How many games can Shaw play?published at 16:43 BST 26 August
16:43 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Signing an additional left-back has looked an obvious thing for Manchester United to do.
Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season and he started at Hull on Saturday. Of United's past 44 league games, the 31-year-old England international has failed to start just one, the final game of the 2024-25 campaign, four days after the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham - and he went on the post-season tour of Asia immediately afterwards.
Before that, Shaw's injury record had not been great.
Between February 2024 and April 2025, he played as many games for England (three) as he did for his club. He missed three months at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
There were calf and hamstring issues but also a feeling Erik ten Hag rushed him back too quickly.
More than anyone, Shaw benefited from a 40-game season, allowing him to prepare properly, largely for one game a week, sometimes not even that.
That preparation time will not be repeated.
Although there are blank midweeks between Manchester United's first three games, if they get through two Carabao Cup rounds, they will not have a full midweek without a game, other than during international breaks, until the one that includes Christmas Day.
It is the combination of Shaw's injury record and the crush of games that has led to the feeling another left-back will arrive.
Hull keen on Man Utd's Collyerpublished at 16:28 BST 26 August
16:28 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Hull City are emerging as the favourites to sign Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer.
The 22-year-old is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford despite being part of Michael Carrick's squad in pre-season, latterly to replace Mason Mount after his injury against Paris St-Germain in Stockholm on 8 August.
West Bromwich Albion boss James Morrison is keen to take Collyer back to The Hawthorns, where a loan move in the first half of last season was badly hampered by injury.
It did appear the Baggies were in pole position to complete a deal.
However, Hull have also been considering whether to try to bring Collyer back to the club where he spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, which was also disrupted by injury.
No decision has been made yet but it is looking increasingly like the lure of the Premier League will end up being the decisive factor, with Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic keen to add to his squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Man Utd duo Overy and Jackson set to leavepublished at 14:06 BST 26 August
14:06 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United youngsters James Overy and Louis Jackson are on the brink of leaving the club.
Overy is close to returning to Australia with A League outfit Sydney FC, while Jackson is in talks with Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.
Eighteen-year-old Overy was born in Perth, played for Australia at last season's Under-20 World Cup and received his first senior international call-up in November.
He joined United in 2024 and featured at Under-21 level last term. He was also part of the FA Youth Cup final squad beaten by Manchester City in May.
However, Overy was a notable absentee when United opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 5-0 victory against Ipswich at Leigh on 24 August.
Jackson will have a medical with St Mirren on Thursday before completing his move.
The 20-year-old Oldham-born defender is a Scottish youth international and was part of United's 2022 FA Youth Cup-winning side.
He spent part of last season on loan with National League side Solihull Moors.
It is understood both deals will include sell-on and buy-back clauses.
What can Baleba offer Man Utd?published at 11:14 BST 26 August
11:14 BST 26 August
Mohamed Moallim BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Carlos Baleba's appeal lies less in creativity and more in his ability to win possession, cover ground and then carry his team forward.
His 2025-26 campaign was quieter than the previous one, but his 2024-25 numbers show why Manchester United have tracked him for so long. He ranked fourth among Premier League midfielders for possessions won in the middle third (107) and interceptions (46), was fifth for ball recoveries (197) and seventh for duels won (199).
That defensive output was matched by his ability to progress possession himself.
Baleba averaged 6.7 progressive carries per 90 minutes, with only three qualifying Premier League defensive midfielders recording more, while 2.9 of those carries travelled at least 10 metres.
His athleticism underpins that game as he reached a top speed of 34.5km/h in 2024-25, compared with 30.5km/h for Casemiro, and averaged 8.2 defensive actions per 90.
He is not necessarily the midfielder United would rely on to dictate possession. Only 11.8% of his passes were classed as line-breaking that season and 22.7% travelled forward - both below the average for central and defensive midfielders.
But that may make him complementary to United's other options rather than a direct alternative. Youri Tielemans can provide more of the progressive distribution, while Baleba offers defensive security and the ability to drive through midfield.
Alongside Kobbie Mainoo, he could take on more of the ball-winning and ground-covering work, while a partnership with Andrey Santos could allow Baleba greater freedom to operate box to box.
That versatility is reflected in his positioning as he spent 88% of his minutes last season as a defensive midfielder and 12% in central midfield, suggesting he can anchor the side or step forward depending on who plays alongside him.
United most commonly defended in a 4-2-2-2 last season under Michael Carrick, accounting for 55.9% of their out-of-possession shapes. Baleba's dynamism could be especially valuable in a system where central midfielders are asked to defend large spaces and stop counter-attacks.
There may, however, be an adaptation period.
Baleba is recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season and will need time to recover his match sharpness.
United have also looked to spend longer spells in possession under Carrick, progressing through midfield with quick combinations. Baleba's game is better suited to more open contests, but his passing profile suggests he may need time to adjust to greater responsibility in build-up.
His left foot and mobility should still make him a natural partner for players such as Tielemans or Bruno Fernandes. There is development ahead of him at 22, not least after last season's dip, but at his best Baleba combines defensive activity with the acceleration and carrying power to transform a turnover into an attack within seconds.
Not certain Man Utd will sign a left-backpublished at 11:06 BST 26 August
11:06 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
Readers have been sending their questions in to BBC Sport's football transfers live page.
Rob asked: Which left-back do you think Manchester United will go for before the end of the window?
I don't think it is certain they will sign a left-back, Rob.
Manchester United do like Lewis Hall but Newcastle are not interested in selling and it feels as though that is one that could be revisited next summer.
United have been linked with a few alternatives but the key question is how much will it cost? Is there potential for a loan? Could someone in the senior squad leave to generate some finance?
Obviously Luke Shaw is first choice but United feel they have alternatives in Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, who have also played on the left, while new arrival Carlos Baleba is left-footed and has played at left-back before for Brighton, even though he was bought at a midfielder.
Time for Man Utd to move for a left-back?published at 09:15 BST 26 August
09:15 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
The signing of Carlos Baleba completes a £155m summer revamp of Manchester United's midfield.
At the end of last season, midfield was targeted as a priority area as United looked to build on qualification for the Champions League after a two-year absence.
So, now the midfield is sorted, it is natural for fans to look at the other areas of Michael Carrick's squad that could do with reinforcements; namely left-back.
There is no doubt the club like Newcastle's Lewis Hall. At 21, he is the right age profile and ideally suited to challenging Luke Shaw for his place, with the safety net of there being enough games to keep both men happy.
However, Newcastle don't want to sell. It would take a huge offer to persuade them otherwise and Manchester United's powerbrokers have proved on numerous occasions this summer they will not be held to ransom, or overpay, for players.
In addition, how much money do they have to spend?
In published third-quarter financial accounts to 31 March, United confirmed they owed £405.75m in outstanding transfer fees, £171.14m of which was due after more than one year. The club are still to outline what the additional $125m (£91.64m) they borrowed in a wider refinancing announced in June will be used for.
The assumption is £70m for Baleba, equal the sum United paid for Casemiro in 2022 and a figure only exceeded in their history in terms of midfielders by the club record £89m spent on Paul Pogba, is at the top end of what they wanted to pay.
Plenty of alternative left-backs to Hall have been mentioned.
Racing Santander's 19-year-old Jorge Salinas has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause, but is also coveted by Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was left out of the 5-0 La Liga victory over Elche by coach Hansi Flick, to allow him to "clear his mind" amid intense transfer speculation, with United among those to be linked with the 22-year-old Spain international. Barcelona are said to value him between €30m (£25.66m) and €40m (£34.22m).
With a week to go before the transfer window closes, the situation is thought to be fluid, but caution in United circles around the expectations of a new left-back being signed is being stressed.
Fernandes 'proud' and 'grateful' for PFA awardpublished at 08:13 BST 26 August
08:13 BST 26 August
Media caption,
Bruno Fernandes said he was "very proud" to be awarded to win the men's 2026 PFA Player of the Year award.
The Portugal international said: "Obviously, it means a lot. Voted by the players, the ones I step on the pitch to play against every weekend.
"A different meaning to the other ones that I have got. I am very proud of this one, and it is a very grateful moment for me."
Fernandes became the 12th Manchester United player to win the personal accolade.
He said: "I am a passionate guy about this sport. This was everything I have ever done. I know how to do it. Not perfectly, but I know how to do it.
"Throughout all my life I have been around with a ball. My dream was not to become a professional footballer, but it was to play football for life and, doing this, having opportunities to represent so many clubs, my national team to be included with the best in these type of awards is something I would never have imagined."
The 31-year-old began his professional career in Italy before returning to his homeland, Portugal to play for Sporting Lisbon in 2017.
"It is something which makes me look back and seeing that kid with a lot of dreams, and it makes me very, very proud," said Fernandes.
"Winning as a team and winning as a national team - that's the dream that we are always there to complete and to make the most of it."
Fernandes wins prestigious PFA awardpublished at 07:58 BST 26 August
07:58 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was named the Professional Footballers' Associations Men's Player of the Year at the PFA awards.
Fernandes, who last season broke the record for the most assists in a single Premier League campaign with 21, is the first United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Although it was another trophy-less campaign for Manchester United, Fernandes enjoyed individual success, surpassing Kevin de Bruyne and Thierry Henry's record of 20 assists in a Premier League campaign.
Fernandes set up his side's opener on the final day of the season against Brighton – and scored their third – to finish 2025-26 with nine goals and 21 assists in 35 league outings. Man City's Rayan Cherki was the second-most prolific provider, with 12 assists.
His haul helped United finish third and secure Champions League football.
In total, the 31-year-old scored nine goals and contributed 22 assists in 37 matches in all competitions.
Fernandes, who joined the club from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, beat Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya, and Declan Rice and Man City attackers Cherki and Erling Haaland to the award.
He is only the second Portuguese to be named player of the year, following back-to-back wins for former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007 and 2008.
Gossip: Man Utd consider Stuttgart defender Jeltschpublished at 07:54 BST 26 August
07:54 BST 26 August
Manchester United are considering making contact with Stuttgart over a potential move for 20-year-old German defender Finn Jeltsch. (CaughtOffside), external
When is the EFL Cup third-round draw?published at 07:00 BST 26 August
07:00 BST 26 August
Jonty Colman BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The third-round draw for the 2026-27 Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday, 26 August following the conclusion of Preston North End vs Everton.
Nine Premier League clubs taking part in European football join the 23 first-round winners from across the English Football League.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Brighton and Crystal Palace will enter the competition at this stage, as the top eight Premier League clubs from the 2025-26 season plus Crystal Palace as Conference League winners.
It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of the third round tie between Preston North End and Everton, kicking off at 20:00 BST.
Unlike the opening two rounds of the competition, the third round draw is not regionalised.
However, before the match at Deepdale there will be a pre-draw determining which of the Champions League and Europa League clubs will play at home or away in round three.
In order to avoid potential scheduling issues, the eight Champions League and Europa League clubs cannot be drawn against each other in round three.
When the draw takes place, the first eight fixtures decided are the ones involving clubs in the Champions League and Europa League. The remainder of the draw will be an open draw as usual.
Due to clashes with opening weeks of the Champions League and Europa League seasons, the third round will be played across two different weeks. They are the weeks commencing Monday, 7 and Monday, 14 September, 2026.
'Baleba adds physicality and power'published at 17:28 BST 25 August
17:28 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United will hope for the 2024-25 version of Carlos Baleba rather than last season's because it was his performances in that campaign that attracted them.
We can't know what would have happened if the approach for Mateus Fernandes had been successful, nor if Mason Mount had not suffered the injury in the pre-season game with Paris St-Germain two weeks ago that ruled him out of the Premier League opener.
However, even before Saturday's disappointing loss at Hull City it is clear that, despite adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to their midfield ranks, they still lack physicality and power.
In theory, Baleba should solve that issue.
The 22-year-old is strong in possession, covers ground quickly, is good in the air and alert to danger.
Crucially, he also has three years' worth of top-flight experience in England behind him, having moved to Brighton from Lille when he was 19. It gives him the edge on Santos, also 22, and it will be interesting to see whether the pair compete for the same place at the base of Michael Carrick's midfield or if, against the best sides, they might play together.
It will also be fascinating to see if he gets asked to fill in at left-back too.
He has played there before and, unlike Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui - who could also switch sides if Luke Shaw is unavailable - is left-footed.
Paul Pogba is the only midfield player United have signed for more than the £70m they are committing to Baleba which, given his age, is a statement in itself.
'An incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams' - Balebapublished at 17:07 BST 25 August
17:07 BST 25 August
Image source, Getty Images
Carlos Baleba says "it is an incredible feeling" to sign for his dream club in Manchester United.
The 22-year-old midfielder has joined from Brighton on a contract until June 2031, with the option to extend for a further year.
"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," said Baleba. "Playing at Old Trafford is always special, but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.
"I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.
"The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together."
Director of Football, Jason Wilcox added: "Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.
"We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.
"Carlos' determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions."
What do Man Utd still need in the transfer window?published at 13:24 BST 25 August
13:24 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Carlos Baleba's imminent arrival will complete the midfield recruitment, now all eyes are on the left-back situation and whether Manchester United bring in someone to compete with Luke Shaw.
The club has a long-standing interest in Newcastle's Lewis Hall, but are also assessing Barcelona's Alejandro Balde and have been heavily linked with Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander.
It is also possible they bring in another forward but that probably depends on one of their existing ones leaving, with Joshua Zirkzee the most likely.
Jay Motty, Manchester United fan
A left-back is essential and this is not just a knee-jerk reaction to the defeat at Hull City - you can see United are short in that position.
We can not realistically expect Luke Shaw to play every game this season and there are still doubts as to whether Michael Carrick trusts Patrick Dorgu in defence.
What business do you think still needs to get done before 23:00 BST on 1 September?
Could Man Utd move for Watkins?published at 12:50 BST 25 August
12:50 BST 25 August
Adrian, Somerset asked: Is it too late for Manchester United to make a move for Ollie Watkins? I think he would be perfect.
Simon replied: It has felt for a couple of seasons Manchester United could do with an experienced back-up striker to a younger first choice.
Ollie Watkins has previously been mentioned in United circles but I'm not sure it would happen this summer.
It seems a combination of Marcus Rashford not moving as anticipated and Manuel Ugarte's injury blocking a likely summer exit are forcing United to think seriously about their transfer strategy.
If Joshua Zirkzee leaves for Italy, I think it would come down to a choice between a left-back and a forward. The former would seem more obvious.
Gabriel, 15, on target on Man Utd PL2 bowpublished at 08:01 BST 25 August
08:01 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter at Leigh Sports Village
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick was in the stands at Leigh Sports Village as JJ Gabriel marked his Premier League 2 debut by scoring a brilliant second-half goal in a 5-0 win against Ipswich Town.
Carrick gave 15-year-old Gabriel his first senior minutes in pre-season when he brought the forward on against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on 1 August.
It proved to be Gabriel's only appearance, although he was part of Carrick's squad for all but the first game against Wrexham in Helsinki.
Gabriel has already made an impact at under-21 level in the build-up to the new campaign, but against a physically much bigger Ipswich side, he set up Victor Musa for Manchester United's opener within two minutes.
Last season's Premier League Under-18 player of the year also teed up full-back Jaydan Kamason in a one-sided first half.
But the best moment came six minutes after the interval when he ran on to Jack Fletcher's through ball, before impudently lifting the ball over Ipswich goalkeeper Woody Williamson and into the net from 20 yards.
Skipper Fletcher - whose dad, former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren, was sitting with Carrick in the stands - also scored, with central defender Dan Armer heading home the fourth.
Gossip: Gunners expect £50m for Man Utd target Lewis-Skellypublished at 06:59 BST 25 August
06:59 BST 25 August
Manchester United are confident of persuading Arsenal to sell England international Myles Lewis-Skelly, although the asking price of more than £50m remains a sticking point in any deal for the 19-year-old, who can play left-back and in midfield. (Sun), external
AC Milan are considering a move late in the transfer window to sign United defender Noussair Mazraoui. (CaughtOffside), external
The season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.
Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.
Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.
Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.
The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.
Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.
Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.
Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.
🎧 'I'm lost for words'published at 14:40 BST 24 August
14:40 BST 24 August
A fresh episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast is now available on BBC Sounds.
Co-hosts Joe McGrath and Gaz Drinkwater are joined by Manchester United Utd fan and YouTuber Tom Cooney to discuss the opening weekend defeat at newly promoted Hull City, as well as the transfer window as the clock ticks down to deadline.
They also look ahead to the first Premier League home game and ask whether Michael Carrick would already be under pressure if United fail to beat Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed
Hull City 2-0 Man Utd - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:44 BST 24 August
12:44 BST 24 August
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
We asked for your views on Man Utd's 2-0 loss to Hull City on Saturday.
Here are some of your comments:
Ben: I love Man Utd but the showing against Hull was an absolute abomination. I like that we signed Tielemans and Santos but our midfield still was appalling and the fact that we have neglected the defence transfer wise is a shocking decision too. I get that the players are tired but it better be a one-off.
Glen: United delivered the same old drivel. New manager start of season - same old slow, laboured, clueless performance. Makes you think it's not the managers that we keep changing, but certain members of the team!
Andrew: Too often I hear that the opponent got their tactics right against Man Utd. The truth is, they are too predictable and too easy to play against. We are weakened in midfield with the loss of Casemiro and have little threat up front. No one broke the lines, no one in the box! Midfield was a yard short, wasteful and careless. Defensively fragile at left back and right back. The whole side is unfit!
Martin: Just awful. After the good pre-season we got caught out because Hull wanted it more. This could be a very nervy season if players don't pull their socks up. Not one player deserved any credit at all.
Image source, Getty Images
