The international break is nearly over, and Manchester United have plenty to sort out before Tottenham arrive at Old Trafford. There is some welcome movement on the injury front, but the defensive situation remains a concern.
Senne Lammens has also spoken about handling the pressure at United, while a possible left-back target has emerged and Diego Leon has been handed a timely opportunity.
Here is the latest Manchester United News and Talking Points.
United receive several injury boosts
Manchester United are seeing a number of players move closer to a return ahead of the Tottenham game. Carlos Baleba featured in a behind-closed-doors win over Lausanne-Sport and remains in contention for his United debut, while Amad could return to group training after the break.
De Ligt also played in the friendly as he continues his recovery. Kobbie Mainoo remains a possibility, although his situation is being handled carefully. Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu are still recovering from their respective injuries, while Noussair Mazraoui has picked up a fresh concern.
Defence now looks like the next rebuild
After focusing on attack and midfield in recent transfer windows, Manchester United may finally turn their attention to the back line. The club have yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet this season, while injuries have exposed the lack of depth at left-back. Pete O’Rourke expects defensive recruitment to become a priority across the next two windows, even though United may wait until next summer before making their biggest investment.
Lammens insists pressure has not changed him
Senne Lammens has admitted the level of scrutiny around him at Manchester United is intense, but says it has not changed him. The goalkeeper believes players need strong mentality and confidence to deal with constant outside opinions. He also feels his Premier League experience has prepared him for international football with Belgium and says he is comfortable with the demands placed on him.
Truffert carries a £60m price tag
Manchester United are monitoring Bournemouth left-back Adrien Truffert, but a potential January move would be expensive. Bournemouth reportedly value the France international at around £60m and are not expected to soften their stance. United see Truffert as a possible long-term successor to Luke Shaw, with his situation becoming more interesting because of the club’s current shortage of fit left-backs.
Tullis-Joyce earns praise after Liverpool win
Manchester United Women goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce played a major role in the 1-0 victory over Liverpool, making eight saves and helping the team record their first clean sheet of the season. Eva Olid wants more from her, though, particularly in terms of communication and leadership. The head coach believes Tullis-Joyce needs to become more vocal behind the defence.
Read the full Tullis-Joyce story
Diego Leon finally gets his opening
Diego Leon took advantage of Manchester United’s left-back shortage by featuring in the behind-closed-doors victory over Lausanne-Sport. The 19-year-old had not played a minute in United’s opening three Premier League 2 games, but injuries to Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have now created a possible route into the first-team picture.
Read the full Diego Leon story
Fernandes urges Portugal to move on from Ronaldo row
Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he spoke directly to Cristiano Ronaldo following the dispute that led to Ronaldo leaving the Portugal squad. Fernandes stressed that Ronaldo remains the country’s greatest symbol but said the matter should be handled privately rather than becoming a distraction for the squad. Portugal subsequently beat Denmark 4-2.
Depay says he never understood United’s plan
Memphis Depay has revisited his difficult Manchester United spell, explaining that he became confused by the way the club used him after signing him from PSV Eindhoven. He felt United had recruited him for qualities that had made him successful in the Netherlands, only to place him in a role where he could not play in the same way. Depay made 45 appearances in his only full season at United, scoring seven goals.
Ferguson’s 2012 warning still resonates
Sir Alex Ferguson was furious after Manchester United lost the 2011/12 title to Manchester City on goal difference. After United beat Sunderland on the final day, Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time goal against QPR turned the title race on its head. Ferguson’s message to his players was that missed opportunities earlier in the season had proved costly, urging them to be more ruthless and finish teams off.
Follow more Manchester United News & Talking Points LIVE! Premier League 2026 / 27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
