Manchester United Thread 25/26 - Teamtalk/Transfers/Gossip Mod Note in OP 12.02.26

I'd be surprised if that info was out there and didn't leak into the pubic

City are going to operate as normal until they hear otherwise. They can't stand still while the charges are dragged out for years on end.

Even when the verdict drops, IF they are found guilty in it then their official line will be "we are shocked, disappointed and will fight this to clear our name blah blah".

From the point of view of players joining I would presume they have break clauses in their contract or agreements they can leave for X amount if City face relegation. If they don't then they have a very bad agent.

If a player is picking City this summer then let them off IMO and best of luck to them

Anderson is a very good player and could go to the very top of the game sure but that fee is too much for what he IS right now.

These mega money deals have a history of not working out more often than they do. Even when the player is very good.

Take a look at the top 10/20/30 transfers off all time and how many would you consider a massive success and worth the fee paid?

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/statistik/transferrekorde

Some United related waffle for today, as usual reliability may vary.

Manchester United are continue to monitor Tyler Adams' situation at Bournemouth and view him as a strong tactical fit for their midfield.

However, no formal approach or bid has been made. For now, United's interest remains at the scouting stage, with any concrete developments expected after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [@MailSport] #mufc—————-

“West Ham’s asking price for Mateus Fernandes was informed to clubs BEFORE they got relegated and suitors still feel that price might DROP.

“They are sticking to the price for now because the transfer window hasn't even OPENED and due to the volume of interest”. #MUFC [@JacobsBen, GMS]————1

Manchester United are preparing an offer for RC Lens’ Mamadou Sangaré. He would cost more than €40m. [@sebnonda]—————-

Manchester United are monitoring Khéphren Thuram. There's no set price for Thuram, but initial discussions could start around €45m-€50m. [@_Morik92_]——————

Carlo Ancelotti has TESTED Éderson as a right back in Brazil training today. #MUFC [globo, @BrasilEdition ]—————-

Manchester United have been intent on trying to beat their cross-town rivals to Anderson, but whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s football chief, gives the green light to an effort to outbid City with the fee now so high remains to be seen. It is understood United may end their interest - Jamie Jackson—————

David Ornstein said the Red Devils are focusing on players who want to join them, including West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott of Bournemouth.Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Hammers value Fernandes at £85m, while Bournemouth are reported to want £80m to consider selling Scott—————

Manchester United held talks with Nathaniel Brown’s representatives in recent weeks, with the defender open to the club’s project and a potential move to the Premier League.

However, United have opted against entering a bidding war and will not match Bayern Munich’s financial offer. [@BILD]—————

Manchester United are continuing to monitor Nico Williams' situation, with the club being kept informed as the winger's representatives assess the market ahead of a decision on his future.

While United remain admirers of the Spanish international, they are unwilling to pay an excessive fee, with strengthening the midfield currently viewed as a higher priority. [@elnacionalcat]—————

Alex Scott remains on Manchester United’s shortlist, with the club believing he could be signed for around £60M.

Bournemouth are pushing to tie him down to a new deal beyond 2028, with a proposed £75M release clause likely to set their asking price. [@TheAthleticFC] #mufc——————

If that happens then the PL is in big trouble

But to counter your conspiracy somewhat, Pep did say that if City were found guilty he'd walk.

Does he know something is coming?

Surely he would have liked to see out his contract and maybe leave with another PL or CL?

Why now?

Like someone mentiomed above, I'd say if the verdict were known already it would have leaked, especially now that Pep doesn't work there anymore and is presumably out and about in the football world more. City are doubling down on the "too big to fail" strategy and are probably writing in clauses to players contracts where they can leave or take a massive bonus if they get relegated

There has never been a case in British legal history where a decision has taken more than 18 months. I'd say we will find out this Summer.

If they're guilty of all charges then they will face massive penalties I think. It can't and won't be just a fine. It will be argued they gained a massive competitive advantage on the pitch.

I am convinced that the result is already known to certain people, and the delay is due to them being scared shitless of the implications. Especially following that Burnley/Everton judgement.

I doubt it. I think it will be Anderson and Rice for his midfield duo.

I think the precedent has been set now. Everton are getting bent over left and right.

The issue is that if found guilty they are going to scream and shout and appeal this all the way to CAS which could possibly take years. But the other angle is that while City will defo appeal, there is a reason to believe they will also want the decision on said appeal relavtively quickly. If this drags it will be a slower bleed for them with players values plummeting as bargaining power weakens, sponsorship deals fade etc etc etc.

I just cannot envisage a scenario where if they're guilty then they are not dropped down a league at the minimum.

I list the rumours because it's a bit of craic, it's summer there's nothing to really talk about and I do mention reliability may be shite.

They'll need to trust Vivell because if you're shopping in the premier league there's always going to be a premium and that premium is only going to get higher.

Vivell is meant to be a recruitment guru and I'm sure he's getting paid handsomely by United to keep him at the club. Put that man's knowledge to good use. Surely he can spot a player or two abroad whose got attributes which would see them adapt to English football quick enough.

I'd be surprised if City agree to the full 120 up front; they might well keep the offer on the table and let Anderson's camp do the pushing internally. That kind of money has to play with Anderson's head though. He'll be doing well to switch off from it during the WC.

Marinakas is a lunatic tbf. Gibbs White had a medical booked at Spurs last summer after they activated his release clause but he threatened legal action against them (seems like theres a bit of uncertainty whether they did or didnt know he had a RC) and the deal fell through. He'll make it hell for any club trying to sign any of their best players.