United chase Acheampong, Rashford pre-season return looms

United chase Chelsea's Acheampong, but Blues won't budge

United have made multiple approaches for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, but the 19-year-old is considered untouchable at Stamford Bridge (8) (13). Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear internally that Acheampong will not be sold, despite United's persistent interest. At 6'3", the centre-back fits the profile Carrick wants, but this one looks like a brick wall for now.

Rashford saga: Barcelona won't pay, pre-season return looms

Marcus Rashford is resigned to reporting for pre-season at Carrington. Barcelona, where he spent last season on loan, are only willing to pay £13m, half the agreed £26m buy option, and have already signed Anthony Gordon instead (10). To complicate things further, United may now walk away from negotiations with Barcelona entirely and sell Rashford elsewhere (3). Despite the uncertainty, Rashford has been spotted training with a United coach, working to earn a permanent move this summer (12). Andre Onana is also preparing to return for pre-season, even though INEOS are desperate to sell both players (7).

Ugarte heading for the exit

United are in advanced talks to sell Manuel Ugarte, with Michael Carrick reportedly close to finalising the midfielder's departure (11). The Uruguayan's exit now looks inevitable, a significant shift in Carrick's midfield rebuild.

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Fernandes battle heats up as West Ham name price

United and Arsenal are going head-to-head for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the relegated Hammers slapping an £80m price tag on the 22-year-old (2) (6). United believe there's a bargain deal to be done and Fernandes reportedly wants the Old Trafford move.

Bouaddi race: United lead the pack

United are frontrunners to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, one of Europe's most highly-rated young midfielders, with his expected World Cup performances likely to drive the race further (9). Sky Sports report United are in pole position.

Quick hits: Osimhen, Gomes, Greenwood

United remain interested in Victor Osimhen, though Atlético Madrid have already sounded out the Galatasaray striker (5). Porto winger William Gomes is on the radar with an €80m release clause (4). And Mason Greenwood is at the center of a tug-of-war between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, if Marseille sell, United's sell-on clause means money coming your way (1).

Fan reactions

Frustration is building around the Rashford situation, the idea of him returning to Carrington after a loan spell that was supposed to end the saga has fans questioning the club's inability to close deals cleanly. There's more optimism around the Mateus Fernandes pursuit, with supporters noting West Ham's relegation makes the £80m asking price feel opportunistic but the player himself worth chasing. Read the full discussion

Sources

  • 1. thepeoplesperson.com — Tug of war erupts between two arch-rivals for Mason Greenwood, United watching with interest - BBC
  • 2. ge.globo.com — Manchester United e Arsenal travam disputa por meio-campo de R$ 560 milhões
  • 3. marca.com — El United podría romper con el Barcelona por el Caso Rashford
  • 4. record.pt — <![CDATA[ William Gomes no radar do Manchester United ]]>
  • 5. as.com — El Atlético sondeó a Osimhen
  • 6. thepeoplesperson.com — United hopeful of completing bargain deal for £80m playmaker who wants dream Old Trafford move - report
  • 7. thepeoplesperson.com — Another bomb squad on the horizon as United duo INEOS are desperate to sell "ready to return" for pre-season - report
  • 8. thepeoplesperson.com — United eyeing 6'3" Chelsea star, transfer decision already made in London after multiple approaches - report
  • 9. thepeoplesperson.com — United leading the race for one of Europe's "best young midfielders" poised to light up the World Cup - Sky Sports
  • 10. barcablaugranes.com — Marcus Rashford expecting to return to Man Utd for pre-season as Barcelona only willing to pay half his purchase option
  • 11. footballinsider247.com — Manuel Ugarte exit looks inevitable as Man United hold ‘advanced talks’ with midfielder
  • 12. thepeoplesperson.com — Picture: Exiled United superstar spotted training with club coach as uncertainty grows around his future - report
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