Manchester United
Aston Villa Reject Manchester United’s Approach for Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa reject Manchester United’s interest in striker Ollie Watkins amid firm transfer stance.
Manchester United have recently made an inquiry regarding the availability of Aston Villa’s striker Ollie Watkins, but their approach was promptly refused. According to reports, Villa have made it clear they will not entertain any offers for their England international this summer. The Telegraph reports that United asked Villa for a price on Watkins, only to be told the 29-year-old is not for sale. This firm stance is corroborated by Sky Sports News, which adds Villa value Watkins at approximately £60 million ($81.1 million).
Currently, Manchester United are unable to meet this valuation as they focus on offloading fringe players including Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho to generate funds for squad reinvestment. Garnacho could be influential in a potential deal, as Aston Villa have expressed interest in the Argentinian winger. However, no swap arrangement has been proposed, and Villa’s financial position does not allow them to meet United’s £40 million ($54.1 million) asking price for Garnacho.
In addition to Watkins, both United and Villa have shown interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is available this summer if the right price is met. Nevertheless, there have been no advances in negotiations at this stage.
This situation reflects the cautious transfer strategies clubs are employing in the current market, balancing squad needs against financial constraints. Ollie Watkins remains a pivotal figure for Aston Villa, and the club’s resistance to selling underscores his importance to their campaign.
Manchester United
Amorim Praises Manchester United’s Pre-Season Progress; Mount Targets European Return
Amorim welcomes focused pre-season as Mount targets Champions League return for Man United.
Ruben Amorim expressed satisfaction with Manchester United’s pre-season preparations as the club aims to recover from a difficult 2024–25 season. Since his arrival in early November to replace Erik ten Hag, Amorim has faced challenges implementing his tactical approach due to limited training time and ongoing midweek European fixtures. This summer, free from major international tournaments, has allowed for extensive work on the pitch. “We, as a team, need more time on the pitch, not just for the physical or tactical aspect, but the bond between [the players]. You build that during the week, with time on the [training] pitch. So, I’m really happy with that,” said Amorim.
For the first time since the 2014–15 campaign, Manchester United will not compete in European football. Mason Mount, who joined from Chelsea in 2023, underscored the importance of reclaiming a UEFA competition spot. “Europe is a massive, massive thing for us,” he said during the first pre-season tour in Chicago. “The Champions League would be amazing for us and as a group we want to be playing in that competition. But I’d say Europe. I think that’s the focus.”
Mount has battled injury setbacks since joining United, missing 23 games last season and 27 the season before. However, he returned strongly at the close of last term, making a full run of appearances in April and May. “At the end of last season, getting back and feeling really, really good, playing some games and scoring some goals was obviously very important for me,” Mount reflected. “I still want to kick on. Any time you do get that opportunity to be on the pitch, you want to do something, you want to affect the game. That’s always the way I’ve looked at it.”
Arsenal
Dominic Solanke Doubts Manchester United’s Top Four Prospects for 2025–26
Dominic Solanke predicts Manchester United will miss out on the Premier League top four in 2025–26.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.
Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.
This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.
Manchester United
Matheus Cunha Embraces the Challenge of His Manchester United Move
Matheus Cunha views his Man Utd transfer pressure as a privilege and embraces the challenge ahead.
Matheus Cunha, the latest Manchester United signing, has openly welcomed the pressure accompanying his high-profile transfer to Old Trafford. The Brazilian international recognizes the intense scrutiny the club attracts and views it as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Cunha expressed, “I really think the pressure on this club is not really pressure. It’s a privilege because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
His decision to join United was motivated by the project’s appeal and the chance to be part of something significant. “When Ruben came to me and showed me the project, I felt like it’s a challenge I want to do for my career. United is a club I needed to be at, and like I say it’s a big privilege.”
The forward also highlighted United as his dream destination, having turned down multiple offers this summer to commit to the club. “It’s my dream club. This is what the question is, you know. It’s my dream club. When I had the first meeting with Ruben, I feel like they started to build something very important. And of course, I want to be part of this.”
Meanwhile, United has strengthened its roster further with the acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo. On the outgoing front, Marcus Rashford recently moved on loan to Barcelona. Other players like Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia remain available for transfer, though manager Ruben Amorim has indicated a willingness to retain them if suitable offers are not received.
