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Man United latest: Chelsea transfer fight looming as club chief 'proud' of £30m deal

Here, the Manchester Evening News has a look at some of the latest headlines surrounding United

Darts player Luke Littler in the away end during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 08, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England.

Luke Littler has responded to criticism from some Manchester United fans

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Manchester United supporters will need to wait until Monday for their next football fix when Bournemouth visit Old Trafford. The Red Devils have been limited to domestic fixtures after failing to qualify for European competition this season, resulting in typically just one match per week.

Manager Ruben Amorim revealed during Friday's press conference that Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will be unavailable for Monday night's clash with the Cherries. Benjamin Sesko may feature as he continues his recovery from a knee injury picked up against Tottenham in November.

Whilst the squad prepares for their upcoming Premier League encounter, Manchester Evening News rounds up all the latest news emerging from Old Trafford.

Luke Littler responds to fan backlash

Luke Littler has defended himself against criticism from fellow United supporters who took issue with the darts sensation's presence in the away end during Monday's match at Wolves. The reigning world champion, currently competing to retain his title, was seen in the away section at Molineux Stadium as his beloved side secured a 4-1 victory.

Following criticism from supporters, who argued that the 18-year-old was receiving special privileges, Littler clarified how he got the tickets. He said: "Everyone just jumps on everything. They don't know anything.

"So I've seen too many stupid [message] requests and all that stuff saying, 'I've been on the waiting list,' and all that. And then I just said to my mate, 'I'm going to have to put something on there to thank Adidas because no one knows.'

Luke Littler celebrates Manchester United's victory in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 08, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England.

Luke Littler has hit back at fans claiming he had special privileges

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"And then when I put it on, they're like, 'Oh, you're just trying to cover it up.' But the tickets were off Adidas. They give a certain amount of tickets out a year, home and away to whoever they want. So they chose me, gave me three tickets for Wolves away.

"It was my first away day. Probably a guaranteed win, so I'm glad we won that one. Hopefully we can go on and win on Monday as well. Hopefully I can get to some more, but I'll enjoy it on Monday."

'Talks held' for young DR Congo star

Manchester United have reportedly held discussions over signing Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki. The 20-year-old has impressed for the newly-promoted club this season, featuring in every Premier League match so far and accumulating 1,326 minutes in a strong side currently sitting in ninth place.

According to Sky Sports Switzerland, both United and Chelsea have made approaches for the DR Congo international in recent weeks. The Red Devils are understood to have contacted Sadiki's representatives at the start of the season and view him as a more affordable option compared to Brighton's Carlos Baleba.

Sunderland remain in a commanding position heading into the January transfer window, given that the young player penned a five-year contract with the Black Cats over the summer. Manager Regis Le Bris has hailed Sadiki's performances, highlighting how his mature approach ranks higher than his young age.

Noah Sadiki of Sunderland during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal at Stadium of Light on November 8, 2025 in Sunderland, England.

Noah Sadiki is linked with a move to Old Trafford

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Speaking in November, Le Bris said: "We can forget that he is only 20. He is a really good player. He has a different personality but I think he is really smart to understand what is needed to go further.

"He looks at what type of specific profile he needs to progress – technical, physical. You don't always find the same profile with every player – he has own characteristics but I think they fit well with the demands of the Premier League.

"At the same time, though, you have to have the mentality to learn and be aware of what the characteristics of your environment are and what you need to do to improve. What can I do to get better? What advice do I need to take from other members of the team?

"He has this combination of talent on one side, then on the other side, the ability to learn."

Club president 'proud' of key player's exit

Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on November 24, 2025 in Manchester, England.

Patrick Dorgu signed for United in the summer

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Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has spoken with pride about Patrick Dorgu's transfer to United during the summer, despite losing a crucial player the defender. The Denmark international moved to Amorim's squad over the summer and has experienced mixed fortunes in the campaign thus far.

As Dorgu continues to settle in at Old Trafford, Damiani told Tuttomercatoweb that the transfer of the 21-year-old as well as former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti were prime examples of the club's transfer strategy in action.

He said: "Umtiti was an extraordinary operation, a world champion who gave a lot to our club, but that of Dorgu represents the Lecce model 360 degrees.

"Taken from the youth sector of a Danish team, he spent a year in the Primavera and half a season in Serie A, and then was sold to Manchester United for 38 million [euros]. It is a symbol of the quality of our club. And doing business with Manchester United is an additional source of pride."

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