Manchester United news continues to develop as Michael Carrick prepares his squad for the new season, with a £73million striker linked, a fresh Lewis Hall development emerging and Benjamin Sesko making progress towards his return.
United are still assessing where to strengthen during the remainder of the transfer window after already reshaping Carrick’s midfield.
There could also be further movement out of Old Trafford. ReadManUtd reported on Saturday that Radek Vitek completed a permanent move to Middlesbrough, with the goalkeeper’s deal potentially worth £14m.
Here are the latest developments around United.
Man Utd news: United linked with £73m Pio Esposito battle
United are reportedly keeping tabs on Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito.
A fresh report from The Sun claims Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring the 21-year-old, with both clubs having watched him during pre-season.
United are said to have compiled a detailed dossier on Esposito but are not currently rushing towards an offer.
The reported asking price is substantial.
Inter are said to value the Italy international at around £73m, despite previously making clear that they see him as an important part of their future.
That stance is supported by earlier CaughtOffside reporting, which said United and Arsenal had both made initial contact but were informed that Inter did not want to negotiate a sale.
United’s interest therefore appears to be one to monitor rather than an advanced transfer.
Any move could also depend on Joshua Zirkzee’s future, with the Dutchman continuing to attract attention from Serie A.
Lewis Hall leaves Newcastle training camp
There has also been a fresh development involving one of United’s defensive targets.
Lewis Hall has returned to Tyneside early from Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in Spain.
The timing is interesting after Newcastle rejected an enquiry from United, but there is currently no suggestion Hall’s departure from the camp is transfer-related.
The latest report on Hall’s situation says he returned because of a minor injury.
Fabian Schär and Lewis Miley also returned early for fitness reasons, with Hall expected to continue his recovery at Newcastle’s training base.
Newcastle’s transfer stance remains firm.
United have identified left-back as an area they would like to strengthen, but Hall is considered an important part of the new project at St James’ Park.
Antonee Robinson remains another player United have monitored. Sky Sports previously reported that both Hall and the Fulham defender feature among the club’s left-back options.
United may soon have to decide whether pursuing Hall remains realistic or whether their resources are better directed elsewhere.
Benjamin Sesko still on track for Man Utd return
There is better news surrounding Sesko.
The Slovenia international has missed United’s pre-season action while recovering from the shin problem which ended his 2025/26 campaign early.
However, the latest indications suggest his recovery remains on schedule.
Manchester Evening News reporter Steven Railston says Sesko is still on track to be fit for the start of the season and has been stepping up his rehabilitation work at Carrington.
That would be a significant boost for Carrick.
Bryan Mbeumo has performed well through the middle during pre-season and scored again in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with PSG, but Sesko remains United’s specialist senior centre-forward.
Carrick does not need him rushed back for friendlies.
He needs him available when the competitive football starts.
United’s remaining weeks of pre-season should therefore provide greater clarity on Sesko’s fitness and what that could mean for Zirkzee’s future.
