Man Utd files: Why Ederson isn’t joining straight away, Mateus Fernandes transfer latest and AC Milan clash on the cards

When United first dropped their official European pre-season schedule, the mooted fixture against Milan in Poland was missing.

Manchester United v Wrexham - Pre-Season Friendly

Manchester United are travelling around Europe for preseason

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United could perform a U-turn and play Milan in August

Milan had already committed to a massive global tour, playing Inter Milan in Australia on August 5, and Chelsea in Indonesia on August 8.

Flying all the way back from Asia to Poland for an August 15 match — right on the heels of a exhausting World Cup summer — wouldn’t give players enough recovery time.

But United sources haven’t left it off the table, believing a deal could still be struck to play the game in Wroclaw.

The Red Devils will bounce between different European cities to face Wrexham, PSG, Atletico Madrid and Leeds this summer.

Ed room

DESPITE Ederson’s £39m deal being finalised with Atalanta, the Brazilian midfielder’s transfer will only be fully processed in early July.

This is because Ederson is joining from an overseas club.

Italy’s transfer system and the international clearing systems (FIFA’s ITC) will not process his registration to the English FA until the standard international benchmark of July 1.

Ederson has agreed to become a United player, but he cannot legally be registered on their squad list until July.

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Illustration of Manchester United player statistics with a player celebrating.

Door Mat

WEST HAM sources say United have had no direct contact with West Ham over Mateus Fernandes.

In fact, the London Stadium has heard from no clubs.

Despite relegation, Fernandes, 21, has impressed and is expected to depart the east London club.

The Hammers need to raise more than £100m in sales.

And they value the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder at £80m.

Domestic transfers can be made between Premier League and EFL clubs when the window opens on June 15.

Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at the London Stadium, Stratford on Sunday 24th May 2026. (Photo: Kevin Hodgson | MI News)

Mateus Fernandes has been slapped with a £80m price tag

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Christopher Vivell joined United in 2024

Top agent

CHRISTOPHER VIVELL is one of the most important figures at Carrington.

Signed as the director of recruitment in 2024, Vivell oversees both the data-led and in-person global scouting operations at United.

He is a key point of contact for agents and an influential voice when identifying targets.

United are pushing to change from a manager-led, “reactive” transfer model toward a data-driven and proactive system.

Vivell played a key role in signing Benjamin Sesko for £71m last summer.

He previously worked as a scout at RB Salzburg before joining RB Leipzig as their technical director.

The German was named Chelsea’s technical director in 2022 but walked away due to a lack of clarity surrounding his role.

Mount-ain holiday

WHILE England flew off to the World Cup pre-camp, 2022 squad member Mason visited Japan to team up with the Mizuno Football team in Osaka.

Mount became a brand ambassador for Japanese sportswear brand Mizuno in March.

The deal sees Mount wear ‘Mizuno a III Japan’ football boots during games.

World Cup fever

OLD TRAFFORD’S 12 non-World Cup players have been told to report for preseason training on July 8.

The Red Devils will have 13 representatives at the 23rd World Cup, if you include Marcus Rashford and Casemiro in that.

Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Joshua Zirkzee, Diego Leon, Mount, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro were not selected.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana are from countries that failed to qualify.

More awards?

BRUNO FERNANDES, who broke the Premier League assist record this season, has been nominated for the PFA player of the year award.

The United skipper has already won both the FWA and EA Sports Premier League Player of the Season gongs.

Prem players have voted for Fernandes to be nominated alongside Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya.

City’s Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki are also shortlisted.

United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been nominated for young PFA player of the year alongside Rio Ngumoah, Nico O’Reilly, Max Dowman, Eli Junior Kroupi and Cherki.

The winners will be honoured on Tuesday August 25 at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester.

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