengthen their attacking options, with a report from Derbyshire Live revealing Derby are now keen on a move for Andi Weimann, who previously spent three years at Pride Park from 2015 to 2018.

Eustace is personally pushing for the Rams to bring back Weimann, who will be available on a free transfer, should the forward fail to agree a new contract to extend his stay with current employers Blackburn Rovers.

"Incredible" Weimann could be tempted by Derby move

The 33-year-old clearly has a strong relationship with Eustace, with the 45-year-old also signing him for Blackburn last summer, and he received high praise from his manager last season, who said: “It doesn’t matter how old he is (or) how young he is when you have a player of that quality.

“Everyone can see the impact he has had on and off the pitch. We are very fortunate that he decided to sign here.”

Former Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson is also an admirer of the Austrian, describing his desire and work ethic as “incredible”, and he has a plethora of experience at Championship level, which could be very useful for Derby.

The Blackburn forward has spent the majority of his career in the second tier, scoring 74 times in the competition, and after picking up seven goals last term, he now has over 100 career goals to his name.

As such, Weimann could be a fantastic signing for Derby, who will be hoping his existing relationship with Eustace will be helpful in convincing the attacker to move to Pride Park.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is personally pushing to bring a Brazil international to the Etihad this summer, according to a new transfer claim.

A big summer ahead at Man City

By their incredible standards, City have been a big disappointment this season, not coming close to defending their Premier League title, as well as failing to reach the Champions League knockout rounds.

This summer is a massive one for the club, with Kevin De Bruyne among those moving on and some elite signings needed, in order to be favourites for the title in 2025/26. Plenty of top-quality players are being linked with switches to the Etihad, ahead of what could be a prolific window.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo has been backed to come in as a huge statement signing for City, with the Brazilian potentially eyeing a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. That remains to be seen, but he could be a sensational signing for Guardiola, standing out as one of the best attacking players in Europe.

The Citizens are also rumoured to have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who is one of the most exciting strikers around. The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances this season.

Guardiola wants Man City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley

According to the Flamengo YouTube channel Paparazzo Rubo-Negro [via Sport Witness], Guardiola is pushing for Manchester City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca ahead of next season. The 21-year-old has been scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe and City are planning to make a move for him, seeing him as the long-term replacement for club legend Kyle Walker.

Wesley could be a brilliant option for City, solving their right-back issue for many years to come and arriving as a young player with a huge amount of promise.

The Flamengo ace is a two-cap Brazil international, and will hope to be a part of their squad at the 2026 World Cup, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as an “interesting” defender.

Admittedly, Wesley has never tested himself in Europe, so he may take some time to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League, but his age means that there is no rush in throwing him straight into the team from the off next season.

As many touches as Haaland: 6/10 star proved why Man City need Gibbs-White

Man City struggled to a 0-0 draw against Southampton

ByRoss Kilvington May 10, 2025

The fact that Guardiola himself is reportedly so keen on getting a deal over the line for the right-back is telling, highlighting what an impressive footballer he is – he has even been compared to Dani Alves – and he has the pace and Brazilian flair to be a big asset for City.