Manchester United fans couldn't believe that Rasmus Hojlund scored on his Napoli debut against Fiorentina after his Old Trafford exit. Antonio Conte pushed hard to bring Hojlund back to Serie A, securing a deal that could become permanent for £38 million ($51m) if the Italian champions secure Champions League football next season. Early signs suggest that wager could prove to be a masterstroke.
Unai Emery hailed Aston Villa star Emi Martinez for his sensational performance against Everton following a failed move to Manchester United. However, in a shock turn, United ditched Martinez at the last minute and instead signed Belgian youngster Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. That switch paved the way for Andre Onana’s loan departure to Trabzonspor, but left Martinez high and dry in Birmingham.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney feels a certain former Manchester City player was one of the most underrated players of his time. The Old Trafford legend, still the top scorer in Manchester derby history, recalled the brutal 6-1 hammering by Manchester City in 2011 – and singled out one striker who, in his eyes, never got the respect he deserved.
Pep Guardiola has stunned Manchester City fans by preparing to bring Kalvin Phillips back into the fold, and could reportedly include him in the 25-man Premier League squad. The forgotten midfielder, who has not played a competitive game for City since December 2023, could now make his long-awaited return in the fiercest fixture of them all, the Manchester derby against United. For a player once deemed surplus to requirements, this is a shot at redemption he can’t afford to waste.
Erling Haaland has spoken out in frustration following a challenging start for Manchester City, who lost two successive Premier League games ahead of the international break. The Norwegian international said the Manchester derby will provide the "perfect" opportunity to turn things around, after a start the striker branded as "not good enough" by Pep Guardiola's side.
Real Betis are launching a unique clothing range inspired by Antony's neck tattoo as the club look to fund £21.6m move from Manchester United. The Brazilian winger had already won fans over during his loan spell in Seville last season, but finances threatened to derail the deal. United stood firm on their valuation, leaving Betis to search for creative ways to bridge a £5m gap.
Bruno Fernandes may be Manchester United’s talisman, but even the skipper admits he isn’t immune to pre-match tension. The Portuguese midfielder confessed that before every fixture, he feels “nervous” – not in fear, but in a way that keeps his brain sharp and engaged. For Fernandes, the sense of restlessness fuels his involvement, whether he’s on the pitch, on the bench or watching from home.
Andre Onana has completed a loan move to Trabzonspor after being forced out at Manchester United, where he slipped down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, signed by the Red Devils for £47.2m, was left stunned by the rapturous welcome he received in Turkey. Onana now has the chance to revive his career and has opened up on his emotions for the first time.
Ruud van Nistelrooy could soon return to management as the former Manchester United striker has reportedly emerged as an option for FC Twente after a dismal spell with Leicester City. Across 27 matches, the Dutchman managed only five wins, while suffering 19 defeats at the King Power Stadium. His side leaked 57 goals, and ultimately the Foxes tumbled back into the Championship.
Jadon Sancho could reportedly end up in MLS as the former Manchester United player is interested in a stateside switch in the future after sealing his loan to Aston Villa. When United splashed £73 million ($99m) to prise him away from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, the winger was hailed as the missing piece of their attacking puzzle. Sancho himself called it “a dream come true.” Fast forward three years, and that dream has dissolved into a prolonged nightmare.
Manchester United’s new signing Benjamin Sesko has been compared to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, with one of his former coaches, Rene Aufhauser, insisting the Slovenian is already close to that elite level. Sesko, who joined from RB Leipzig after interest from Newcastle and Arsenal, has been tipped to reach the very top thanks to his mix of physical presence, speed and technical ability.
Kai Rooney has suffered a devastating setback after sharing images of himself on crutches and in a medical boot, with the Manchester United youngster admitting on social media that 'life can’t get worse'. The 15-year-old, son of Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney, has impressed at academy level but now faces a spell on the sidelines after his injury blow.