The curtain has officially come down on the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.
With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?
Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater says he does not believe Roy Keane "could care less" about the success of modern day Manchester United.
It comes in the wake of current United captain Bruno Fernandes firmly defending his character and achievements and accusing former Red Devils captain Keane of telling a "lie" about his pursuit of the Premier League assists record.
Keane described Fernandes as being at the centre of a "circus act" following United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on the penultimate weekend of the season, suggesting he was prioritising individual assists glory over the team's interests.
"Roy Keane has no affiliation to Manchester United," Drinkwater told The Devils' Advocate podcast.
"The difference between him and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and then Roy Keane is that I don't think Keane now at this stage actually wants United to do well.
"I don't think he could care less to be honest. When he had that shirt on he would have died for the club, but now why should he want Man Utd to do well? I know we gave him so much but he gave us so much. It's transactional, he grew up a Spurs fan.
"I just think he says things purposefully for a reaction."
Co-host Joe McGrath added: "Keane got that out of context, he got it completely wrong. Fernandes responded in a very calm and very mature way to those comments."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesWhat does Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon's impending move to Barcelona mean for England team-mate Marcus Rashford?
After all, the La Liga champions also had the option - and still do - of making the 28-year-old's loan move from Manchester United permanent for £26m.
However, Barcelona have prioritised a move for Gordon, who offers versatility on the left as well as through the middle, but is three years younger and on a lower wage.
Not that Gordon's arrival rules out a Rashford return - sources close to the United forward say the situations are separate.
There is a 15 June deadline for Barcelona to activate the transfer clause. However, sources feel it is unrealistic to think United could sell Rashford for more money to another club he would be prepared to join.
Barcelona have been trying to renegotiate the terms of the clause, something United are unwilling to do.
It is, therefore, not beyond the realms of possibility that the deadline could pass without agreement, but negotiations could continue anyway.
Rather than an arbitrary point after the World Cup has started, the key period is the gap between the end of England's time in the United States, whenever that is, and Rashford's planned return to training, which will be about three weeks later.
That is the point at which some kind of deal needs to be done to avoid manager Michael Carrick having to decide if he is willing to bring back a player who club chiefs would far prefer was not there.
Beth Tucker
Fan contributor
Hi Casemiro,
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for everything you have done, and everything you have given to Manchester United.
It has been an absolute pleasure to watch you play on the Old Trafford pitch.
I still remember when you got announced as a signing, and I thought, 'wow, I'm going to see one of the best central defensive midfielders in my lifetime play at Old Trafford.'
You have brought so many amazing qualities to this Manchester United side - leadership, experience, quality, but the most important is character. Your character has been absolutely immense.
No matter what happens, you will always come back stronger. You have set an example to everyone in that dressing room and to fans as well.
You have been much more than a midfield signing. You have stepped up in massive moments - anyone would have thought we'd signed you as a striker with the amount of headers you've scored and goals in clutch moments.
You played a massive part in us winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and what you'll be remembered for is an unbelievable final season where you've gone out on a high getting Manchester United Champions League football.
You have been pivotal, even though you've known you won't be playing those games for United, you gave your all every single week.
That shows how much of your heart is at this football club. For that, we all love you.
Thank you for never turning your back on us. Thank you for always demanding more for Manchester United and for knowing deep down the club deserve more. Thank you for always standing tall and never shying away. Thank you for the memories and for always wearing that shirt with pride.
This isn't just a goodbye, it's a thank you.
So thank you for everything and I wish you nothing but the best for the future, because you deserve it.
Once a Red, always a Red.
Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external
Image source, Getty ImagesStatisticians Opta have conjured up their Premier League team of the season based on data collected throughout the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made the cut after playing a key role as the Red Devils improved markedly under Michael Carrick to comfortably secure third place and a return to the Champions League.
On Fernandes, Opta said: Without doubt the easiest inclusion for this season's best team, Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League record for assists in a season with 21, overtaking Thierry Henry in 2002-03 and De Bruyne in 2019-20 (both 20) as the most creative player in a season in the history of the competition. The underlying numbers behind it were even more extraordinary.
Fernandes created 136 chances, which was far and away more than the next best (Dominik Szoboszlai, 78). That is a record gap between the two most creative players in a Premier League season Opta has on record since 2003-04.
And in that time, only Mesut Ozil for Arsenal in 2015-16 has created more chances in one season (146), with Fernandes' 136 the most in any of Europe's big-five leagues since De Bruyne also created 136 in 2019-20.
He led the way for open-play chances created (98), big chances created (33), expected assists (12.3), open-play expected assists (9.1), passes into the box (326), through balls (39), successful final third passes (662) and line-breaking passes in the final third (210). He also ended the season fourth for shots attempted (85).
From Michael Carrick's first game on 17 January until the end of the season, Fernandes created 37 more chances than any other player (80) and his per 90 minutes total of 4.7 chances created under Carrick is the best ratio of any player under one manager on record since 2003-04.
Read about the rest of Opta's picks here - and cross-reference it with Troy Deeney's team of the season here
Manchester United are in advanced talks to make Atalanta's Brazil midfielder Ederson their first summer signing.
Multiple sources have told BBC Sport a deal is close to completion, with a fee £35m, plus £3m in add-ons, likely for the 26-year-old.
United are prioritising strengthening central midfield this summer after the exit of Casemiro and uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte's future.
Meanwhile, United have confirmed it cost them £16.7m to dismiss former manager Ruben Amorim.
United sacked the former Sporting boss in January, less than 14 months after they paid £11m to bring him to the club from Portugal.
The exact figure was contained within the latest accounts.
Alex Turk
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesSeason score out of 10 and overriding emotion?
7/10. It feels like years since I was sat in stunned silence after watching League Two Grimsby Town dump Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup. That's ironic, given that this season only featured 40 matches after also exiting at the FA Cup's first hurdle. Two serious lows, as was a first Premier League defeat by Leeds United at Old Trafford. However, the past 10 months have largely been a refreshing yet necessary step in the right direction.
Best moment and why?
Ruben Amorim's exit. My 7/10 season rating is because the first half of the season was 5/10 and the second was 9/10. United showed slight improvement under Amorim, but his commitment to the unsuitable 3-4-3 and bizarre blindness to Kobbie Mainoo's talent were his downfall. Michael Carrick's return delivered new life and made what felt like the impossible - a Champions League return - possible.
Player of the season and why?
Bruno Fernandes. You know why.
Unsung hero and why?
Luke Shaw. In a season that was all about United's improved attack following last summer's overhaul, Shaw has been a stalwart. After a decade of injury-plagued campaigns, the 30-year-old was one of just five Premier League players to start all 38 matches. That's something to be proud of.
Biggest disappointment?
Cup performances. If there was ever a season when United fans needed a cup run… I have seldom felt more deflated than I did after the third-round FA Cup defeat by Brighton at Old Trafford, confirming a pathetic 40-match campaign. No head coach, seemingly no real plan, then Carrick arrived. He deserves all the flowers he's getting.
What needs to change this summer?
The midfield. United have neglected a midfield rebuild for too long. Given the foundations laid since January and the sense of opportunity next season, that cannot continue. Whether the recruitment team nails this summer's business will determine whether Carrick succeeds or fails. Three quality midfielders. Nothing less.
Major hope for next season?
Sustainability. No-one should expect a Premier League title challenge, but United have to become top-four mainstays again and avoid repeating the humiliation of our last Champions League appearance in 2023-24. Improve the squad, develop a clear style of play, eye domestic cup glory and qualify for Europe's elite competition again.
Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external
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Manchester City are leading the race to sign Elliot Anderson, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder leaning towards a move to Etihad Stadium instead of rivals Manchester United.
There is a growing expectation Anderson will leave the City Ground this summer.
United are unwilling to overpay, or get drawn into protracted negotiations.
No deal has been struck between Forest and City and the clubs are far apart on their valuation for the 23-year-old, meaning the situation could still change.
The latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast has landed.
BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath are joined by fan Jordan Smith to discuss Manchester United's final performance of the season, debate the Bruno Fernandes and Roy Keane fall-out, and analyse Michael Carrick's permanent appointment.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds
Steven Sutcliffe
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesBruno Fernandes was a key figure for Manchester United during the 2025-26 campaign, helping the club secure a third-place Premier League finish and a return to the Champions League after a two-season absence.
As well as laying on 21 goals, the skipper also scored nine times in the top flight.
His efforts were rewarded in May, when he collected the Football Writers' Association men's player of the year and the Premier League player of the season awards.
Fernandes has defended his character and achievements after ex-United captain Roy Keane described him as being at the centre of a "circus act" following the victory over Nottingham Forest on the penultimate weekend of the season.
He suggested the Portugal international was prioritising individual assists glory over the team's interests in his eagerness to set the single-season record.
Speaking on podcast The Overlap, Keane had said: "After the [Forest] game he got interviewed and he said, the captain of Manchester United said: 'A few times, I probably should have shot but I made them passes.' Wow. How can your mindset of a footballer be going into a match to be about an individual record? He won't be winning trophies, not with that mindset of the team."
Fernandes' actual post-match comments were: "There were probably moments today when I should have passed instead of shot. I'm very happy for the assist, but more than that, I'm happy for the win and to finish the season on a high."
Fernandes says he has contacted former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ask for Keane's phone number so he can confront the issue.
"I've always showed a lot of respect for Roy Keane and for everything he has done for this club and for everything he has always said," Fernandes said.
"I've never ever had something to say, I've never said something wrong. I've even asked Ole for his number to text him, to have a word with him, to say that I don't mind the criticism but I don't like when people lie about things that I say.
"Because this goes a little bit over the top of the things that I think are acceptable."
Keane appeared to have misinterpreted Fernandes' comments rather than sought to distort the truth.
The former Republic of Ireland international posted a drawing of a braying donkey on Instagram on Monday, following Fernandes' response, with the caption: "Too much attention makes a donkey think he's a lion". It sparked speculation the comment was retaliation aimed at Fernandes, but Keane did not specify that.
Image source, Getty Images
Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.
Prediction: 7th
A big achievement, especially by Michael Carrick, who seamlessly cleared up the wreckage of Ruben Amorim's ill-fated time in charge and took Manchester United back into the Champions League.
Bruno Fernandes was the inspiration, the player United simply cannot do without, while summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo added quality in attack.
Belgium keeper Senne Lammens has been a masterstroke signing, while the rehabilitation of Kobbie Mainoo is more credit in Carrick's ledger.
What I said in August: "They surely cannot be as bad again, can they?"
Barcelona will hold fresh talks with Manchester United before the World Cup to try to sign Marcus Rashford, with the Spanish club already agreeing personal terms with the forward. (Talksport), external
Roma are keen on United striker Joshua Zirkzee as they gear up for the Champions League next term. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Sam Ashoo
Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesYou don't need me to tell you how good Bruno Fernandes was against Brighton on Sunday. Instead, I'll heap praise on Patrick Dorgu.
The Dane was back in the starting XI for the first time since Manchester United's trip to Arsenal in January, and he was excellent.
What makes Dorgu such an exciting prospect is the sheer range he brings to his game and he showcased every bit of it against Brighton.
He's lightning-fast and tenacious in the tackle, while his first-half power header was something even Harry Maguire would have been proud of.
It is clear left wing is a position that suits the 21-year-old, and with Luke Shaw having played every minute of this season at left back, Manchester United may finally have a settled, dynamic left side to build around next campaign.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United's Patrick Dorgu says he still has a lot of work to do before he can class himself as a forward.
Dorgu arrived at Old Trafford from Italian outfit Lecce for £25m in February 2025.
He was signed as a wing-back to fit into Ruben Amorim's system, but less than 12 months later, the former Sporting coach was axed and replacement Michael Carrick prefers a more orthodox four-man defensive structure.
That exposes Dorgu's defensive limitations and could shape what left-sided reinforcements United try to sign this summer.
The Denmark international started on the left of a three-man attack at Brighton and headed in the opener in United's excellent 3-0 win.
However, Dorgu accepts he is far from the finished article.
"I still have a lot to learn in that position," said the 21-year-old. "I lost the ball a few times in the first half so I need to improve, but obviously I'm further forward and can get into positions to take opportunities.
"I still need to work on my finishing but yes, I enjoy playing there because I can use my speed and my physique a lot in those areas as well."
Dorgu had started seven Premier League games in a row before suffering a hamstring injury in the victory at Arsenal on 25 January that ruled him out for three months.
The Brighton appearance was his first start since then, although Denmark do have a couple of friendlies to play at the beginning of June before a summer break heading into a new season that includes a Champions League campaign after United won 12 of their 17 games under new boss Carrick.
"It was tough [being injured] but the team did really well without me as well, so I was still positive around the group. I was just excited to be back the season ended.
"You can see the impact he [Carrick] has had since the first day he came. Hopefully we'll do even better next season."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has named Bruno Fernandes as the best Premier League player of the season.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney show, he said: "I am delighted for him. He has been fantastic this season and the [Premier League] player of the year [because of] the influence he has, how driven he is and he's scored a few goals as well. He has been the heartbeat of that team."
On the online criticism from some about the way the club have celebrated Fernandes' award: "That is part of the game now and it's what players and clubs do. You saw Casemiro put all of his trophies together recently, with man of the match trophies in there.
"That is just part of the game and social media - but even if it didn't go on social media, it would have been done for the newspapers years ago. It doesn't bother me at all."
He also spoke highly of Luke Shaw, who has been his "most improved" player in the Premier League in 2025-26.: "I know he's an experienced player now, but I think his levels this season have been much better than they have been over recent seasons."
Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds
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We asked for how you are feeling as the curtain comes down on the 2025-26 season.
Here are some of your comments:
Michael: At last we are seeing the true United after years of dross. Congratulations to Carrick and the team for bringing back hope for all United fans.
Christopher: An excellent finish to another difficult season for United. Great to see Dorgu and Mount make significant contributions. And through all the turmoil of the last few years, Fernandes has matured into a strong captain. Twelve months on from the horrible Europa final between Tottenham and United, and it's United who have shown progress this year, and we've been rewarded for it. Congratulations to the players, manager and everyone associated with the club.
Image source, Getty ImagesAnthony: Carrick has inculcated in the squad a level of expectation which has translated into consistency of performance and expectation so refreshing to see. A joy to watch us play again.
Mark: What I expected to be a difficult game actually turned out to be probably the easiest game of our season. Great performances all over the pitch from us meant Brighton just never got started and we fully deserved the win. Nice to see the academy players come on as well. Finally a really large shout out to Bruno, thank you for your brilliant work all season.
Osa: I believe it's a good start and an audition for next season. Brighton are a very good side and Man Utd put up a very efficient performance. However, next season will be very different because of the number of games the team will be involved in. But this is certainly a fantastic way to sign off for the season and to start the momentum going into next season, picking up where they have left off.
Andrew: In the past we would have struggled here but this was an easy victory. I thought this display was very encouraging. Mount did well in breaking up play and linking with Mainoo. I was very impressed with Dorgu - so much potential. The defence was solid. This side isn't too far away. A couple of decent signings and the integration of some youth should be enough to see us through the additional games next season. Carrick has worked miracles!
Manchester United have enquired about the signing of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with Arsenal and Paris St-Germain also monitoring the 21-year-old Portugal international, who is valued at £80m. (Mail - subscription required), external
Manchester United are also in advanced talks with Atalanta over a deal for 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder Ederson but there is still a gap between the two clubs over the player's valuation. (Sky Sports), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
