Manchester United are closing in on a third-placed finish in the Premier League, having already secured Champions League qualification under caretaker manager Michael Carrick at the beginning of the month.
It has been quite the turnaround for Man United, who had their most disappointing season in recent memory last term, as they ended the campaign in 15th position in the top flight, as well as missing out on European football altogether as they were beaten in the Europa League final by Tottenham Hotspur.
Perhaps that lack of European football and extra workload has actually benefitted them in the Premier League though, as they have faced far fewer fixtures than their rivals for a Champions League spot.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all advanced from the group stages of the Champions League, with the Gunners going all the way to the final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Similarly, Aston Villa will compete in the Europa League final, while the only extra fixtures United have had on top of their 38 Premier League matches have come in the domestic cups, where they were knocked out in the first match in both competitions.
The Red Devils can offer transfer targets football in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since they were eliminated in 2023, and they are already said to have made contact with some players over a move to Old Trafford.
Harry Kane scores in the Champions League
According to a report from TEAMtalk this week, Manchester United are one of the Premier League clubs who have remained closely informed about Harry Kane’s situation at Bayern Munich over the last 12 months.
The England captain’s current contract at the Allianz Arena is due to expire at the end of next season, which may have raised some doubts over his short-term future with the Bundesliga champions.
United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been in contact over a potential return to England for the 32-year-old, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in paricular said to be keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
But a return to the Premier League isn’t imminent, with Kane happy in Germany and being ready to open talks over extending his stay with the Champions League semi-finalists until 2028, when he hopes to lead his nation at their home European Championships.
Kane Would be Sensational United Signing
Kane may be 32 years of age, but he is showing no signs of slowing down in terms of his goalscoring prowess at Bayern.
The striker’s goal against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night was his 55th in 48 appearances for the German giants this season, in what has been a remarkable campaign for the Three Lions skipper.
Former Premier League star Nigel Reo-Coker has labelled Kane the ‘best striker in the world’ ahead of the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, and it’s hard to disagree based on current form.
United have got a superstar and talisman of their own in captain Bruno Fernandes, who is an outstanding player and huge reason why the Red Devils have been so good this season.
Kane is even better than the Portugal international though, and he would make a huge difference in attack for this United side.
Unfortunately, despite the desires of Ratcliffe, it appears unlikely to happen this summer, but United are unlikely to drop their interest if the striker’s stunning form continues.
Kate Mason is joined by Ben Jacobs for a live edition of Market Madness, breaking down the latest chaos in the transfer market and all the biggest stories from across football.
Journalist, author and host of The Athletic’s Walk On podcast, Tony Evans, joins live to discuss a huge summer at Liverpool, including:
– Arne Slot’s departure — the right call or too soon?
– Andoni Iraola’s potential arrival
– Where Liverpool’s season went wrong
– Key areas to strengthen and possible transfer targets
Plus, Ben brings the latest breaking transfer news and answers your questions in his weekly mailbag.
We also hear from England legend Jill Scott ahead of her Sport Relief challenge, as she reflects on life after football and gives her thoughts on the Lionesses’ chances at the upcoming World Cup.
It’s widely understood that Spanish giants Real Madrid have agreed a contract with Jose Mourinho to become their next manager. Once this news is officially confirmed, it won’t take long before the Portuguese coach starts pushing for some key transfers.
He is set to return to the Spanish capital for the second time in his career, having left way back in 2013, after three seasons in which he won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Mourinho spent last season at Benfica, where he went unbeaten in the league, but only finished third.
With Madrid, the 63-year-old arrives at a club in chaos after a trophyless season saw Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa struggle to deal with the big superstars in the dressing room. Mourinho is unlikely to be concerned by the big egos in the squad. However, one of his first key transfer targets isn’t quite the usual Galactico fans might expect.
Mourinho Wants Relegated Premier League Star
One of the defining dramas of the season for Madrid last season was Aurelien Tchouameni’s dramatic clash with Fede Valverde, which saw the Uruguayan hospitalised and both men fined for their antics. If Mourinho wants to calm the dressing room, he could look to offload one.
Indeed, according to journalist Ramon Alvarez, Mourinho ‘has told’ Real Madrid that he would like the club to sign West Ham United ace Mateus Fernandes this summer. The Hammers need to sell their most valuable assets this summer after being relegated, and the midfielder is of interest to a number of clubs.
Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United have been strongly linked with the former Southampton star in the past few weeks, amid talk that any transfer could cost as much as £80m. Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Fernandes.
Rodri Also Linked With Madrid Interest
It’s worth noting that even if Tchouameni stays, Dani Ceballos wants to leave and Madrid are willing to let him go. His contract expires in 2027, so an exit this summer makes sense as they could still bring in a fee for the 29-year-old.
As such, Mourinho will likely want a midfield reinforcement regardless. One other name to be linked, beyond Fernandes, is Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spain international, 29, is heading into the final year of his Man City contract, and it remains to be seen if he will hang around or follow Pep Guardiola out of the exit door.
Reports claim that Mourinho is ‘very keen’ on bringing Rodri to Madrid. That said, having seen their manager depart, the Premier League club will be reluctant to lose another experienced head on the pitch, with Bernardo Silva and John Stones also confirming their exits this summer.
Manchester United are plotting a move to sign another Brazilian ‘superstar’ after reaching a full agreement for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, according to CaughtOffside.
Man United have been tracking Ederson all summer and they have now finalised an agreement with the Serie A outfit to bring him to the Premier League, having already agreed personal terms on a four-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.
The Brazilian has been signed for under £40m having had only a year remaining on his deal with the Bergamo-based outfit, with a move set to be completed at the beginning of July.
The Red Devils are clearly wasting no time in their bid to strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of more fixtures for the team next season, after they sealed their return to Champions League football.
United have a primary focus on central midfield, with up to two more players expected to follow Ederson in if Manuel Ugarte joins Casemiro in leaving Old Trafford.
They will look at other positions on the pitch too, especially if certain players leave, with one of those expected to be on the wings should Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho depart the club.
Carrick currently has Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to choose from, but they could probably do with another option for the more congested fixture list.
Man United Considering Signing William Gomes
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are among many Premier League clubs considering making a summer move for Porto winger William Gomes.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are also keen on the Brazilian ‘superstar’, who has a €80m (£70m) release clause written into his contract with the Portuguese giants.
Porto have no intention of selling the 20-year-old and would demand a major offer before even considering entering exit talks.
One report in England claimed that United have already sent an official to Portugal to discuss a deal for the right-sided winger, but there has been no formal bid yet.
Gomes ended the 2025-26 season with eight goals and one assist in 28 league appearances for Porto.
Man United Also Eyeing Yan Diomande Move
According to Sky Sports, United are also one of the clubs monitoring another in-demand right-winger in RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande.
The Ivory Coast international is another young player who enjoyed a breakthrough season for his club, scoring 13 goals and registering a further 10 assists despite being just 19 years of age.
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain appear to be the frontrunners for the exciting forward’s signature as things stand, with the former said to be determined to land him before the World Cup kicks off on June 11.
Rated at £87m, the price tag could prove to be impossible for United to pay given the focus on rebuilding their midfield, but he is clearly a player with a huge future ahead of him in the game.
United are also said to be looking at Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, with Michael Carrick and Jason Wilcox both working with him before and being huge admirers of him.
