The 2024-25 Premier League season just ended, and Manchester United continue to make headlines for the wrong reasons. Following their 2-0 final victory against Aston Villa to end up 15th in the English top-flight standings. Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils began their post-season tour in Malaysia, losing 1-0 against the ASEAN All-Stars last Wednesday. Granted, they didn’t put out their best XI against their ASEAN counterparts, but the loss was enough for people to make fun of Manchester United, who have another friendly against Hong Kong later.
However, it’s not all bad for Manchester United since they’ve been proactive in the transfer market for the first time in a long while. Speaking of being proactive, Chelsea strengthened their forward line by signing one of Manchester United’s top targets.
Learn more about the latest Premier League 2025 updates by continuing to read below.
Manchester United suffer shocking loss in post-season tour
Ruben Amorim said during the postgame press conference that they deserved to be booed by the fans at Bukit Jalil National Stadium following their abject performance in their 1-0 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars.
Harry Maguire captained the side and was joined by Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu, Andre Onana, Ayden Heaven, Manuel Ugarte, Diogo Dalot, Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, Reece Munro, and Jack Moorhouse in the starting XI. Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Jonny Evans, and Amad Diallo were among 11 changes at halftime with the score knotted at 0-0. However, winger Maung Maung Lwin came off the bench and scored past Tom Heaton for the marginal goal during the 71st minute.
Manchester United dominated the ball (64 percent possession) and had more shots (19) against the ASEAN All-Stars. But just like in the previous games, they weren’t clinical enough in the final third.
Besides Maung Maung Lwin, Philippine stalwarts Sandro Reyes and Amani Aguinaldo were among the standout performers for the ASEAN All-Stars. Reyes was constantly looking to instigate attacks and pressed Manchester United’s midfielders in the first half, and he forced a save from Andre Onana. Aguinaldo handled the unenviable task of marking Harry Maguire in set-pieces, and the 30-year-old center-back held his own.
Manchester United announce first summer signing
Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada recently revealed that the club is expected to be an active buyer this summer transfer window, and they have just confirmed their first player purchase. Insider Fabrizio Romano reported that the Red Devils have signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves by triggering his £62.5 million release clause. The Brazilian forward will sign a five-year contract with an additional one-year option.
Cunha is coming off a productive season with the Wolves. The 26-year-old led the West Midlands outfit in scoring with 15 league goals and six assists. He also led the team in chances created in the Premier League (57), as well as shots on target (1.5) and successful dribbles (2.1) per 90 this term.
With Ruben Amorim using a 3-4-2-1 formation, Cunha should slot seamlessly as one of the two inside forwards behind the striker. He played the same role at Wolves with Jorgen Strand Larsen at the No. 9 position.
The Red Devils are far from done in the summer transfer window since they have other positional needs. They need an established striker to replace the misfiring Rasmus Hojlund in the starting XI. The team is also reportedly looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper, a center-back, and some wing-backs. Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, and Christian Eriksen will leave the club this summer to become free agents, while the rest of the squad are put up for sale.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes’ agent has held talks with Al-Hilal. The Saudi Pro League side is reportedly prepared to quadruple Fernandes’ current weekly salary tax-free as part of a package worth £200 million that Manchester United may find it hard to ignore.
Chelsea secure new striker signing
Chelsea need another striker, and they just acquired one in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. The Blues completed this transfer by triggering Delap’s £30 million release clause. The 22-year-old will likely play behind Nicolas Jackson in the rotation. Delap led the Tractor Boys in scoring with 12 league goals and two assists this term.
Manchester United were interested, but the Englishman chose Chelsea because of his prior relationship with Enzo Maresca from his time in Manchester City’s academy.
Signing another striker is the right move for Chelsea since they need depth to improve their SBOTOP Premier League 2025 odds. They just won the Europa Conference League at the expense of Real Betis and qualified for the Champions League after finishing fourth in the English top-flight standings.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
