Laurie Whitwell
@lauriewhitwell
Journalist for @TheAthleticFC, covering Manchester United. Instagram: lauriewhitwell
Jason Wilcox: “Bryan’s goals + assists record in the Premier League is exceptional. Bryan’s belief in our project + determination to join the club confirmed that he was the perfect fit for Manchester United + the culture that we are developing.” #MUFC ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65024…
Cunha: “The pressure of this club is not really pressure, it’s a privilege, because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. When Ruben comes to me + shows all the pressure to put the club in perfect times again, I feel it’s a challenge I want to do for my career.” #MUFC
Amorim on exiles: “I understand the clubs are waiting for the last minute but they can have a surprise. I’m ready to receive the players. “If you want to play in the World Cup next year you need to play.” ⬇️ #MUFC nytimes.com/athletic/65157…
Amorim on Mainoo: "He can play in both positions in the midfield. Last year he played more in front, his best position is with the ball. I think he is a big talent. I think he needs to increase the rhythm, the pace, I am always on that with Kobbie. He can be better." #MUFC
Amorim on outcasts: "If we reach a point that they have to join the team, they will join the team, because they are our players. I know for a fact that Omar + Jason have a number for these players, if (clubs) don't reach that, they will be #MUFC players. No doubts about that."
Ruben Amorim speaking in Chicago. On new signings: “Really pleased, it’s really important to sign new players soon as possible. They proved already in Premier League, that is really important. Best thing is they chose to be here, they had Champions League options.” #MUFC

Charlie Owen, lead physical performance coach, + Ed Leng, head of physical performance, show squad new cooling jacket, a co-trial with adidas. Expected to be used at 2026 World Cup, players wearing them after warm-up + half-time. Surely a wardrobe staple too. #MUFC
Manchester United open training at Soldier Field in Chicago. New signings Bryan Mbeumo + Matheus Cunha all smiles. Rondos go airborne. #MUFC
Mason Mount interview: Fit, confident, ready for Cunha/Mbeumo competition. “I’ll always back myself. I know what I can do. I feel like I’m in really good shape. Last season wasn’t good enough, but we’re ready to put that wrong right.” ⬇️ #MUFC nytimes.com/athletic/65144…
Alexander Isak has not been part of conversations at Manchester United despite striker search - due to cost + chance of signing. Liverpool + Al Hilal in box seat. #MUFC @TheAthleticFC A look at his options ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65130…
🎥 Talk of the Devils 🎥 Episode now available for your viewing “pleasure” on @YouTube. Behold the gold curtains of my Chicago hotel room. But also lots of info on Mbeumo, Rashford, Sesko, Onana, Martinez + more ⬇️ #MUFC @ianirving_ @AndyMitten youtu.be/7gayKaEgmyI?si…
🎧 Talk of the Devils 🎧 Recorded 1am Chicago time before @AndyMitten catches his flight to join us in US: bumper ep of updates + debate. Why Mbeumo’s transfer took six weeks, how Rashford sealed Barca deal, #MUFC striker search + more ⬇️ @ianirving_ pod.fo/e/300cef
It took 44 days from start to finish to agree Bryan Mbeumo deal - 44 is the number of Premier League goals #MUFC scored last season. Wrangling included accusations Brentford pressured Mbeumo to accept Newcastle/Spurs. One of the more tumultuous deals ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65061…
#MUFC attention now on sales, with several strikers being considered if Rasmus Hojlund leaves. Benjamin Sesko tracked but no active thoughts on move. Club not planning to bid for Viktor Gyokeres. Barca have €30m buy option in Marcus Rashford loan ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65060…
Inside Bryan Mbeumo transfer talks: 🔺 #MUFC first bid caused irritation 🔺 Brentford allegedly moved goalposts 🔺 Final written demand £70m+£7m 🔺 Cunha fee an untimely yardstick 🔺 Wages comfortably within structure Plus more w/ @jaydmharris ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65061…
#MUFC confirm signing of Bryan Mbeumo for £65m plus £6m in add-ons. Mbeumo: “As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up.”

Marcus Rashford given permission by Manchester United to fly to Barcelona to complete season-long loan. Rashford realising aim to play for Barca, option to buy included. Deal agreed with Rashford off #MUFC wage bill completely. After @FabrizioRomano ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/65050…
Notable Amad started right wing-back, then swapped for that side No 10 role with Toby Collyer midway through half. Where will Amad get most of his minutes with Bryan Mbeumo in? Mbeumo has been at Old Trafford today, due Carrington tomorrow. Sorting medical, media, visa. #MUFC
🚨 Barcelona advancing on deal to sign Marcus Rashford from Man Utd. Offer via intermediaries loan + buy option. #MUFC have agreed - not done but final stages. Flick approves 27yo England int’l; suits #FCBarcelona on football/financial level @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/60776…
Manchester United XI to play Leeds: Bayindir, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Shaw, Amad, Casemiro, Collyer, Leon, Fernandes, Cunha, Obi