On the latest Devils' Advocate, Joe and Gaz are joined by the Stretford Paddock's Joe Smith to chat about pre-season so far and transfers.
They also discuss Marc Skinner's departure from Manchester United Women.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Manchester United FCIt is clear Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a new stadium to be the statement around his involvement at Manchester United.
Yet it is equally clear a new build, with a 100,000 capacity and a significant number of corporate areas, would generate far more than United get on a matchday now, which will help drive revenues and improve the senior squad.
There are other financial aspects though, which few will consider in the bigger picture.
The initial plans unveiled by Ratcliffe in March 2025 featured a huge canopy. That in itself will be costly, but in theory the overhang and what is underneath it will be in United's footprint - and the club will be responsible for it. Will the expense be worth the 'look'?
Construction could - in part - take place off site and be shipped in if club officials are to be believed. That is likely to cost less than doing all the work in Old Trafford.
And then having a new build where it is, down the road from their current ground, deals with the potentially thorny problem about where United would play if Old Trafford was closed for a period.
None of Manchester City, Liverpool or Everton's grounds are ideal from a security perspective. All have a lower capacity than Old Trafford and all would cost a lot to hire, even if it was desirable.
United's current plans mean they can simply move from one stadium to another.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester United forward Fraizer Campbell believes it could be "a big positive" for the club if Marcus Rashford wants to stay.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions as the Catalan side won La Liga.
However, the Spanish champions decided against triggering the £26m clause to turn his loan spell into a permanent move.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Campbell said: "I don't know what's happening with him but if he is happy to stay, he wants to stay, you have Marcus Rashford in your team.
"That could be a big positive for us if Marcus wants to stay and he is at it again, because he can play on the left-hand side or he can fill in up front."
Rashford is contracted to the Red Devils until 2028.
Listen to Campbell's thoughts on Man Utd's attacking options on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play below
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United's squad for the high-profile pre-season friendly with Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August will have a more familiar look.
Michael Carrick has been leaning heavily on United's academy for the three matches so far this summer, with 10 youngsters involved in the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Stockholm at the weekend.
However, Belgium duo Senne Lammens and new signing Youri Tielemans returned to training last Thursday and this week should see four more World Cup stars back at Carrington.
Portugal pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, Brazil's Matheus Cunha and Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui are all due back – which will leave England's Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, plus Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez as the only remaining players to rejoin Carrick's squad.
With the travelling numbers reducing anyway given players are starting to get more minutes – Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven played the full 90 against Atletico – it will provide an insight into Carrick's thinking for the campaign that lies ahead.
United are still looking at their midfield options, although Mount has arguably been player of pre-season so far and has looked excellent in the number eight role alongside new arrival Andrey Santos.
There is also a vacancy on the left, where there is interest in Newcastle's Lewis Hall, albeit with an acknowledgement it would be a very difficult transfer to complete – the view now is that youngster Harry Amass will leave, either on loan or permanently.
Potentially, there could be a striking reinforcement to take some of the pressure off Benjamin Sesko, who is continuing his recovery from a shin problem but is expected to be fit to feature in the opening Premier League game at Hull.
Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow is still to see action as a United goalkeeper. The former Leeds man had a small procedure at the end of the season and is yet to start training with the main goalkeeping group.
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United defender Leny Yoro battles for possession with Ademola Lookman in the pre-season game in Stockholm
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is aiming high.
United improved dramatically under Michael Carrick over the second half of last season to seal a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League.
While many fans are concerned about a relative lack of signings given only Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos and Belgium World Cup star Youri Tielemans have arrived at the club so far, inside Old Trafford there is optimism about what lies ahead.
A 2-1 comeback win against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm was an impressive third pre-season game, with Shea Lacey and Mason Mount standing out.
Yoro thinks United should be targeting a Premier League title tilt.
"Of course," he said. "We are Manchester United. I know we have the potential to do it.
"The mood is really good. We work hard outside the pitch and there is a good vibe around the camp. The target is to win trophies and be at the top."
United beat off competition from Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain to sign Yoro as an 18-year-old in 2024.
The £52m fee underlined the potential United's recruitment team saw in the player.
So far, that hasn't quite been fulfilled.
Yoro has been featuring at right-back in pre-season and struck an effective partnership with Lacey in Sweden until the forward was replaced after an hour.
"Centre-back is still my position but obviously, if I can be on the pitch, right-back or centre-back, I will play as well as possible," he said.
"I know my potential and know I can do much more.
"Sometimes people forget I'm still 20. I still love to learn and still love to improve. I hope this season is going to be a big step for me."
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter in Stockholm
Image source, Getty ImagesAmad Diallo's return from World Cup duty brings with it a significant degree of expectation.
While Ivory Coast did not perform brilliantly in the United States, going out in the last 32, Amad impressed with his two goals at the tournament.
That was as many as the 24-year-old managed all last season for the Old Trafford outfit.
Add in his three-goal haul at the Africa Cup of Nations and Amad's form at international level was significantly better than for his club.
Indeed, until the final day of the campaign at Brighton, he didn't even manage an assist for Manchester United from the point at which he left for Afcon in December.
There were not many players at the club whose form dipped after Ruben Amorim was axed, but Amad was one of them. It was a contributory factor in the change in formation.
The wing-back position highlights defensive work - and Amad is good at that, as he showed against Atletico Madrid.
Starting on the right of a three-man attack, Amad's first two dribbles were towards his own goal after nipping in to win possession, and he did it again before half-time when he was replaced.
Amad also inadvertently played a significant role in United going behind, when he tried a little trick in flicking a pass back to Leny Yoro, playing his team-mate into trouble.
The unintended consequence was the free-kick Yoro conceded trying to deal with a difficult situation, the corner that followed, and then a goal as Arnau Ortiz floated a cross from the left side of United's penalty area, which beat everyone and ended up in the far corner.
Amad was a threat at the other end, though.
His low free-kick was saved by veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak after it had taken a deflection as it passed through the wall.
It was Amad's industry that also allowed United to win possession just outside the Atletico penalty area and start the move that ended with the excellent Shea Lacey crossing for Bryan Mbeumo to head wide.
As a first appearance of pre-season, it was perfectly acceptable - but Amad will know his levels will need to improve on last term.
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBarcelona boss Hansi Flick admits Marcus Rashford's exit will leave a void at the Camp Nou.
The La Liga champions did not trigger the £26m clause to turn his loan spell into a permanent move from Manchester United.
The England forward scored 14 goals in 49 games last season to help Barcelona lift the La Liga title, but he has now returned to Old Trafford.
"You don't know what happens with players who are on loan - our situation is not easy for that," Flick said after Barcelona drew 2-2 with Birmingham City, but lost the friendly 3-2 on penalties, on Friday night.
"I appreciate working with him [Rashford]. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. The team miss him, I will miss him, but it is life.
"This is what we have to accept."
Rashford is contracted to Manchester United until 2028 and he posted a goodbye message to Barcelona on his Instagram account this week.
"I'm very grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience," he wrote. "I have enjoyed every moment and I will take many special memories with me.
"I wish the club and all of its supporters the very best of luck and every success in the season ahead. Visca el Barca."
Former Manchester United forward Fraizer Campbell believes the Red Devils "have not seen the best" from Mason Mount yet.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Campbell said: "He has never really got going at United through bad luck and injuries. He is a bit more mature now, but he definitely has got a role to play."
Since joining United in 2023, Mount has featured in 54 Premier League games out of a possible 114.
The 27-year-old has missed 69 games due to injury, which is an increase from the 17 games he missed through injury during his Chelsea career.
"He is a top player and an England international, and he did really well at Chelsea," added Campbell.
Although Mount has 36 England caps, he has not represented the Three Lions since joining the Red Devils.
"Every manager when he has been available has picked him. He is one of those players that managers can trust.
"If he can keep fit, he will be one that the manager has a problem with – Michael Carrick will have to try and find a way to get him in the team."
Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play above
Manchester United are preparing a bid for Newcastle and England defender Lewis Hall, 21, with 19-year-old Spaniard Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander a possible alternative. (Teamtalk), external
Meanwhile, United have held talks with San Lorenzo and Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, according to the 26-year-old's agent. (DSports, via Metro), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesMarcus Rashford has taken to Instagram to post a farewell message, external to Barcelona alongside a picture of the back of the number 14 shirt he wore last season.
Rashford scored 14 goals and recorded 14 assists in all competitions last season while on loan from Manchester United as the Catalan side won La Liga.
In June, the deadline Barcelona agreed with United to trigger a £26m clause to turn Rashford's loan into a permanent deal passed without it being activated.
He featured in six out of eight games as Thomas Tuchel's England side delivered the country's best World Cup performance since 1966.
The 28-year-old's future is still uncertain but he is contracted at Old Trafford until 2028.
He wrote on Instagram: "I'm very grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience.
"I've enjoyed every moment and will take many special memories with me.
"I wish the club and all its supporters the very best of luck and every success in the season ahead. Visca el Barca."
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United defender Tyler Fredricson has joined Swiss Super League outfit Lausanne Sports on a three-year deal.
Fredricson had been close to joining Celtic in January but suffered an ill-timed injury.
He returned to first-team training at United earlier this month but sat out their opening two pre-season games because of the pending move.
It is understood United have included a high-percentage sell-on and buyback clauses into the deal.
The 21-year-old made four first-team appearances for United, but didn't start a game after the shock EFL Cup second-round defeat at League Two Grimsby Town last season.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester United forward Fraizer Campbell says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was an "absolutely unbelievable" player and doesn't get enough credit from the wider football community.
Wednesday marked 30 years since Sir Alex Ferguson signed the then virtually unknown Norwegian from Molde for £1.5m.
Some 12 pieces of major silverware and 126 goals later, Solskjaer is now widely considered as one of the most important signings in United's history.
"Obviously, Manchester United fans appreciate Solskjaer massively," Campbell told BBC Radio Manchester. "But outside of Manchester, I don't think he was on people's radar and he was absolutely unbelievable.
"He scored so many goals and never kicked up a fuss. He would sit and study the opponents' back four and where the weaknesses were so that when he came on he knew what he needed to do.
"It was unbelievable for me as a youngster to be around someone like that. It was incredible and I don't think he gets the credit he deserves.
"He was methodical in everything that he did."
Hit play below to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here
Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesTrafford Council held the first of four open days on Wednesday to allow local residents to assess the proposed Wharfside Strategic Masterplan, which will have Manchester United's new stadium as its centrepiece.
There are going to be four open days before the consultation period closes on 22 September and for the 90 minutes I attended, there were a steady stream of interested observers, keen to assess what the multi-billion pound development will look like and where the stadium will sit within it.
Club, project and council officials were also present, with all noting a general sense of positivity around the plans, which were given the green light by the council last week.
Subtle tweaks can be made, and United officials are keen to stress nothing should be read into the fact the distinctive circus tent aspect of the previous stadium design is not evident in this one.
Not everyone was wholly upbeat. One long-standing local United fan - 73-year-old Phil Sharp, who was keen to tell me he saw Duncan Edwards play - is unhappy the club have moved from the initial site, close to the current Old Trafford, to another location 350 yards away.
"There was more attachment to the current stadium at the previous site," he said. "It was within the current footprint. It now feels more detached. Also, I quite liked the canopy.
"I am not sure why the club didn't try to buy the Freightliner land before they first announced where they were hoping to build."
Sharp might need some winning round but there will be a chance for the club to outline their own vision later this year as United are committed to running fan engagement around stadium design within that timescale.
Josef Rindl
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesLast season, Manchester United played just 40 matches in all competitions, their fewest in a single campaign since 1914-15, and finished third.
Chelsea played 59 matches in all competitions and finished 10th.
Tottenham played 52 matches in all competitions and avoided relegation on the final day, finishing 17th.
Playing more matches does not always correlate with a lower league finish. Arsenal, for instance, won the Premier League title last season while reaching both the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
But fewer matches in other competitions does mean a team can rotate less, often have a full week of preparation between games and be less susceptible to injuries.
Spurs had a staggering 27 different players sidelined at some point last season.
Next season Chelsea and Tottenham are not playing European football whereas Manchester United and eight other Premier League clubs are.
United have responded by targeting midfielders in the transfer market, having bought Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectfully.
But will those two additions be enough to cover the club's increased workload?
Manchester United are open to selling 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek and English defender Harry Amass, 19, while English midfielders Toby Collyer, 22, and Dan Gore, 21, are also surplus to requirements. (Mail – subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath discussed restrictions on season tickets in the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate.
Manchester United has restricted the accounts of "thousands" of fans, in an operation aimed at identifying potential ticket touts.
Drinkwater said he has "full sympathy" for fans who have fallen under the restrictions despite not being involved as touts.
"It's pretty obvious that these were fans that were not touting tickets," Drinkwater said.
"I love that Manchester United fans have made such a massive, loud deal about this and football fans have got behind it as well because hopefully that means that these appeals will be listened to."
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire joined the podcast and gave his thoughts on why United might be taking this course of action.
Maguire said: "There's the theoretical one which is perfectly understandable. There's an awful lot of touting at Manchester United as with other big clubs - Liverpool are similar, Arsenal are similar, Chelsea and so on. There's a lot of people making a lot of money through the resale of tickets.
"The other issue is that season ticket holders, to a certain extent, have passed their sell-by date as far as the senior people at the club are concerned. If you're a local Red and you're going 19 times a season to Old Trafford, you're not going to the merchandise 19 times a season.
"You're paying high but not excessive prices for your ticket and those tickets could be repackaged by the club and they could send you to a warehouse in Trafford Park and give you a pie and a pint before the match and get a former player to tell a few anecdotes and they could sell those tickets for £200-£300 a pop. That's what the club wants."
On how the club can manage the situation without upsetting the loyal fans, Maguire said: "There's no easy way around this. Nobody is denying that touting isn't a problem at the club but the way that they have taken [to deal with it] has been quite unpleasant."
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds
Everton will demand around £70m for Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye, 26, amid interest from Manchester United and Al-Hilal. (Mirror), external
United are willing to let Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee leave and are in talks with Juventus about a deal for the 25-year-old. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Yoro: 'We have the potential' Audio, 3 minutes
Man Utd defender Leny Yoro on whether they can win the Premier League title this season.
Mbuemo: 'We always aim big' Audio, 4 minutes
Bryan Mbuemo on his form, Champions League football and targets for the new season.
Devils' Advocate: 'If you offered me fourth and a cup…' Audio, 24 minutes
Joe and Gaz are joined by Joe Smith to discuss pre-season so far.
Campbell: 'Rashford could be a big positive' Audio, 6 minutes
Fraizer Campbell on United's attacking options and whether a new forward is a priority.
