Bruno almost a Spur
Bruno Fernandes has revealed he came "very close to getting an agreement done" with Tottenham before the move collapsed (1). Speaking about the near-departure, the club captain lifted the lid on a sliding-doors moment that could have seen United's talisman lining up in north London. For a fanbase that has built so much around him, it's a sobering reminder of how close it all came to never happening.
Barca pushing for Rashford deal this week
Barcelona sporting director Deco has called Marcus Rashford a "top player" and fresh talks are planned with INEOS this week to strike a permanent deal (2). The Catalan club are keen to get it done quickly, which puts pressure on United's decision-makers. Rashford's loan spell has impressed, and Barca now want to make it stick.
Slovenia coach slams Carrick over Sesko
Slovenia head coach Bostjan Cesar has hit out at Michael Carrick for playing Benjamin Sesko while injured, asking bluntly: "What's the point?" (3). The public criticism puts United's handling of Sesko's fitness under the microscope. With the final league game at Brighton looming, you'd hope the medical staff are being listened to.
Get the next Manchester United FC brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Greenwood talks, sell-on clause alert
Mason Greenwood is in talks over a potential £52m move from Marseille to AS Roma (4). The deal would put INEOS on red alert, as United hold a sell-on clause that could bring a welcome windfall. Nothing agreed yet, but a Roma-Greenwood switch is one to watch.
City lead race for Anderson
Manchester City are ahead of United in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, according to BBC reporting (5). United are still in contention, but City appear to hold the edge right now. A blow for a midfield rebuild that already has Alex Scott and Ederson on the target list.
Fan reactions
Plenty of frustration among supporters about City potentially beating United to Elliot Anderson, with fans on Reddit calling it a familiar pattern in the market (3) (4). Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu earning Player of the Matchweek nominations for the final round has lifted spirits, though (5). Meanwhile, a Telegraph piece on Roy Keane's "bitter" punditry has sparked debate about whether the former captain's criticism of the current squad goes too far. Read the discussion.