Man United news: Club legend wants management return while transfer fury ignites

The latest news from around Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe receives a message about the club's hopes of success and two former Red Devils stars begin new chapters

Manchester United may have splashed the cash in the summer transfer window, but the Red Devils still face a steep climb back to the pinnacle of English football. Despite co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe overseeing significant investment in United's new frontline and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, the fresh faces haven't brought immediate success to Ruben Amorim's squad.

Ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Saturday, United had been averaging just a point per league match since Amorim took the reins last November. The previous season's Europa League finalists also saw one route to silverware cut off early, suffering a surprise defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup.

During a Q&A session, United's director of football Jason Wilcox provided an update on when fans can anticipate a return to the club's glory days. In other news, two former United stars are embarking on fresh chapters in their careers. Ryan Giggs has reportedly stepped down from his role at Salford City, while ex-Red Devils forward Anthony Martial has put pen to paper with a new team.

Jason Wilcox on Manchester United's future

The signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko sparked considerable excitement among United fans, bolstering the club's attacking options. However, United's director of football has cautioned both the club hierarchy and supporters that there is still much work to be done.

"This club is just a wonderful football club and I'm extremely privileged," Wilcox said at a gala dinner for the 40th anniversary of the Association of Manchester United Players. "I just pray that we get the opportunity to turn it around. I really feel that it's not 'will we win again,' it's 'when we are going to win again.'

"It's going to take time, it's not a quick fix, especially now with the [profitability and sustainability] regulations. We needed to change the playing squad. We've now made some really good additions this summer. Sometimes taking players out of the squad is just as important as the players that you bring in.

"We've got to try and bring the culture and the respect back to Man United," Wilcox added, having stepped up to the director of football role in December 2024. "Whether you work for Man United or you play against Man United, you feel like you're part of something special.

"That's what we're trying to bring. I'm extremely proud, I'm extremely privileged, but I'm extremely frustrated as well because we can't fix it quick enough."

Ryan Giggs aims for manager job

The Sun reports that United legend Giggs has departed his position as Salford City's director of football. It is suggested that Giggs has stepped down from his duties supervising the club's footballing matters, alongside assisting manager Karl Robinson during matches, as he pursues a comeback to management.

Former Wales manager Giggs, who led his country to Euro 2020 qualification, was put on leave in November 2020 following his arrest on assault charges. He eventually stepped down from his role in June 2022. In 2021, Giggs faced charges of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, all of which he denied. A jury failed to reach a verdict and a retrial was later abandoned in 2023, resulting in Giggs being cleared of all charges.

Earlier this year, the 51-year-old expressed his desire to return to management. "I had the stint as Wales manager and loved it," he shared with BBC Radio Manchester in January. "Eventually, I'd like to get back into management. On matchday, I still get as excited as ever, probably more than ever."

Anthony Martial's controversial transfer

In other news, Anthony Martial, who became the world's most expensive teenager when he joined United from Monaco for £36million in 2015, is once again making headlines. Ten years after his record-breaking transfer, Martial has caused a stir after completing a move to Mexican club Monterrey.

Rival Liga MX team Pumas believed they had already secured a deal for Martial. Following the 29-year-old's switch to Monterrey, a member of Pumas' recruitment team has demanded an apology from him.

"It's not the agent who decides, it's the player. I don't know if it is because of money - maybe he analysed other situations and had every right to make his decision," Miguel Mejia Baron stated on Mexican TV channel TUDN, as reported by talkSPORT. "Maybe what he lacked was an apology."

In a surprising turn of events, Pumas sporting strategy director Eduardo Saracho confessed that the club only discovered they had lost out on the striker when he was unveiled as a Monterrey player. "We started discussing Anthony's situation weeks ago," Saracho told TUDN.

"We entered into negotiations with his club, they allowed us to talk to AEK Athens, we had a couple of Zoom meetings and phone calls, working out a deal.

"We reached a preliminary agreement, it was a formal proposal, in writing, we were getting everything ready. And then, just as you found out, there was this awkward silence. You get to this point where you have an agreement in principle, then this silence, and then 'Boom', the announcement from Monterrey came out."

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