It's all doom and gloom at Manchester United just weeks into the new season following an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two outfit Grimsby Town. There seems to be no positive and fans are already looking forward to the international break.
United could still do some business before the summer transfer window closes on Monday (September 1). A new goalkeeper is crucial amid an ongoing pursuit of Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens.
A new midfielder would also be a huge lift for Ruben Amorim who is under immense pressure after the Grimsby defeat. But another transfer that has occured that doesn't even involve the club does highlight that the Reds are still one of the most attractive clubs to join in Europe.
Xavi Simons' Spurs switch highlights Man Utd pull
Xavi Simons isn't heading to Old Trafford this summer but instead seems to be joining Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur. The Dutch attacker has been one of Europe's most highly-admired attackers and could soon arrive in the Premier League.
It's now widely reported that Simons is heading to Spurs for €60 million, potentially rising to €70 million with add-ons. The line given is that he "agreed personal terms with Chelsea" but "opted for Spurs in a last-minute twist."
That means the 22-year-old chose not to wait for Chelsea and instead accepted their London rivals who have managed to hijack the deal. That wasn't the same action his former RB Leipzig teammate took when United came calling.
🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham agree €60m fee with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025
Official bid accepted, green light after #THFC sent formal bid following player’s encouragement.
Spurs want deal done today also on player side + medical in the next hours.
Here we go, expected soon 🧨 pic.twitter.com/z8zALbTNOv
Benjamin Sesko was Newcastle United's top target and the Magpies made two offers for the Slovenian forward. Their final bid came was an €90 million package deal but he opted to turn this down and instead wait for Amorim's Reds to make their move.
Once INEOS learned his preference was Old Trafford we struck an 85 million deal including add-ons with Leipzig, per Shields Gazzette. There are some reports that claim he even snubbed a more lucrative contract offer from the Geordies.
"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future. When we discussed the project it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon" - Sesko on choosing Manchester United.
Give Sesko time
Sesko has already experienced how tough English football can be on and off the pitch. He put in a lackluster showing on his full debut in the grim night out away to Grimsby midweek.
Fans need to remember that this is a 22-year-old who has only just joined and will need time adapting. He isn't the finished article and many will draw comparisons with Rasmus Hojlund but he was given time and showed no signs of progression but instead regression.
One really unfair criticsm of Sesko in that loss was that he took the 10th penalty in the 12-11 shootout loss. Fans, even those with big profiles as United supporters, jumped the gun and questioned why a big-money striker is taking second to last.
BBC Sport's Simon Stone reports that Sesko had dealt with cramp after not playing a full 90 minute game since April. It's so frustrating that some can't just wait to see why a situation occured and instead come after a young player who needs our support from the off.
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