Manchester United have been linked with signing a third midfielder in the summer transfer window, but they could be about to make a U-turn on their decision.

The Red Devils have already strengthened significantly in the middle of the park as they look to improve Michael Carrick’s squad.

Youri Tielemans has arrived from Aston Villa after United activated his release clause, while they’ve also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

Despite the double midfield signing, United were reportedly in the market to sign a third player in the middle of the park.

Manchester United also need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch if they want to compete on all fronts next season. It’ll be interesting to see what position they prioritise next.

Man Utd plan possible U-turn

via Reuters

According to a report from The Athletic, it was anticipated that Manchester United would look to sign a third midfielder during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the United hierarchy are considering whether to put that money into other positions, particularly with Mason Mount being one of their best performers during pre-season.

It’s claimed that it is now not certain that another player arrives in midfield, with United plotting a potential U-turn.

United could look to put that money into signing a new left back, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall a player under consideration.

The two additional midfielders signed in the summer window could be enough, but they will be desperately hoping they don’t suffer any serious injuries.

United could kill two birds with one stone

Manchester United could kill two birds with one stone when it comes to the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

As mentioned, United have been in the market for both a midfielder and a left back. If they sign a player capable of playing both, then it could be perfect.

Reports have suggested that United are interested in signing Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, who does fit into that category.

The English youngster predominantly played left-back during his time at the Emirates Stadium, but he’s also slotted into midfield as well.

Whether they can poach him from the Gunners remains to be seen, but it could be the idea of signing this summer.

Just under two months on from UFC Freedom 250 hosted at the White House, UFC’s owners have revealed how much money was ultimately lost due to the costs of hosting the once-in-a-lifetime event.

Due to the overall costs of the event, and the fact that no tickets were released for sale, the hierarchy of the UFC expected a significant loss in profits, but the company still managed to achieve overall growth during the second quarter of 2026.

On Monday, the 3rd of August, TKO Group Holdings released its finances for the second quarter of the year, which included what was expected to be heavy losses from UFC Freedom 250 in spite of the money they were able to regain through sponsors and many other partnerships with the UFC brand.

Statements Released About UFC’s Finances

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

A brief statement was also released by the company, which read: “With regards to UFC Freedom 250, we incurred significantly higher than normal costs, which we partially offset with sold-out global partnerships inventory.”

TKO’s chief financial officer also revealed the total costs and losses of hosting a UFC event at the White House: “As a reminder, we did not sell tickets and, therefore, did not record any live events revenue.

Prior to the event taking place, many expected the UFC to lose around $60 million. However, the final losses were cut and lessened by the various sponsorships and partnerships that the UFC managed to attract and benefit from.

UFC’s Revenue Increased Despite White House Losses

Per Haljestam via Imagn Images

Despite the hefty losses, TKO reported that the UFC’s revenue increased by 29% year over year, and that the company increased its revenues from $119.8 million to $535.7 million for the second quater of 2026, including an increase in media rights revenue, heavily provided by a brand-new deal with broadcast and production company Paramount.

As expected, the one-time event at the White House would cause a significant loss to the profits and finances of the UFC. However, the recent financial update from TKO has revealed that the $30 million cost of hosting the event would not affect and damage the company and its finances over the long-term future.

With the UFC in safe hands financially for the foreseeable future, the owners and producers can afford to take risks such as the event in Washington and, despite losses, can be regarded as a success.

Arsene Wenger has released a statement after receiving criticism for failing to speak out against FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s scuppered plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.

FIFA insisted last week that their controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was not an attempt to ‘sell football’, amid reports that its 211 member associations would make an instant £15 million ($20 million) if they voted through the plans.

An additional £50 million ($66 million) was set to be given to each association before 2038.

However, under-fire Infantino announced on Saturday that the FFE proposal had been scrapped following widespread opposition, with UEFA threatening to boycott future World Cups if the plans went ahead.

Arsene Wenger Criticised For Failing to Speak Out

While Infantino has been the subject of most of the backlash, there has also been criticism directed towards legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019.

Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino recently told talkSPORT: “The one thing that’s really surprised me is Arsene Wenger, who’s got a real pivotal role within FIFA and he’s obviously been an incredible manager.

“Nothing at all from Arsene Wenger and you’d have felt that he would have [something to say].

“But… the way he’s always managed and you always felt he loves the game so much, and what he achieved as a club manager and his role at FIFA – and Arsene’s been very, very quiet.

“And it’s hard to know exactly where he stands as well – because he’ll get questioned, Arsene Wenger.”

Wenger Breaks Silence With Statement

But in a statement provided to GiveMeSport, Wenger has now broken his silence. The 76-year-old Frenchman said:

Infantino is currently locked in a battle to save his position as FIFA president, having worked in the role since 2016.

While several of FIFA’s member associations have withdrawn letters of support for the 56-year-old, who is seeking a fourth term in charge, others are still backing him ahead of next March’s presidential election in Rabat, Morocco.