Bruno is playing hurt
Bruno Fernandes came off in Portugal's game against Wales with what Jorge Jesus called a "complicated problem" (14).
The Portugal manager did not dress it up. "In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem" (14). Portugal have turned to Palhinha for muscle in midfield with Bruno out through physical problems (2).
Your captain, your most durable player, carrying something. That is the last thing a squad on five points from five games needed.
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Carrick's replacement, and the price tag
INEOS have two names on the board if Michael Carrick goes: Fabian Hurzeler and Kieran McKenna (3) (5) (7).
Hurzeler is the problem. Brighton do not want to negotiate at all, and his contract runs to 2029 (12). The fee to release him "could even edge closer to £15 million, which is likely to be a deterrent for Man United or his other suitors" (7).
Balde is the January left-back target
United's interest in Alejandro Balde is firm, and January could be decisive. Barcelona value him at €40–45m (8) (10).
"The winter transfer window presents a moment that could change Balde's perception of his future if he doesn't see an increase in playing time under Flick. United are keeping a close eye on him" (10). A season with only Luke Shaw at left-back was always a gamble (8).
Brobbey in January, and a Bundesliga defender
United want Brian Brobbey in the winter window. Sunderland do not want to sell him (4) (9) (13).
Elsewhere the shortlist is moving. United have switched focus to a £56m "high-calibre" Bundesliga defender (11).
Mitchell adds another left-back option
Tyrick Mitchell is on the list too. His Crystal Palace contract runs to the summer of 2027, and both Liverpool and United are tracking the situation (15).
Debt past £1 billion
United's debt has gone above £1 billion after £90 million of additional borrowing, with a seventh successive annual loss of £43 million for 2025/26 (6).
"Confirmation of the additional borrowing of £90 million was included in a more detailed filing to the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday," Simon Stone wrote (6).
Zirkzee is back in the Oranje picture
Joshua Zirkzee is back in the Netherlands squad, and Xavi Hernández explained the call (1) (16). Xavi said Zirkzee "can adapt to the team" (1).
Tottenham at home next
Your next match is Tottenham Hotspur at home in the Premier League on Saturday, October 10, 18:30 CEST. United sit 12th on five points from five, with a 5–2 win over Ipswich Town, a 2–2 draw at Everton, a 4–0 Champions League win over Sabah FK, a 0–1 home defeat to Manchester City and a 1–1 draw at Fulham behind them.
Fan reactions
The talk on r/soccer is the job cuts: 322 roles gone under Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the club tries to cut losses and build a sustainable structure. Fans are not separating that from the £1 billion debt figure, and the mood is blunt about who is paying for it. Thread here.
