Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Manchester United

Manchester United's chief operating officer Collette Roche has used the launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation at the Imperial War Museum in Salford Quays to restate the club's desire to build the best stadium in the world.

Roche was at the event along with OTR MDC chair Lord Coe and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

A new 100,000-capacity stadium is earmarked as the centre piece of a 370-acre regeneration project officials believe will eventually see 15,000 new homes built and 48,000 new jobs created locally. It is estimated the developments will add over £7bn per year to the UK economy.

"Our ambition is to build the world's best football stadium – one worthy of our supporters, our history and our future," said Roche.

"We want to create the best matchday atmosphere and experience anywhere in world football, while ensuring the stadium acts as a catalyst for a vibrant new district for fans, residents and visitors."

It is over 10 months since United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled grand plans for a new Old Trafford.

At the time, he suggested work would be under way before the end of the year.

That deadline has passed and multiple sources have cast doubt on whether there has been any progress on the plans.

However, speaking to BBC Sport in December, Roche said a lot was happening behind the scenes.

"Where we are going to put the stadium is a really big decision," she said.

"Hopefully, the stadium will be here for more than 100 years so apologies if it's taking a bit of time, but we want to get that decision right.

"We are really ambitious and want it to happen. It's going to take a lot more than just me being confident but based on the recent conversations we've had, the support we're getting from the local authority and also from our board, there's a real desire for this project to get off the ground."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United have stressed over and over again, both before January and now we are in it, that they would only tryto sign players this month if it was part of a long-term strategy.

It is why they tried to get Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and why they were less keen to be linked with AC Milan's England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Speculation persists about Roma's interest in United forward Joshua Zirkzee.

Michael Carrick is only in post until the end of the season, so while he would be directly affected by any deals done before the current window closes on 2 February, after the campaign has reached its conclusion, it might be nothing to do with him.

Carrick says he will be involved in discussions – although the extent is not clear.

However, in keeping with his overall attitude to the job, the United boss is focusing on the future.

"The important thing for me is any decision I or the staff make is not short term," he said.

"I've got a responsibility to whatever happens next to make the right decision.

"As time goes on, we'll work our way through it."

Image source, Getty Images

For almost all this season, the key debate around Kobbie Mainoo has been whether Manchester United would let him leave on loan.

The answer in the summer was a flat no, even though a deadline day deal with Napoli could have been completed in hours.

United's resolve is not likely to be tested now as Michael Carrick has implemented the tactical change to Ruben Amorim's system that allows Mainoo to play more regularly.

It is no surprise therefore United are now keen to address the contractual situation that has been left unresolved since 2024.

In terms of value, being a home-grown player and importance, it is a no brainer from a United perspective.

But, having been ignored for so long, and not being allowed to leave as he wished, the key factor is how does Mainoo feel about his future - and what value United put on it?

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Matthijs de Ligt "had a bit of setback" and remains sidelined, but Carrick hopes to see the centre-back return "in the next couple of weeks".

• There are no new injury concerns and "it's been a good week" for him and the team.

• Carrick said he knows "one game doesn't make you a great team" but it gives them "a great foundation to build on".

• He said his attacking players all have "different styles" and that allows him to set the team up with a bit of "flexibility".

• On opponents Arsenal: "I'm looking forward to the game. It's a big challenge. They're a very good team. They have so many strong points to their game. They are where they are for a reason and we're fully aware of that."

• He said United are "in a good place" and will approach the game with "that energy and enthusiasm to go and be positive".

• He said Kobbie Mainoo, who has regained his place in the team under Carrick, is an example of what the club needs in terms of developing young talent.

• More on Mainoo: "I've enjoyed working with him. This club needs young players coming through, it is the foundation of the club to understand what it means for the supporters as well. You saw last week what Kobbie can bring. He's quite straight faced but he was enjoying himself!"

• On Casemiro leaving at the end of his contract in the summer: "The announcement was for clarity as much as anything. It was decided before I arrived and it wasn't a knee-jerk decision. I've had the conversation with him and he's desperate to do well and finish well."

Listen to Carrick on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to live commentary of Arsenal vs Manchester United on BBC Radio 5 Live from 16:30 GMT.

Image source, Getty Images

Wayne Rooney has been discussing iconic games in his career on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.

On United's Champions League final win over Chelsea in 2008, he said: "It was a strange feeling going into the final because in a strange way, not that you want to lose, of course you don't, but you can handle losing to Barcelona in terms of the final - especially that Barcelona team. There's no shame in that.

"But for a few of us, losing to Chelsea would have been so difficult to take and to get over.

"We were meeting up with them two or three days after the final with England, so to meet up with Lamps, John Terry and Ashley Cole if they'd won would have been so difficult and it was a long day, over in Russia. I think it was an 11 o'clock kick-off, something like that. I had so much time in the afternoon and I'm fidgety and I'm like… "do you sleep? When do I eat?"

"So we'd get up, have breakfast, then you'd have lunch, then you'd have a snack, then you'd have your pre-match meal. It's just non-stop.

"It was such a long day. I love Sister Act so I watched that again. I'm just trying anything to take my mind off the game, really.

"I always remember the manager's team talk was so inspiring in terms of talking about the poverty in Russia and how lucky we are and stuff like that, which really stuck with me because it was nothing about football and I think that was his biggest strength, how he connected with different things.

"And we're driving into the stadium and you're seeing it, you're seeing people on the streets and then the weather was terrible and it was a dramatic game going to extra time and then winning was… you know, winning the Premier League was great, and then to be the best in Europe was such a proud moment for all of us.

"It was mad because there's a lad we know from Liverpool and as we're on the pitch and walking around, I think we've collected the trophy and got our medals and walking around, so I was looking for Coleen in the stands and I heard a Scouse voice next to me "alright lad, your bird's up there". I was thinking, who's that? Turned around, he's got a photographer's suit on, the lad I know.

"He obviously blagged his way on the pitch. So I was laughing. So then in the party, the security to get in the party, obviously being in Russia it was mad to win in there. And next thing I see him walking around as a waiter. He's gone into the party as well, so he's getting pictures of all the players. I was laughing, was thinking, 'he's done well getting into it!'"

Listen to the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show here

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick has not given the impression of someone who is overly concerned with giving the media 'lines' when he speaks to them, as predecessor Ruben Amorim used to do.

But he is yet to establish what topics he is happy to expand on, and those he is less willing to discuss.

When he speaks ahead of Sunday's trip to Arsenal, it is inevitable he will be asked about Casemiro, who confirmed on Thursday he would be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season.

Talk of the Brazilian will lead to queries about who might replace him and we don't know what role Carrick will have in those discussions.

Equally, while Kobbie Mainoo's rehabilitation as a Premier League starter is in its very early stages, what input will Carrick have in pushing talks over a new contract for the 20-year-old, which had stalled before Amorim arrived and it became pointless restarting given he wasn't getting picked.

Today may give the first indication of whether Carrick's role is purely to run the team or whether he has an input into United's longer term strategy.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Casemiro's legacy after the announcement that the defensive midfielder will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Here are some of your comments:

Barry: He has got the mindset of being a winner, and we all know he can be, but when you look at his age and the players around him, we do need someone a bit younger. He has passed his knowledge on to the younger players and I'm sure they would have loved playing or even being around him.

Tom: He's been a vital part of the team sometimes, but disappeared at others. However, his role in the team has been bigger than a lot of people may realise. I think he will be missed.

Bob: Casemiro has done way more for this club than Sir Jim Ratcliffe ever will

Steven: Casemiro has never had the respect his career has earned in his time in England. He has been ridiculed at times by certain media personnel who could only have wished to have had his career. This year, the guy has been a machine. In the right team, this guy can continue to play. Unfortunately, his wage at the club will prove invaluable in moving forward.

Robert: Superb player on and off the pitch. His commitment and dedication to the team, his training, and the knowledge and experience he passes on to the youngsters will be sadly missed.

Kevin: A legend of the game who came to the physically demanding Premier League too late. Tried hard, but impossible to live up to the transfer fee or wages. A pity he didn't arrive a couple of years earlier. He would have been a major success.

Wayne: I think it's mental that he's getting to go. He's still a world-class player and one a young player coming through could learn from. Man Utd need to extend his contract another year.

Manchester United are ready to open contract talks with 20-year-old England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. (Sky Sports), external

Roma and several other clubs are still in the race for Manchester United and Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, 24. (Florian Plettenberg), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

It may be 2026 but people are throwing it back to 2016 in a popular social trend to show how they and their lives have changed a decade on.

And it is fair to say 2016 was a big year in history.

The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States and Pokemon-Go had people running round all over the place.

Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Drake commandeered the charts and a big sporting year saw an Olympics in Brazil and European Championships in France.

But it was a monumental year for the Premier League too.

So let's hop on the viral trend and throw it back to see just what happened in English football a decade ago.

Leicester crowned Premier League champions

Image source, Getty Images

There is only one place to start and that is with Leicester City.

The Foxes achieved the unthinkable when they were crowned 2015-16 Premier League Champions.

It remains an achievement beyond compare as they were rank outsiders at the start of the campaign, and it seems hard to imagine now another team emulating the same underdog success

Leicester were led by the eccentric Italian Mr "Dilly Ding" Claudio Ranieri, with party starter Jamie Vardy plundering goals for fun and N'Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez running rings around the opposition.

It remains one of the greatest sporting stories of all time.

Caballero was the hero as Pellegrini bowed out

Image source, Getty Images

Willy Caballero was Manchester City's hero as they beat Liverpool on penalties to win the Capital One - now Carabao - Cup at Wembley.

The Argentine goalkeeper spectacularly rewarded the faith of manager Manuel Pellegrini with saves from Lucas, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in the shoot-out after he was selected ahead of first-choice keeper Joe Hart.

That was a huge decision by Pellegrini, but one that ultimately paid off as he lifted his final piece of silverware with City.

Pep Guardiola was to be Pellegrini's successor and the rest was history - so they say.

Mourinho arrived and Pogba returned

Image source, Getty Images

Louis van Gaal's final match as Manchester United manager was the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace which they went on to win in extra-time.

It was United's first trophy since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 and marked the end of Van Gaal's largely undistinguished two-year spell in charge.

He was replaced by Jose Mourinho and shortly after former Barcelona and Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived to much fanfare.

But it was the return of Paul Pogba that is perhaps so memorable.

Four years after his departure, Pogba returned to Old Trafford for what was at the time a world-record £89m transfer fee.

Was he worth it? That debate is for another day.

Pardew threw some shapes

Image source, Getty Images

It would not be a 2016 recap without taking a moment for Alan Pardew.

His infamous wiggle - if you can call it that - when Jason Puncheon scored for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final against Manchester United will go down in history as one of the best (or worst) managerial celebrations.

Pardew was, of course, later sacked in December 2016 after taking just 26 points from the 36 Premier League matches they played that year. Thankfully his iconic dad dancing is out there for us to admire 10 years on.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

While there has been external uncertainty over whether the club would trigger the additional year's option in Casemiro's contract, internally, there was none.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly and privately highlighted the eye-watering £375,000-a-week wages paid to the Brazilian as an example of the profligacy that predated his arrival.

There was no way Ratcliffe would countenance extending that at a time he is determined to cut costs and bring the wage bill down and sources say the decision not to trigger the option was made some time ago, well in advance of today's announcement.

United meanwhile, can move forward for their own midfield targets – Elliott Anderson, Carlos Belaba and Adam Wharton are high on that last – knowing their highest earner leaving gives them very useful financial flexibility.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United say that Casemiro will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

How would you rate Casemiro's service to Man Utd overall? What are your best memories of the midfielder, and what legacy does he leave?

And is there currently enough in the squad to do without him next season?

Get in touch with your views here

Beth Tucker
Fan contributor

After Michael Carrick's impressive first match back in charge at Old Trafford with a Manchester derby win, fan contributor Beth Tucker has been analysing the head coach's start and whether he can keep it going against league leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The 1958 Group of Manchester United supporters expect in excess of 6,000 fans to protest against the club's ownership before the Premier League game against Fulham at Old Trafford on 1 February.

Details for the protest are still to be released but, having cancelled one proposed march against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in August, the group are ploughing ahead with their plans for the Fulham game despite Michael Carrick steering United to a derby victory over Manchester City last weekend which took his side to fifth in the table.

The 1958 Group say that, having initially viewed Ratcliffe as a potential saviour, they now view him as being 'complicit' in what they view as the poor state of their club, which is around £1.1bn in debt, including outstanding transfer payments.

There has been no significant progress around a new stadium despite Ratcliffe unveiling his grand plans in March.

"Jim Ratcliffe chose to get into bed with the Glazers and is helping to keep them in charge," said a spokesperson for the 1958 Group.

"Twenty-one years of a debt mountain, mismanagement and financial greed is 21 years too long. Enough is enough.

"We will not be silent. We will not be complicit. Jim Ratcliffe, you have chosen your side, and it is not ours. You are no saviour.

"For many, you come across as a clown, fumbling from one disaster to another, hopelessly out of your depth at one of the world's greatest football institutions, adored by millions.

"We were promised best in class, but for us the club is a laughing stock resembling a circus, and that includes the new stadium design."

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

From the Premier League's elite to the soggy pitches of Sunday league, injuries are part and parcel of football - but which top-flight teams have been worst affected so far this season?

With help from injury expert Ben Dinnery, of premierinjuries.com,, external BBC Sport has examined which sides have been hit the hardest, the impact injuries can have on under-fire managers - and whether things are always as bad as they seem.

• Read more detail on how clubs have been affected by injuries here

Liverpool generated more revenue than any other English club during the 2024-25 season, according to the annual Deloitte Money League survey.

In the survey's 29th season, the Reds brought in more than 836m euros (£729.5m). The figure moved the Reds from eighth in 2023-24 to fifth overall, while Manchester City dropped from second to sixth.

Manchester United dropped from fourth to eighth with the club's broadcast revenue falling from €258m (£225m) to €206m (£180m) largely due to a lack of Champions League football.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea each occupy the exact same positions in the Money League as last season, while Aston Villa moved up four spots. Newcastle and West Ham remain in the top 20, despite both dropping in position.

• Read more on the study

Across the study, clubs cumulatively reported record revenues of €12.4bn, an increase of 11% on 2023-24.

A major feature of the study points to clubs generating most of their revenue commercially, with about 43% of income coming from this source. Broadcast revenue and matchday income continue to take up smaller pieces of the revenue pie.

Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: "This year's Money League showcases the evolving commercial landscape of elite football, with clubs continuing to take greater ownership of their revenue-generating capabilities. It is no coincidence that the clubs in the top half of the ranking are those with the ability to focus on commercial revenue development, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau.

"There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets. The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations. This innovative approach is broadening revenue streams significantly, allowing clubs to unlock opportunities far beyond the traditional matchday experience in a drive to secure more sustainable financial futures."

AC Milan and England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been offered to Manchester United, with exploratory talks having taken place. (Talksport), external

Manchester United are set to tell Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 31, they want to keep him for another year and would like a decision from him before this summer's World Cup. (ESPN), external

Manchester United are eyeing former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, who is open to a move away from Al-Hilal. Real Madrid are considering a move for the Portugal midfielder. (AS - in Spanish), external

Chelsea and England playmaker Cole Palmer, 23, is willing to return to Manchester to join Manchester United, although the former Manchester City player has a contract until 2033 at Stamford Bridge. (Express), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on which youngsters you would like to see being given a chance under head coach Michael Carrick.

Here are some of your comments:

Christine: Mantato, Lacey, Kone and Obi are quality. It's exciting that Carrick is going to the matches and watching the academy players. I don't think Amorim did that much and it showed in their game time.

Lisa: Kai Rooney - he is definitely a chip off the old block, he got moved up from the under-16s to under-18s when he was 15, so hopefully he will be knocking on the door soon. Shoots just like his father.

Mark: Apart from the Fletcher twins and Kone, are any other midfielders from the youth team given a chance? The club aren't buying midfielders, so give the youth a chance as we did in 1995/96 and that didn't turn out too badly in the end, did it?

Craig: The club needs to stop buying unnecessarily. It is about time we gave younger players a chance after spending lavishly for the last 12 years. Take Radek Vitek, for example. He is more than good enough to be the second-choice goalkeeper.

Image source, Shutterstock

Norwich City are working on a deal to sign teenage defender Harry Amass on loan from Manchester United.

The 18-year-old left-back spent the first half of the season on loan with the Championship's bottom side Sheffield Wednesday before returning to United earlier this month.

But it is understood Amass, who made 21 appearances for the Owls, will not be going back to Hillsborough.

Stoke City and Watford were reportedly also interested in taking the England Under-19 international on loan but a move to the Canaries is now believed to be close.

Amass won consecutive player of the month awards for November and December at Wednesday and scored one goal.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The latest round of Premier League TV fixtures has been released.

They include Manchester United's trip to Bournemouth being brought forward a day to Friday, 20 March, with an 20:00 GMT kick-off.

United's home game with Aston Villa the previous week has not been chosen among the selections, so it currently remains at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, 14 March.

However, the week before is a Uefa week, so if Villa are in the last 16 of Europa League - they are third in the league table with two games remaining and the top eight qualify directly - the league match will move to Sunday, 15 March.

The last time United played in a match that started on Saturday at 15:00 was at Nottingham Forest on 1 November. Their last home 15:00 game was against Sunderland on 4 October.

The Bournemouth match will be sixth time United have played on either Monday or Friday in the Premier League this season.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are capable of lifting themselves for big games against the likes of Man City or Liverpool.

That happened even in the darkest days, but somehow it felt different at the weekend - this mauling of City was at a different level. ‌

Pep's men were exhausted and turned in a lacklustre performance because of that, but 2-0 going on six wasn't the only thing that excited the home fans.

It was the work rate, the energy, the system, the belief, the freedom and the joy that Michael Carrick brought to the party.‌

Sometimes when playing under a prescriptive dogmatic coach, players can lose belief because it feels like the manager doesn't believe in you. He only trusts in his own ideas, his process and his system.

Clearly Ruben Amorim didn't completely believe in that squad, he suggested as much at various points. ‌

What a difference it is when a new man then strolls in and says: "I believe you are good players and you should go out there and express yourselves."

The fear drops away, you feel encouraged to take risks and you quickly accept responsibility.

A good old fashioned 4-4-2 system with square pegs in square holes helped immensely. If something looks too complicated in football then it probably is. ‌

The simplification was a masterstroke by Carrick and his coaching team.

It is only one game, but do not be surprised if United stick with Carrick and co after the summer if he manages to get them into the Champions League positions by May.

The players trust the new coach, but does the hierarchy trust the coach and his judgement of what other players he needs to bring in?

That will eventually be the biggest and most important question but in the meantime, just enjoy the ride.

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