Manchester Evening News

Marcus Rashford suffered the ultimate humiliation on his Barcelona debut - something former midfielder Hossam Ghaly knows all too well after it ended his Tottenham Hotspur career

Marcus Rashford endured one of the most embarrassing moments a professional footballer can face on Sunday.

The Manchester United forward secured his dream loan move to Barcelona last week as he looks to revive his faltering career. The deal, which was completed in time for Rashford to travel to Japan alongside the rest of the Barcelona squad, provides the La Liga champions with an option to purchase him for £26million next summer.

Rashford's first pre-season appearance came against Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he began the match on the substitutes' bench. Hansi Flick introduced the 27-year-old for his eagerly-awaited debut at the half-time break, with Rashford displaying flashes of quality and commitment to his defensive duties in his new Blaugrana colours.

However, he was quickly brought back down to earth as manager Flick withdrew him after just 33 minutes, right after he had played a key role in Barcelona's second goal. Rashford and left-back Jofre Torrents were replaced by Gerard Martin and Pedro Fernandez, with the latter going on to score Barca's third.

While the substitution would have wounded Rashford's pride, Flick explained that his decision wasn't performance-based, saying: "Rashford hasn't played that much, and we also wanted to give Gerard Martin 15 minutes because he was playing after his injury."

Only seven days earlier, Rashford had been amongst United's 'bomb squad' – a group of players training in isolation and permitted to use the club's Carrington training facility only after the first-team squad had gone home.

One player who understands how Rashford would have felt this weekend is former Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly. Ghaly joined Spurs in 2006 and was used sporadically by then-manager Martin Jol throughout the 2006/07 campaign.

After being in and out of the team, the Egyptian was introduced against Blackburn Rovers during the first half of the penultimate Premier League game of the season, after Steed Malbranque suffered an injury. But similarly to Rashford, he found himself taken off just 31 minutes into his entrance – only his substitution was due to a poor performance.

In contrast to Rashford, however, Ghaly reacted in the worst manner possible, angrily hurling his shirt onto the floor while leaving the field. The gesture angered the Spurs supporters as boos and chants of "You're not fit to wear the shirt" echoed around the ground.

Ghaly faced disciplinary action from the club and was left out of the matchday squad for the final game of the season, before issuing a public apology. He said: "I am just so angry with myself. I have always considered it an honour to wear the Tottenham shirt and I never intended to show any disrespect.

"I knew things weren't happening for me out there, my play was terrible and I could hear the crowd jeering me. I was so upset at the fans' reaction. I have enjoyed playing in front of the club's supporters all season and I felt I had given my best all the time and played some decent football.

"It is always hard to accept being substituted after such a short period of time and I was upset and taken aback by the cheering. I am a player who plays with my heart.

"I know my reaction was totally wrong," he went on to say. "I have apologised to the manager and I also want to apologise to the fans. I hope they don't judge me on this incident alone. I have tried hard for the club this season."

Despite his attempts at making amends, that proved to be Ghaly's final appearance for Spurs as he was loaned out to Derby County in January 2008. He returned to north London for the 2008/09 campaign but failed to appear in a single match before leaving permanently.

Harry Redknapp contemplated introducing him during a January 2009 clash with Wigan, but the English manager thought better of it after hearing the supporters jeer Ghaly while he warmed up and prepared to come on off the bench.

Rashford will be keen to steer clear of a similar fate at Barcelona, while also hoping that Flick doesn't make a habit of exposing him to public embarrassment. The England star has endured his share of falling outs with United bosses Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim in recent times.

Latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip with updates on Kobbie Mainoo's future and Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani

Manchester United have two new signings through the door this summer and could add more players to their ranks in the near future.

Bryan Mbeumo completed a £70 million move to United last week to become the second new signing for the club this summer. The Cameroon international joins Matheus Cunha in completing a move to Old Trafford as they now prepare for the new Premier League season, which gets underway next month.

United have more than a month to go until the summer transfer window closes on September 1. Between now and then, there are likely to be plenty of rumours about who United may or may not sign before the window closes.

Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at some of the latest United transfer news and gossip that has generated headlines over the last 24 hours.

Kobbie Mainoo 'wanted'

A report in Give Me Sport has claimed that United star Kobbie Mainoo is a target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

It has been reported that Spurs have identified Mainoo as a target after missing out on signing Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.

The report claims that Tottenham will look to take advantage of Mainoo's contract situation remaining unresolved, with the midfielder's current deal running until the summer of 2027.

MEN Sport says: Mainoo is one of the most talented prospects at United and is destined for a bright future at Old Trafford. The contract uncertainty is unsurprisingly leading to speculation around his future, so United would be wise to get a new deal wrapped up as soon as possible.

Randal Kolo Muani update

United are once again being linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, United will look to provide competition to Juventus for the signing of Kolo Muani this summer.

The France international spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, who are reportedly interested in re-signing the striker on a permanent deal this summer.

MEN Sport says: United have been linked with several strikers already this summer, and Kolo Muani is one of the players credited as a potential target in recent weeks. Only time will tell if United will make an active attempt to sign Kolo Muani, but it seems that they may find it difficult to fend off competition from Juventus.

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Sporting Lisbon are proving to be a difficult nut to crack as they try to receive the best possible price for their talisman, Viktor Gyokeres, this summer.

Arsenal's negotiations with the Portuguese club have nearly hit a dead end as Sporting president Frederico Varandas continues to push for a total deal priced at £69m. The issue from Gyokeres' side, which is currently resulting in the player effectively going on strike, is that he was under the impression he could leave for just under £60m.

Varandas has confirmed that Sporting will be launching disciplinary action against Gyokeres for failing to report for the start of pre-season. Such behaviour may feel uncommon practice, however Sporting do have precedent for dealing with clubs like this and Manchester United have already been told the formula to succeed.

Cast your minds back to the January transfer window of 2023 and Tottenham Hotspur seemed certain to be signing Pedro Porro from Sporting. All was agreed and a medical was booked in London for the full-back.

However, as The Athletic reported at the time, the deal was on the verge of being called off as Varandas made a last-minute ploy for more money by reneging on the offer that was already agreed. This unconventional move is not too far removed from what the Sporting president is doing with Gyokeres.

Eventually, Spurs were able to get their man through help from Porro who admitted he did not turn up to training on deadline day so that he could force Sporting's hand. United will hope the Swedish centre-forward is not having to resort to such tricks come the end of August if they are trying to sign him but the lessons from the Porro deal are a timely reminder for the Reds.

Sooner or later, Sporting are going to have to fold on Gyokeres. They simply cannot afford to have a player in their squad who is willing to not turn up to training until a move away is completed.

It makes no sense for Varandas to keep a player against his will and while, at the moment, he is happy to hold his line due to the lack of competitive fixtures, he will have no choice but to compromise as we edge closer to the regular season beginning. Should United want Gyokeres, they must remain patient and trust that negotiating with Sporting will become easier as the transfer window progresses.

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Manchester United have been locked in talks with Brentford over the signing of Bryan Mbeumo since June with no resolution as of yet

Manchester United could reportedly be on the verge of missing out on Bryan Mbeumo this summer after Tottenham Hotspur opened interest in his Brentford teammate Yoane Wissa.

Wissa and Mbeumo have been a formidable partnership for the Bees and with 19 and 20 goals scored respectively between them in the Premier League. The Cameroonian has drawn interest from United and they have been locked in negotiations with Brentford for his signature since last month.

MEN Sport understands that two offers have been rejected so far for Mbeumo but there is still confidence from United that they will be able to get a deal done. However, a spanner appears to have been thrown into the works on Wednesday.

Multiple reports, including from BBC Sport, claim that Thomas Frank has instructed Spurs to target Wissa this transfer window. Tottenham are currently understood to be weighing up the financials surrounding the deal.

Frank had wanted to bring Mbeumo with him to north London, but was informed the 25-year-old would be leaving for Old Trafford or not at all in the summer. This has led Tottenham to reassess their options and Wissa is thought to be keen on a move to Spurs.

Unfortunately for United, journalist Ben Jacobs understands that Brentford are only willing to let Wissa or Mbeumo leave, not both. This means that should Wissa agree terms with Spurs, the move for Mbeumo could be scuppered completely.

The good news for United is that they are clearly in a more advanced stage in their negotiations to sign Mbeumo so have the upper hand there. But, it has been claimed that Mbeumo is happy to stay at Brentford so the Reds cannot rely on the forward forcing a move from the club should the Bees decide not to sell.

It seems United are now in a position where they must come to a quick agreement with Brentford for Mbeumo or risk missing out.

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Manchester United are days away from the start of pre-season with just one major signing made

Manchester United return to pre-season training on Monday as they prepare for a huge season under Ruben Amorim.

The Reds endured a disastrous 2024/25 campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League with a goal difference of minus 10. The club has so far only made one major signing in Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, while they continue to pursue Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.

There is growing frustration among United fans due to the lack of sales and only one new player joining the squad. However, there is still ample time for the Reds to bring in new players before their first competitive match of the 25/26 campaign. United's season begins at home against Arsenal on August 17.

Here are some of the latest stories about United this summer, along with our take on each.

Tottenham claim

Football finance expert Dan Plumley has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur could finance a move for United's Marcus Rashford this summer.

“You would anticipate his wage demands would be pretty high,” he said via Tottenham News.

“If you look at that in the context of Spurs, that’s not necessarily an issue for them on a wages turnover position, because theirs has historically been lower than 50 per cent in the last few seasons.

“So, if you look at wages to turn over headroom, and obviously wrapping that up into UEFA and squad cost, it’s plausible.

“The bigger question is, again with Spurs, how much are his wage demands, what does he want, and you’ve got to factor that into the long-term contract position before you’ve even engaged on a fee.

“It’s one of those where Spurs could afford it in the long-term, and they’re going to have Champions League money as well to boost that in the season that we’re coming into, but it’s whether or not they really want to outlay a significant amount of wages on that kind of player, and then the fee over the top.”

Isaac Seelochan of The Manchester Evening News says: "It feels inevitable that Rashford will leave United this summer, whether that is on a permanent deal or another loan move. Ideally, he will go abroad so the Reds will avoid the potential embarrassment of him coming back to haunt Amorim.

"However, Premier League clubs are more likely to be able to afford him, so a stay in England can't be ruled out."

David 'shock'

Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed there was shock United did not make a move for striker Jonathan David before he joined Juventus on a free transfer this summer.

“I have chased this with his people, and I can confirm they have been shocked by the lack of significant talks with most Premier League clubs, including United," he told United In Focus.

“Yes, David, who is joining Juventus now, was asking for a substantial wage packet, but he was on a free transfer.

“Personally, I believe the David situation reminds me of Marcus Thuram – similar situation where he was available on a free transfer, but the Premier League clubs were unmoved, but then he went to Italy and was a huge success and we see teams even now being linked with him for £50/60million.

“I think the same will be true of David – I don’t doubt he will score goals in Serie A.”

Manchester United continue to experience pressure in the face of agreeing their next summer transfer for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.

Having successfully signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, the drive for more attacking recruits is in full force. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Man United are currently chasing down Mbeumo after he indicated his preferred move was to Old Trafford.

A new striker is also on the agenda and so is a midfielder, all which can help round off Ruben Amorim's squad ahead of an incredibly important 2025/26 campaign.

But with Mbeumo identified and that all falling into place, a spanner was thrown in the works by Tottenham Hotspur's interest in the 20-goal attacker. They have since recruited Brentford boss Thomas Frank, so have a personal connection with the Cameroonian in their bid to change his mind.

Still, Man United remain confident of winning this battle and here, MEN Sport analyses the latest headlines in the saga.

Mbeumo worry

According to The Athletic, Spurs are pivoting away from an alternative attacking target amid their interest for Mbeumo.

Alongside Brentford's star man, the north Londoners have also taken notice of the 13 goals and seven assists recorded by Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth last term.

A move to Spurs appeals to the Ghanaian though with a reported price tag of £70m, the suitors are not proceeding to strike a deal - at least at present.

Meanwhile it is said Frank and Co. are hopeful of persuading Mbeumo of giving up his desire to move to Old Trafford and join his old boss instead.

MEN Sport says: This is a blow in as much as that Spurs are limiting their own targets, narrowing their focus down to Mbeumo it seems. But, the situation remains that Mbeumo has chosen Man United and it is now up to the clubs involved to make his wish a reality. For now, Spurs can be considered a distraction rather than a true threat.

Frank influence

Fabrizio Romano has explained how Spurs' internal discussions over whether to make a play for Mbeumo began when Frank took their managerial job last week.

On what happened behind the scenes, he told GiveMeSport: "For sure, there is appreciation from Thomas Frank.

"And so it's quite obvious to discuss a target like [Bryan] Mbeumo for Tottenham, because he's one of the names they discussed internally as soon as he signed his contract as new Tottenham manager.

"It's obvious in football to see these kinds of situations."

Manchester United face a fight with Spurs to sign top target Bryan Mbeumo

Manchester United have a fight on their hands as the summer transfer window reopens, facing the prospect of fending off Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit of Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo - and some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section are worried that things might not be going to plan after the delay so far.

United are seeking to bolster a struggling attack, and the addition of Mbeumo with his 20 league goals in the past season would go some way to putting them back amongst the top clubs in the Premier League. A £55million package offer has been rejected by Brentford, who stand to make huge profit from their ace wherever he ends up going this summer.

Spurs are also in for Mbeumo, having made a £70 million offer for him as the club look to banish their own demons after a poor Premier League season. Spurs have taken on Brentford's Thomas Frank as manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou, and a link-up with Mbeumo would be an ideal way to start his time at that club.

Some fans are just about ready to give up on Mbeumo after hopes of a fast start to the transfer window seem to be fading. Reader IlSacristano says: "I wish this would be over, for better or for worse. It's a bit like Pride and Prejudice, although Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy got together with far fewer words written about them than Mr Mbeumo."

Commenter Steviweavi warns about paying the old "United tax": "What we should have equally done last year and before is not overpay. Mbeumo is NOT a £70m player, if Spurs want to pay that then let them. The player can always insist he wants to play for United and no-one else of course."

Cheethamhills writes: "If Mbeumo's one and only choice isn't to come to United, then I'd rather he didn't... if it is, then he needs to get it done. United don't need to pay any price as Brentford haven't got the upper hand, Mbeumo does in his last year. He should tell them to accept the offer, or tell fans I'm staying for another season and will leave for free next year."

JKU999 is feeling bullish: "If Mbeumo wants to go from a little club to another little club all because a) His manager has gone there and b) For a fleeting moment of Champions League football, let him go. He'll never know what playing for a massive club like Manchester United is like. Good luck to him."

Navydiver writes: "Once again the ineptitude of United’s management will undoubtedly lead to Mbuemo going to Spurs. We of course are sweating and digging our heels in for 5 or 6 million when had we met the initial asking price, this deal could have been wrapped up before this Frank deal was confirmed. Way to go, United’s crack negotiators. Wasting millions on rubbish but obstinate when quick action was required!"

Others have more confidence in the club to get the right business done this summer. JustifiablySceptical says: "It's a little early to say we can't get transfers over the line. If we've still only signed Cunha by the end of the month, I'll be worried, but if we also have Mbeumo by that point, we'll have made a huge improvement to our attack. We'd also still have time to bring in players in other positions.

"Part of it is out of our hands as we need to sell several players. If we do, I'm at least now confident that we're targeting the right type of incoming. I haven't been able to say that for many years."

Nemiroff writes: "United should be bold, and put it to his people - “does he want to come to United or not”? No procrastination, no playing one against the other, yes or no. We’ve been here before many times and been played for fools. There are other targets out there that are equally as good if not better.

"United’s stock may have fallen, but they are still one of the world’s biggest clubs. If Mbuemo would rather be a big fish in a small pond, off you trot. United need players who are going to give everything for the club, and want to be here, it’s that simple."

Have your say! Are you feeling frustrated with the pace of the Mbeumo transfer? Is it time to look elsewhere? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

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Bryan Mbeumo still favours a move to Man United amid interest from Tottenham, now managed by Thomas Frank.

Andre Onana has advised Bryan Mbeumo to join Manchester United amid the club's focus on signing the Brentford forward.

Mbeumo wants to move to United despite late interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Onana played a role in swaying Cameroon teammate Mbeumo.

The pair were not on international duty earlier this month for Cameroon's friendlies against Uganda and Equatorial Guinea and last lined up together in the national team's World Cup qualifying win against Libya in March.

Onana is expected to stay at United despite struggling in his first two seasons at the club. United head coach Ruben Amorim enjoys a warm working relationship with the former Inter Milan goalkeeper.

United have a long history of their players using national team get-togethers to try and sway international teammates to join the club. More recently, Erik ten Hag reunited with six players at United that he coached at Ajax.

Sources say Spurs are aggressively pursuing Mbeumo following the appointment of Thomas Frank as their manager from Brentford. Frank coached Mbeumo for six years as the Bees became an established Premier League side.

United have had an offer of £45million and £10m in add-ons rejected by Brentford for Mbeumo, who is out of contract next year but there is a one-year option to extend his deal until 2027.

Mbeumo was present at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday and told Sky Sports he "accepts" the transfer speculation. "It is a bit new for me, I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it.

"He (Frank)'s done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start. I think he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player as well.

"So I can only wish him all the best, and I'm sure he's going to do well."

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Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of interest from Man United and Tottenham after a fabulous season with Brentford.

Manchester United remain confident of finalising a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Mbeumo has told confidants he only wants to join United but well-placed sources say that has not deterred Spurs, who appointed Thomas Frank as their new coach last week.

Frank managed Mbeumo for six years at Brentford and Europa League winners Spurs have Champions League football to offer after a five-year absence from the competition.

Although sources say Spurs are "going hard" for Mbeumo and are potentially prepared to offer him a higher salary, United are still regarded as the frontrunners on account of the player's wish to join the club. United's opening offer of £45million and £10m in add-ons was rejected earlier this month.

Mbeumo, 25, scored a superb 20 goals in 38 Premier League starts for Brentford last season and is viewed as the second of three attacking targets for United, who completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves last week.

United also intend to recruit a striker after their worst goalscoring season in 35 years, with a move delayed after prime target Liam Delap elected to join Chelsea.

Mbeumo would be an option up front, as one of the two playmakers and on the right wing in United coach Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. Mbeumo started the majority of games last term on the right wing, a problem position at United for 13 years.

Mbeumo was present at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday and told Sky Sports he "accepts" the transfer speculation. "It is a bit new for me, I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it.

"He (Frank)'s done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start. I think he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player as well.

"So I can only wish him all the best, and I'm sure he's going to do well."

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Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham keen to sign the Brentford forward in the summer transfer window

Bryan Mbeumo previously expressed his desire to compete in the "biggest competitions" and play for "the best clubs", amids interest from Manchester United and Tottenham. Following a stellar 20-goal season in the Premier League, the Brentford forward is poised for a summer transfer.

The 25-year-old has just completed his most successful campaign at Brentford, having joined from French club Troyes six years ago for a then-record fee of £5.8 million. Mbeumo finds himself at the centre of attention with bids from both Manchester United and Spurs.

Earlier in the month, it appeared that Mbeumo was United-bound, with reports indicating he had 'prioritised' a move to Old Trafford. But Tottenham's interest has thrown a spanner in the works, with his Brentford manager Thomas Frank having taken charge at Spurs.

The Danish coach is keen on taking Mbeumo with him to North London after replacing Ange Postecoglou, despite Spurs' defeat of United in the Europa League final.

Tottenham lodged a £70m bid for Mbeumo this week - after United's first offer of £45m plus another £10m in add-ons was rejected. There have been reports since claiming that Mbeumo is now 'more open' to remaining in London, and remarks from the player last May may give an insight into the player's thinking, reports the Mirror.

Interest in Mbeumo emerged strongly back in the summer of 2024 after a season in which he netted nine league goals, drawing the attention of Liverpool and Newcastle United.

In response to speculation about a move to another Premier League club, Mbeumo told L'Equipe at the time: "I have spent five years at Brentford, at a club that has allowed me to grow and pass a milestone but yes, I would like to play in the biggest competitions, at the best clubs. It is tantalising to see some big clubs interested in me."

While United are facing a season without European football due to finishing 15th, Tottenham will be playing in the Champions League after their victory over Ruben Amorim's side in the Europa League final.

But United finished narrowly above Tottenham in the Premier League table.

This summer, Mbeumo has given little away regarding his preferred destination, although he did mark Frank's departure from Brentford in an Instagram post.

The 25-year-old shared photos of himself and Frank, accompanied by two prayer emojis.

United have already wrapped up the signing of Matheus Cunha this summer. The playmaker arrived in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.