📅 July 31, 2026
Bayindir Edges Toward the Exit Door
The biggest story around Old Trafford right now isn’t a signing. It’s a goodbye in progress. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is closing in on a move away after his agent held fresh talks at Carrington, and the Turkey international has publicly admitted his future is uncertain, saying “time will show us everything” when asked directly. With Senne Lammens firmly established as first choice and Karl Darlow brought in as experienced cover, there’s simply no path back to regular football for Bayindir at United. Turkish Süper Lig sides Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor are both said to be interested, with a return to Fenerbahçe also floated given their own uncertainty over Ederson’s future there.
New shirt sponsor: Microsoft Surface replaces Copilot
United have officially confirmed Microsoft Surface as their new back-of-shirt sponsor for 2026/27, replacing Microsoft Copilot after two seasons in that spot. Surface branding will appear for domestic cup games and pre-season friendlies, while Snapdragon, the club’s primary shirt sponsor, continues to feature on the front and gets to nominate secondary sponsors like this one. As part of the tie-in, Microsoft and United are launching a limited-edition Surface device with club branding, with fans getting a chance to win one.
Up next: Atlético Madrid in Stockholm
United’s pre-season tour rolls on to Sweden this weekend for a heavyweight test against Atlético Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm on Saturday, August 1. It’s a big step up from the Rosenborg game. Atlético arrive on the back of a convincing 4-1 win over Getafe, while United will look to build on their 5-0 response to the opening 1-0 defeat to Wrexham. More friendlies against PSG, Leeds United, and AC Milan follow before the Premier League season begins.
Transfer chatter still bubbling
Striker Joshua Zirkzee continues to draw interest from Italy, with Como emerging as his newest suitor amid ongoing questions about his role at United. Meanwhile, Aurélien Tchouaméni is reportedly back on United’s shortlist, even after Real Madrid extended his contract, with the club understood to be watching whether his situation there opens any kind of pathway before the window shuts in September. Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners also remains a live target as United keep pushing to strengthen through the middle of the park.
Elsewhere: Rashford settled, injury list easing
The Marcus Rashford transfer saga is over for now. Barcelona let their €30m purchase option lapse back on June 15, and with his wages hard to match elsewhere, the winger looks set to stay and build with Michael Carrick’s side. On the injury front, Kobbie Mainoo is expected back for the Leeds friendly on August 12, Benjamin Sesko is building his conditioning back up in training, and Mathijs de Ligt continues his recovery from back surgery with an autumn return targeted.