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Mark Critchley

@mjcritchley.bsky.social
6.2K followers 146 following 113 posts

@theathleticfc.bsky.social

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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Manchester United increase season ticket prices by 5% for the 2026-27 season Fourth successive year of price rises as club looks to drive up revenues Around 600 fans to be relocated from Sir Bobby Charlton Stand for more hospitality seating www.nytimes.com/athletic/709...
nytimes.com
Manchester United increase ticket prices for fourth successive season with five per cent rise
Old Trafford prices will be increased by five per cent across all areas for the 2026-27 campaign at an average of £2 per game for adults.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Jack Fletcher handed six-match ban by The FA for using homophobic language Fletcher has apologised for remark to Barnsley player in October's EFL Trophy tie Five of six games already served - two for red card in autumn, three since charge last month www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
nytimes.com
Manchester United’s Jack Fletcher given six-match ban for using homophobic language towards opponent
The 18-year-old, son of Darren Fletcher, has apologised after the incident during an EFL Trophy game against Barnsley in October.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Benjamin Sesko’s obsession with self-improvement is beginning to pay off • becoming more ‘explosive’ • NFL-style training drills • VR headsets • testing his reflexes at home • No 9 shirt decision w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social + @ahmed-walid.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
nytimes.com
How Man United are getting the best out of Benjamin Sesko – Specialist coaches, gadgets and No 9 shirt decision
The 22-year-old striker's obsessive commitment to self-improvement is paying off, with him scoring seven goals in his last eight games
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
🎧 Talk of the Devils 🎧 Palace review, Newcastle preview, Brits debrief pod.fo/e/39b3b1 youtu.be/W8b5dI7fQLo
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Talk of the Devils - A show about Manchester United: Sesko strikes again as Man United go third
Another week, another win. Crystal Palace started brightly at Old Trafford and centre half Maxence Lacroix gave the visitors the lead in a stodgy first half-hour. But, Michael Carrick has the midas...
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Carrick was playing an entire front three of left-footers when he arrived, plus two more at the back. Only one on the pitch currently. Amad's introduction inevitable at some point and will be interesting to see who he replaces
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Sesko's finish isn't even his best part part in that goal. Lays the ball off for Shaw to find Cunha at the very start, then covers so much ground to make the chance happen.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Not as joyless as the first half at West Ham but about as much quality. Centre-forward is the only position where Carrick hasn't put a round peg in a round hole since taking charge but Sesko feels the obvious change once again.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
The FA have reminded Sir Jim Ratcliffe of his responsibilities as a participant in English football while giving media interviews No further investigation or action will be taken following Ratcliffe's anti-immigration comments last week www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
nytimes.com
Manchester United ‘proud of equality and diversity’, says Carrick after Ratcliffe comments
Ratcliffe's claim that the UK had been "colonised by immigrants" was widely condemned, including by prime minister Keir Starmer.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Defining image of a flat half: Martinez on the ball, every West Ham player ahead of him, no pass to a United team-mate on. Sesko's introduction needed but not sure that alone changes things
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Patrick Dorgu set to be out for around 10 weeks with a hamstring injury United still assessing full extent and exact timeline but more significant issue than hoped w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social + more www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
nytimes.com
Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu set to miss around 10 weeks with hamstring injury
The 21-year-old has featured 22 times in the Premier League this season, recording three goals and three assists.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
We’re recording a Talk of the Devils Q&A special tomorrow Send your questions to devilspod@theathletic.com Or reply to this skeet ⬇️👇
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
The simplicity of Carrick's changes to this team might be the most refreshing thing about those two performances. Nothing complicated, just players in roles they are suited to, and a gameplan that brings the best out of them.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United talking points • It's Carrick, you know • Ballon D'orgu • Big game Bryan Mbeumo www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
nytimes.com
Arsenal 2 Man Utd 3 – Did composure cost Arteta’s side? How good was Dorgu? What does this mean for Carrick?
Our writers break down the talking points from an enthralling encounter at the Emirates.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Casemiro set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season United will not be activating the one-year extension option in his contract w/ @adamcrafton.bsky.social _ + others www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
nytimes.com
Casemiro to leave Manchester United at end of season
The midfielder's contract expires at the end of June. He joined United from Real Madrid for a deal wort at least £60m in 2022.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Harry Amass close to joining Norwich for the second half of the season Toby Collyer also set to go on loan to Hull w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
nytimes.com
Manchester United’s Harry Amass and Toby Collyer set for loan moves to Championship clubs
Amass spent the first half of the season at Sheffield Wednesday while Collyer returned from a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Forget ‘CCB’ and ‘WCB’. Forget ‘dropping in during build-up’. The best things don’t always come in threes. An appreciation of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and the art, beauty and simplicity of a good old-fashioned centre-back partnership www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
nytimes.com
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez dominated Haaland. There’s beauty in a centre-back pairing
Michael Carrick's first game in charge brought scenes not seen at Old Trafford for years – the centre-backs set the tone for United's win
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Michael Carrick is Manchester United's new head coach • Why him, not Solskjaer • Impressing in face-to-face meeting • Ferguson's backing • Champions League target set The inside story of the interim hunt, w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social + more www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
nytimes.com
Inside Michael Carrick’s Man Utd return: Fresh vision, Solskjaer concerns, Champions League target
The full story of another turbulent week at Old Trafford, as the club appoint their third manager of the 2025-26 season
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Manchester United need their fringe players to fill gaps right now Ayden Heaven’s rise is a consequence of absences hitting a thin squad But Heaven is also an example to others of how to take these opportunities when they arrive www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
nytimes.com
Ayden Heaven is taking his chance at Man United, just when Ruben Amorim needs him most
Gradual improvement has been the story of Heaven’s reintroduction over these past five games
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Manchester United left frustrated after Morocco reject Noussair Mazraoui request United escalated matter to FIFA. Mazraoui trained all last week, left for AFCON on Sunday night www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
nytimes.com
Manchester United unhappy with Morocco for rejecting Noussair Mazraoui request
FIFA announced this month that the deadline for players to be released to AFCON squads would be pushed back to December 15.
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Reposted by Mark Critchley
The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Bruno Fernandes says he was left “hurt” by the feeling that Manchester United wanted him to leave the club in the summer. The 31-year-old rejected a lucrative approach to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the last transfer window. More from @mjcritchley.bsky.social ⤵️ 🔗 bit.ly/3Mxoy4B
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad set to be available for tonight's game vs Bournemouth #mufc agreement with Cameroon and Ivory Coast to allow them to travel for AFCON afterwards w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
nytimes.com
Manchester United’s Amad, Bryan Mbeumo available for Bournemouth game before AFCON
Ivory Coast and Cameroon begin their AFCON campaigns on December 24.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Most accept that this flawed Manchester United side will lose their fair share of games this season But when they lose, they cannot lose like this If the result was bad, the abject manner of this defeat was worse, with worrying hallmarks of last season www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
nytimes.com
Manchester United were always going to lose games this season. But not like this
It was the manner of the defeat by Everton, rather than just the defeat itself, which was so worrying for Ruben Amorim
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
🎙️🇫🇷 Leny Yoro interview • 'really emotional' last season + what's changed • United's 'no bad energy' policy • no regrets over €62m move • that Homer Simpson celebration www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
nytimes.com
Leny Yoro: Man Utd’s ‘no bad energy’ policy, ‘tough’ last season – and that Homer Simpson dance
Yoro is finally settling in at United after a difficult first campaign. 'This year is different,' he says
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Jason Wilcox to MUTV: "We know there are areas of the team we’ve got to improve. "For us to get in the top four, to consistently challenge for Champions League places and win Champions Leagues and Premier Leagues, we’ve got to invest in the squad." www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
nytimes.com
Manchester United have ‘clear plan’ to invest in and improve squad, Jason Wilcox says
United committed an initial £216million (€245m, $284m) on five new players in the summer transfer window.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
What has changed about Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United? A look at the biggest differences in this season’s data vs last season’s • Long balls, even pre-Lammens • Moving up the pitch faster • Fewer touches in own third • No more outswinging corners www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
nytimes.com
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United changes: Lammens’ long kicks, faster attacks, no outswinging corners
How going direct helped to solve some of Manchester United's biggest problems and deliver their best run of form under Ruben Amorim
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
The story behind Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 • Why he plays 3-4-3 • How he changed from 4-4-2 • Why he insists it will ‘evolve’ again - and if we can believe him Revisiting the only time he changed formation, at his first club Casa Pia www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
nytimes.com
Tracing the roots of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 at Manchester United – and if he will ever change it
Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system has defined his time in charge of Manchester United, but why is it so important to him and will he ever change?
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Ruben Amorim has to "demonstrate he is a great coach over three years", says Sir Jim Ratcliffe Ratcliffe also dismisses prospect of Glazers overruling him on manager change: "It's not going to happen." www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
nytimes.com
Ruben Amorim has three years to prove himself at Manchester United – Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Amorim has won just 19 of his 50 matches in charge of United following his appointment in November of last year.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Tyrell Malacia reintegrated into Manchester United squad and will return to first team training today www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
nytimes.com
Tyrell Malacia reintegrated into Manchester United squad, will return to first-team training
The 26-year-old was one of five United players placed in a so-called ‘bomb squad’ this summer
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Tyrell Malacia's talks for Elche loan have collapsed. No agreement on clause to turn deal permanent Malacia could now stay beyond today's deadline as last remaining member of so-called 'bomb squad' www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...
nytimes.com
Malacia loan talks with Elche collapse
Talks regarding Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia's prospective loan to Elche have collapsed. Club-to-club negotiations between United and Elche were being held at the end of last week.But d...
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Ruben Amorim only knows how to be himself, for better or worse And as endearing as his honesty can be, maybe it’s part of the issue www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...
nytimes.com
Ruben Amorim, for better or worse, clearly only knows how to be himself
Amorim did not apologise for seething like he did after Manchester United's loss to Grimsby, but what must the players think of his honesty?
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Kobbie Mainoo’s future - what we’re hearing - Mainoo is open to leaving - United have considered sale all summer - £20k p/w deal, contract impasse - lack of Amorim communication w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social + @adamcrafton.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
nytimes.com
Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United future: What we’re hearing
Old Trafford's homegrown starlet has found himself frozen out under Ruben Amorim. So what now?
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Manchester United advancing in talks with Antwerp for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/656...
nytimes.com
Manchester United advancing in Senne Lammens talks with Royal Antwerp
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has played 52 times in the Belgian Pro League.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Manchester United set to appoint Crystal Palace's Imtiaz Ahmad Ahmad to succeed outgoing head of sports medicine Gary O'Driscoll, as first reported by @muppetiers.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/656...
nytimes.com
Manchester United set to appoint Crystal Palace’s Imtiaz Ahmad as head of medical services
Ahmad will replace Gary O’Driscoll, who moved to Old Trafford in September 2023 from Arsenal.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Rasmus Hojlund set to be left out of the squad to play Arsenal today Hojlund has said he wants to stay, and remains committed and professional, but several clubs interested w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
nytimes.com
Rasmus Hojlund set for omission from Manchester United matchday squad vs Arsenal
Hojlund faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford following the signing of fellow striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Manchester United under-21s' game at Tamworth abandoned after Sekou Kone head injury Kone is conscious, stable and communicating with United's medical staff, has been taken to hospital as a precaution for further checks www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
nytimes.com
Manchester United under-21 game abandoned after Sekou Kone head injury
Kone fell to the ground following a clash of heads with a Tamworth player towards the end of the first half at the Lamb Ground.
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Reposted by Mark Critchley
The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
🔺 Gyokeres & Ekitike calls after Chelsea got Delap 🔺 Who was next if they didn't get Sesko 🔺 What they're planning next @mjcritchley.bsky.social, @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social, @sebsb.bsky.social, @georgecaulkin.bsky.social and @adamcrafton.bsky.social reveal how #MUFC beat #NUFC to Benjamin Sesko ⤵️
nytimes.com
Inside Benjamin Sesko’s Manchester United transfer – and how they beat Newcastle to the deal
The story of the fight to sign Benjamin Sesko, the tactics both teams used and how he finally ended up at Old Trafford
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Manchester United will play RB Leipzig in a friendly at Red Bull Arena in future as part of Benjamin Sesko deal w/ @sebsb.bsky.social after @david-ornstein.bsky.social's exclusive www.nytimes.com/athletic/653...
nytimes.com
Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United reach agreement with RB Leipzig for striker
A deal consisting of an initial €76.5million plus €8.5m in add-ons has been accepted.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
How are Manchester United able to afford Benjamin Sesko? @cweatherspoon.bsky.social explains, including new details about the credit facility from Companies House www.nytimes.com/athletic/652...
nytimes.com
How Manchester United can afford to spend big on Benjamin Sesko and explore more signings
Accountancy rules and changes to the club's credit facilities mean they are able to spend significantly on transfers this summer
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
Goodbye, again, to Marcus Rashford And this time for his and Manchester United’s sake, it needs to be goodbye for good A sad but necessary separation moves closer with his loan to Barcelona www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
nytimes.com
Why this should be Marcus Rashford’s sad, but necessary, final farewell to Man Utd
The forward was meant to spend his whole career at the local club where it began but this loan move to Barcelona makes sense on many levels
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Where Manchester United’s younger players stand going into the new season Plans for Diego Leon, Harry Amass, Chido Obi, Tyler Fredricson, Sekou Kone and more www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
nytimes.com
Man Utd’s plans for young players including Leon, Amass, Collyer and Kukonki
A run-through of the leading youth prospects at Carrington and what the club intend to do with them for the new season
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Manchester United’s out-of-favour players asked to report back to training this week after 5pm Players returning but only once Ruben Amorim and rest of the squad have trained earlier in day www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
nytimes.com
Manchester United out-of-favour players asked to report for training after 5pm
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia are not part of Ruben Amorim's plans.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Godwill Kukonki is now set to sign his first professional contract with Manchester United, as @stevenrailston.bsky.social reports www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
nytimes.com
Manchester United teenager Godwill Kukonki set to sign first professional contract
The 17-year-old has appeared for England at U17 level and can be versatile across the back line
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Manchester United complete signing of free agent Enzo Kana-Biyik 18-year-old striker to spend season on loan at Lausanne-Sport, compensation fee paid to Le Havre @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/648...
nytimes.com
Manchester United sign teenage forward Enzo Kana-Biyik, will go on loan
The French youth international will spend next season on loan to INEOS-owned Swiss side Lausanne-Sport
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Marcus Rashford reported back for training at Carrington on Monday and Tuesday despite being given time to find new club Rashford trained on individual basis and did not take part in team training with rest of Ruben Amorim’s squad www.nytimes.com/athletic/648...
nytimes.com
Marcus Rashford reports back to Manchester United despite club giving him time off to look for move
Rashford worked on an individual basis and did not take part in team training with the rest of Ruben Amorim’s squad.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
This week's Manchester United DealSheet w/ @lauriewhitwell.bsky.social + others - 15% of profit from Elanga deal - keeping tabs on Fiorentina's Kean - Botagao goalkeeper John on list - Calvert-Lewin, Vardy and Wilson offered www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
nytimes.com
The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Real Madrid and more
This is your weekly guide to what is happening across the summer transfer window
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
Diego Leon becomes Manchester United’s second summer signing $4m (£2.9m) initial fee + $5m (£3.6m) add-ons, likely to spend time with under-21s while his level is assessed www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
nytimes.com
Manchester United complete signing of teenage defender Diego Leon
The 18-year-old defender has made 33 senior appearances and scored four goals for Cerro Porteno.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia given permission to return to pre-season training late to find new clubs www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
nytimes.com
Rashford, Garnacho, Sancho among five Manchester United players given leave to find new clubs
The rest of United's first team squad are set to return to Carrington on Monday.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Manchester United complete £62.5m signing of Mathues Cunha Cunha signs a five-year contract until June 2030, plus one-year option www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
nytimes.com
Manchester United confirm Matheus Cunha transfer from Wolves
The Brazil international has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford with the option of a further year.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Manchester United's cash reserves fell to £73.2m in third quarter There's still capacity to borrow a further £90m under the revolving credit facility But that's why structure of deals and sales likely to be key this summer, as seen in Matheus Cunha talks www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
nytimes.com
Manchester United financial results reveal drop in cash reserves ahead of summer transfer window
United's cash position is set to be a complicating factor as the club's hierarchy looks to back head coach Ruben Amorim.
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Mark Critchley @mjcritchley.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
How are Manchester United staying PSR compliant? The answer lies in Red Football Ltd Subsidiary company’s accounts are sent for testing by Premier League and UEFA Red Football lost £36.2m last season vs £130.7m at Cayman-registered plc www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
nytimes.com
Manchester United, Red Football Limited and the battle to stay PSR compliant
How are United still spending heavily on players without selling and on the back of their worst season in decades?
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