Manchester United

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It is a sobering thought for everyone attached to Manchester United that Bruno Fernandes might not have been at Old Trafford this season.

At the end of last season, club officials told the 31-year-old they would not stand in his way if he wanted to accept a huge offer from Saudi Pro-League club Al Hilal. Fernandes has spoken previously about the "hurt" he felt.

After speaking to his family, he opted to stay, just as Wayne Rooney did after saying he wanted to leave in 2010, when all of Europe's leading clubs coveted him.

"I stayed because I thought I still had something that I can give back to the club," said Fernandes.

"Obviously the Saudi situation, with the money... there was a lot. The good thing I have in my family is that my wife is pretty down to earth like me.

"We're very aware that we don't want to be the richest person in the world. We just want to be the ones that have achieved the dreams they had and live a good life with their kids and trying to be as successful as possible.

"The words of my wife were like, 'have you achieved your dreams? Have you achieved everything you wanted?'.

"And that small thing she said made me understand that she's on the same page as me. Let's keep trying and see where this takes me."

There was also a sense of trying to lift the club from their 15th-place finish last season - the worst since their 1973-74 relegation campaign.

"I didn't want to leave the club at the point where we were struggling," he said.

With a year left on his contract, there is uncertainty over Fernandes' position at the club. Given his performances this season, it would be remarkable if United do not come up with a huge new deal, even if co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trying to drive down wage costs.

What is certain is Fernandes' determination to lift the biggest trophies remains undimmed.

"I want to win the Premier League," he said. "I want to win the Champions League. I never hide from that."

Listen to the full interview with Bruno Fernandes on The Wayne Rooney Show

Explore more Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, BBC Sport

When former Manchester United skipper Johnny Carey's playing career ended, he went into management, first with Blackburn and then Everton.

Carey was sacked by the Merseyside club when he was in a taxi travelling to an FA meeting.

He went on to manage Leyton Orient, a job he had to take as part of the legal process around getting the compensation he was owed by Everton, and then Nottingham Forest.

Although he no longer played for Matt Busby, the Scot was still a major influence on his life.

"When they were deciding which club my dad should go to, Sir Matt used to say 'you have to go to a club where the management doesn't interfere with the team'," Carey's son Mike told BBC Sport.

"That is very hard given it was other people's money and everyone has a view on football.

"Sir Matt ended up interviewing clubs on my dad's behalf.

"That was the thing about Manchester United. The club has always been there in the background.

"Sir Matt came to my first wedding. Sir Alex Ferguson came to dad's funeral."

Carey won the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1949. He also had the notable distinction of captaining the Republic of Ireland national team and also the Ireland team, that represented the whole island until 1950.

He died in 1995, aged 76. He had been suffering from dementia.

Mike Carey does not look back on his dad's latter years with bitterness or regret. He is just thankful for what he had.

"My father developed it when he was about 70," he said.

"I remember taking him to Macclesfield General Hospital to give my mum a break for a day a week. It was very sad. Some of the guys would be marching as though they were still in the Army.

"Less was known about dementia in those days. They weren't saying at that point it was definitely caused by football and I don't think there was ever a feeling of blame.

"I am a very rational person. That is life. Life is different for everyone.

"If he had not played football, he might still have got Alzheimer's. The point was he had a great life and all the family are hugely proud of him."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says he is unsure whether he is in the best form of his career at the moment but he's enjoying his football and assisting his team-mates.

The Portuguese midfielder has 18 assists in the Premier League so far this season and is close to breaking the record of 20 set by Arsenal's Thierry Henry and only ever equalled by Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Fernandes said: "For me, I don't know if it's the best form in my career, but I'm enjoying playing and numbers are coming up, and as a 10 you want to assist the others. The best thing in football is scoring a goal, no-one can say differently or change that. People want to say different because they don't score as much. I think the best feeling in football is scoring.

"For the position I play and for the way we want to play and the way we set and the players I have up front, serving them and giving them the passes is something I really enjoy.

"I don't think in the years I've been here, we haven't had many players who can play as a 10, who can create and not have that fear of losing the ball."

Listen to the full interview with Bruno Fernandes on BBC Sounds

Explore more Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

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

The latest news and views on the Red Devils in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There were some positive pictures posted by Manchester United of central defender Matthijs de Ligt training "on the grass" at Carrington on Thursday.

De Ligt had been one of the stand-out United players over the first half of the season.

However, after starting every game, he has been missing since the victory at Crystal Palace at the end of November due to a troublesome back complaint.

BBC Sport reported a fortnight ago De Ligt had not completely abandoned all hope of playing again this season.

While there is clearly a lead-up time required and only four games left after Monday's Old Trafford encounter with Brentford, the sight of the 26-year-old running again has to be viewed as a step in the right direction for a player who had hoped to go to the World Cup with the Netherlands in the summer.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It's fairly safe to assume Bruno Fernandes will not be working for Trafford Council once his playing days are over.

That is what happened to Manchester United's 1948 FA Cup-winning captain Johnny Carey once his playing days came to an end and he was no longer managing.

Carey was one of the most foremost players of the post-War era, captain of Ireland as well as United.

But the 'rewards' simply do not compare to those available to modern day Premier League stars.

"The wages side was straightforward," said Carey's son Mike as he chatted to BBC Sport. "He earned £15-a-week in winter when he was playing and £13 in summer. Then he got £2 for a win and £1 for a draw.

"But his attitude the whole time was that he couldn't believe they paid him to play football.

"He also did some building work. He studied civil engineering and he just kept it going. Then, after he retired, for a time he worked in the Treasurers' Dept at Trafford Borough Council, opening the mail and distributing it.

"The players in those days were all very down-to-earth people. They didn't see themselves as celebrities.

"On a Sunday, we would go to Frank Swift's shop in his black Ford. They would have a chat, dad would buy some groceries and that was it. They were just ordinary guys."

Manchester United are monitoring 25-year-old Tottenham and Netherlands defender Micky van de Ven, along with 22-year-old Brighton and Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. (Athletic - subscription required), external

The Red Devils, Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on 26-year-old AC Milan and Portugal winger Rafael Leao, who is valued at about £60m. (Mail), external

Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, has given his approval for a return to Borussia Dortmund this summer, with United already holding concrete talks over a deal. (Sky Sport - in German), external

Manchester City are in pole position to sign 23-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, despite interest from clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal. (Sky Sports), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Bruno Fernandes is on a quite remarkable run of form at Manchester United.

The Portugal playmaker has either scored or created eight of United's past 10 goals.

It has put him in contention for all the major annual awards as well as helped steer Michael Carrick's side to within six points of a return to the Champions League.

The 31-year-old seems to be thriving since he was moved into a more forward position by Carrick, as opposed to the deeper midfield spot Ruben Amorim felt he could be more effective in.

"We have given Bruno the platform to go and perform," said Carrick.

"There are limitations. Everyone has to sacrifice a little bit for the good of the team.

"But I like seeing Bruno in attacking positions with a little bit of freedom. He's got big responsibilities within that, but it is about trusting him because he's a very good player.

"He sees things. He's creative. We want to put him in a position where he can make the biggest difference."

Huzaifah Khan
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Brentford at Old Trafford (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news, Carrick said there is a "possibility" Leny Yoro will be fit to face Brentford but he cannot confirm that yet.

• He added that Patrick Dorgu is working his way back to full fitness and is "closer to training with us".

• On Bruno Fernandes' performances, Carrick said he he likes seeing him play with "a little bit of freedom" in positions where he can take responsibility and "make the biggest difference".

• On his own future: "I've said it many times, I enjoy being here and I enjoy the role I'm in. We've had some good results and are in decent shape. We want to keep improving. I'll see. There's only so much I can say, but I enjoy being here. I love being here. It's a real privilege to be in the position I am."

• On people comparing his spell as Manchester United boss with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's, Carrick said he doesn't find it "disrespectful" and that likening him to any managers is "irrelevant" as "it's a different team and different time".

• On Liam Rosenior, who was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday, and English managers: "There are two sides to it. There is instant results and the next game being important, but there's definitely a responsibility and our thinking of what the future looks like and the bigger picture. You can only be positive and look to what is achievable."

• He added: "There's all sorts of what-ifs in the world. I like to live my life in a positive way. It's some success for us from now until the end of the season and let's see what happens after that. I don't think about what could go wrong, it's what can be achieved."

• On the issue of a manager potentially losing their job if the team goes through a few bad results: "Day to day, it isn't in my thinking. How we work with players, it doesn't come into it. It's the world we live in. I just think about what we can achieve and what success looks like. That's the most important thing. Half full, half empty, it's a big difference. For me, it's what we can achieve."

Hit play above to hear more from Carrick or listen on BBC Sounds here

Got a question about Man Utd? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

He's not a multi-million pound world football star but Manchester United's latest signing has a huge role to play at Old Trafford.

United have announced Ashley Hackett will join them from Blackpool in the summer to replace outgoing John Shiels as chief executive of the club's Foundation.

Shiels is leaving after an incredible 18 years in the job.

The Foundation is United's charitable arm and does a huge amount in the local community, raising money for underprivileged children and those from deprived backgrounds, with various initiatives, including sleep outs at the stadium and coat donations.

Hackett has spent 15 years with the Blackpool FC Community Trust, increasing turnover from £225,000 to £3.2m, securing more than £25m in charitable funding.

Like Shiels, he is also a Manchester United fan.

"I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with the amazing team in place, to build on the incredible legacy that has been led by John and continue to develop a charity of which Manchester United fans and communities can be proud," said Hackett.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The life of a young Premier League coach is precarious.

On Saturday, Michael Carrick faced Liam Rosenior. Manchester United had one shot on target, Chelsea hit the woodwork three times.

But it was United who got the win to leave them needing two victories from their final five games to be certain of returning to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Meanwhile, Rosenior is out of a job.

Carrick lost his job at Middlesbrough after results deteriorated after an excellent early impact.

It will be interesting to hear his observations when he speaks to the media later on Thursday so return to this page for all the key lines.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Manchester United should sign midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is 26-years-old, from Real Madrid in the summer.

BBC Sport's Simon Stone has reported there is interest from United.

Here are some of your comments:

Henri: Would love him, but the sceptic in me immediately questions why Real Madrid would sell?

Royston: For the right price, Tchouameni is an excellent acquisition for his defensive qualities. Not quite a direct replacement for Casemiro, who has recently proven to contribute goals too. Tchouameni will be crucial for Champions League matches next season but may need time to adapt in the Premier League, much like how Casemiro struggled a bit at the beginning. Given his age, I'd expect Tchouameni to adapt quicker and his physique will be a factor too.

Mark: Too right I think we should sign him. I would place this as a transfer in the Robin van Persie bracket where you are getting a prime player for the position needed with a little worry over his fitness record. If Real Madrid already have a replacement then this deal will be easier to construct.

Ben: It feels like we are chasing tails if we got the Casemiro replacement to replace Casemiro, but if it works out then let's go.

Joe: Tchouameni would be a great buy on paper, but it would be hugely expensive for a signing that would still represent an element of risk. Central midfield is the priority but the transfer budget needs spreading over the entire squad for a busier season. I think we need to be shrewd and make transfer decisions similar to the one last summer to take Lammens - raw prospect who represents value - rather than Martinez who was established but expensive.

Image source, Getty Images

When Brentford travel to Manchester United on Monday, something needs to give as a water-tight travelling side take on a home team who know where the net is.

The Bees are on a five-game run of league draws and you have to go back to 2009 and the seven straight draws achieved by Manchester City to find a side with a longer run of draws.

Keith Andrews' team don't look in the mood to give much away and fans have not seen their side trail for a single minute of the six matches that have followed their February defeat against Brighton. There's a doggedness on offer.

So how do Manchester United pierce this resistance?

Buoyed by a fine win at Stamford Bridge, Michael Carrick's side can draw on confidence.

They also know they have scored in 21 Premier League games in a row since defeat by Everton in November. That's their longest scoring run since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Bruno Fernandes will be keener than most to break the Brentford resistance as he looks to move on from 18 Premier League assists this season and nearer to the three men who have bettered that figure in the past - Thierry Henry in 2002-03 for Arsenal (20), Kevin De Bruyne in 2019-20 for Manchester City (20), and Mesut Ozil in 2015-16 also for the Gunners (19).

An away side that hasn't trailed in a while meets a home side with plenty of zest.

It looks like a night of fine margins awaits.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Imagine finding the FA Cup under your parents' bed.

It is one of the more extraordinary anecdotes from a chat I had recently with Mike Carey, 84-year-old son of legendary former Manchester United skipper Johnny Carey.

That 1948 triumph was a crucial part of the club's rebuilding process under Matt Busby after the War.

It was clearly a different era, far removed from the glamour – and huge wealth – enjoyed by today's topflight stars.

Even as captain – and a well known international, Carey was as down to earth as you could get.

"The big memory for me is when they won the FA Cup in 1948," said Carey.

"I would be about eight. My uncle took me down to watch the parade. When they had finished in Albert Square, they gave my dad the trophy.

"We ended up with it in the trunk at home under the bed.

"My mates didn't know it was such a big deal and as far as I was concerned, he was just my dad."

The FA Cup trophy wasn't the only bit of memorabilia from the final in the Carey household. The match ball, signed by both teams, was also in there as well.

Sadly, Mike didn't understand the significance.

He explained: "I knew it was there; signed by all the players, but my brother wanted to use it, so I got the ball out of the wardrobe. We kicked it around in the garden and all the names disappeared.

"You would think dad would be pretty mad, but he was OK. To him it was just another ball."

Beth Tucker
Fan contributor

Manchester United supporter Beth Tucker debates whether Manchester United should sign Aurelien Tchouameni for their midfield given his age and Champions League winning experience.

"So could Manchester United replace Casemiro with the same player that Real Madrid replaced Casemiro with in 2022? Well it is looking more and more likely as it's been reported by BBC Sport that Manchester United have added Tchouameni to their midfield shortlist to replace Casemiro in the summer. Now I think this would be an absolutely brilliant signing. Tchouameni knows what it takes to play at the top level.

"He's 26 years of age, he's a Champions League winner, he's got experience and he's an out-and out number six, a position that Manchester United have been crying out for. I think he complements Kobbie Mainoo perfectly. He's got that ability to be that dual winner, that energy to get around the pitch and also he's got brilliant aerial capabilities as well.

"He actually hits the 90th percentile in Europe for midfielders in the air. So when you're losing Casemiro, who's such a big aerial presence, you look around the rest of that United side and who has that? You can argue Maguire, absolutely, but you want that presence in the midfield and Tchouameni ticking that box of that aerial ability and that aerial dual success rate, it's something that is a massive attraction for Manchester United.

"Does it put Manchester United off that Tchouameni isn't Premier League proven? I don't think it should because he's that good of a player and he's got a wealth of Champions League experience.

"He's at 26 years of age, ready to go into his prime, ready to have his best years ahead of him? I think he'd be a brilliant signing for Manchester United. I think Manchester United would absolutely be looking at him as a player that they can bring in as a big name to take over from Casemiro. I think it would be a good signing.

"I think it is different to when Manchester United went and got Ugarte from PSG because he was surplus to requirements. Tchouameni, no disrespect to Ugarte, but he is at a higher level, has way more experience at the top level as well. So should Manchester United sign Tchouameni? I think he'd partner Mainoo fantastically.

"Watch this space, rumoured to be £70m. I think United could get it down to £60m and £60m for a position where the top, top elite players are looking towards £100m, at a really good age to bring in as well.

"I'm all for this deal but let me know, would you guys sign Tchouameni for Manchester United?"

Would you be interested? If not, who or what do United need for next season?

Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external

Manchester United have told Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 31, that they want him to stay at Old Trafford. (Sun), external

Barcelona want Marcus Rashford, 28, to stay on loan next season rather than pay Manchester United the previously agreed £26m to sign the England forward permanently. (Mirror), external

The Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Bournemouth's English midfielder Alex Scott, 22. (Mirror), external

United are also keen on Benfica's Richard Rios, with the 25-year-old Colombia international an option in midfield. (Caught Offside), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport