All the latest news and rumours from around Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim's side go into another Premier League game week following an inconsistent start to the season
Manchester United have a free midweek after their match against Liverpool on Sunday
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Manchester United are set to welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford in their next Premier League fixture. Ruben Amorim's side have had a mixed start to the season and currently sit in mid-table after eight matches.
The Red Devils were big spenders over the summer, with Amorim and his team focusing on bolstering the attacking line-up. Matheus Cunha was signed from Wolves, while Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens were also added to the squad, among others. Following the influx of new players, there has been significant speculation about potential departures.
Casemiro's contract, for example, is due to expire at the end of the season, although it has been suggested that he could yet sign a new deal. As the dust settles on Sunday's clash with Liverpool, the MEN brings you the latest news from Old Trafford.
Amorim addresses Mainoo and Zirkzee
Kobbie Mainoo, who hasn't started a league game this season, is eager for more playing time ahead of next year's World Cup. He sought a loan move over the summer, but this was vetoed by Amorim, who insisted that he must compete with Fernandes for a place in the starting XI.
Joshua Zirkzee, on the other hand, has struggled for playing time at Old Trafford, and it's clear that things haven't quite panned out for the Dutch forward. As a result, there's been ongoing speculation about their futures, with January shaping up to be a hectic month for United, who are also gearing up to find a replacement for Casemiro.
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: A dejected Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United FC reacts following the 1-0 defeat in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee has not excelled at United(Image: Jonathan Moscrop, Getty Images)
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Amorim expressed his understanding of the frustration felt by the aforementioned pair due to their lack of game time ahead of the World Cup: "That is normal. I also know that in our club everything is a lot of noise. You have to have news. Players are not playing. They want to play.
"Like you said, there's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. So I understand that, but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season."
Beckham 'approached' in proposed takeover
David Beckham has reportedly been approached to support a takeover bid for United. Rumours are circulating that a consortium from the United Arab Emirates is preparing a proposal to purchase the Glazers' majority stake.
It's claimed that Beckham is being asked to act as an ambassador for the bid.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 31: David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami CF, looks on prior to the Leagues Cup Final match between Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami CF at Lumen Field on August 31, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers - Leagues Cup/MLS via Getty Images)
David Beckham has reportedly been approached to be an ambassador(Image: Steph Chambers - Leagues Cup, MLS via Getty Images)
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Of course, Beckham already has his own football business ventures, including his American club Inter Miami and a joint-ownership of Salford City with former teammate Gary Neville.
The Glazers are reportedly seeking £5billion for their controlling stake in the club, and if the consortium successfully acquires United, Beckham would have the opportunity to invest personally. Beckham has previously voiced criticism of the Glazers and has openly expressed his interest in becoming involved with the club.
Lammens enforces changing room ban
Keeper Senne Lammens has implemented an unusual new policy in the dressing room. The pre-match ritual prohibits any discussion of clean sheets. The Belgian international is convinced that mentioning them will curse his display.
TUBIZE, BELGIUM - MARCH 17 :Lammens Senne goalkeeper of Belgium arrives at the training grounds of the Royal Belgian Football Association ahead of the UEFA Nations League play-offs matches against Ukraine on March 17, 2025 in Tubize, Belgium, 17/03/2025 ( Photo by Jan De Meuleneir / Photonews via Getty Images)
Lammens has a peculiar superstition(Image: Photonews, Photonews via Getty Images)
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Having maintained a clean sheet during his first appearance, there might be logic behind the approach. Speaking to the Daily Mail, his sibling Tom revealed: "According to him, that brings bad luck, I don't send anything to Senne before the match about clean sheets."
The rituals extend beyond this, according to Brian Vandenbussche, Lammens' previous goalkeeping mentor at Antwerp.
"I didn't like it either... You jinx it," he revealed. "I know it's superstition, but don't do it. Senne has things he does in a specific order before his warm-up.
"He always wanted me to stand ready before he went out. He did a fist bump with the other two goalkeepers and with me, that was important to him.
"Also, before the game, he went back to the bench because he needed me to give the drink bottles to him. He did it for me to give him the last couple of words of advice."
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