INTERNATIONAL

Mainoo Wins Player of Month, Ajayi Signs Pro Deal & Balde Rumours Swirl at Man Utd

📅 September 28, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 4

International Break Round-Up

Manchester United are currently without several first-team players as the international window continues. Joshua Zirkzee has received a timely lifeline after being called up to the Netherlands squad as a late injury replacement — a surprise inclusion given his limited game time at Old Trafford so far this season. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo earned a goal in Cameroon's 3-1 win over Comoros in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, and Leny Yoro received his first senior call-up to the France squad, a sign of confidence from coach Zinedine Zidane in the young defender's development. United's own Shea Lacey also found the net for England Under-20s in a 3-1 victory over Italy.

Mainoo Scoops September Award

Kobbie Mainoo was named Manchester United's Player of the Month for September in a landslide vote, a well-deserved recognition for the young midfielder who has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign. Manager Michael Carrick will hope the award motivates Mainoo as United — currently sitting 12th in the Premier League — look to climb the table after the break. Their last league outing ended in a 1-1 draw at Fulham on 20 September, and in their last five games across all competitions they have won just one, drawn two, and lost two.

Academy Star Ajayi Puts Pen to Paper

In positive news off the pitch, teenage winger Noah Ajayi has officially signed his first professional contract with Manchester United. The 17-year-old had been the subject of intense interest, with United moving quickly to tie him down before rival clubs could lure him away. The club has drawn comparisons between Ajayi's pathway and that of Kobbie Mainoo, whose breakthrough from academy to first-team regular serves as the ultimate blueprint for United's talented youngsters.

Carrick Under Pressure

Despite the Mainoo award giving fans something to smile about, the mood around Old Trafford remains tense. United's inconsistent form has placed manager Michael Carrick under growing scrutiny, with pundits questioning whether his midfield setup — particularly the pairing of Mainoo and Youri Tielemans — is working effectively. The club needs a strong run of results when Premier League action resumes, with Tottenham visiting on 10 October.

Transfer Talk

Alejandro Balde (RUMOUR): The biggest name doing the rounds at Old Trafford is Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde. Reports from Spain, including Mundo Deportivo and CaughtOffside, suggest the 22-year-old could be allowed to leave the Catalan club in January after slipping down the pecking order following the arrival of João Cancelo and the emergence of Xavi Espart. United have been linked with Balde for several months and reportedly favour a loan deal, though Barcelona are understood to prefer a permanent sale. With Luke Shaw's fitness concerns an ongoing issue, a left-back remains a key priority for Carrick's side.

Dani Olmo (RUMOUR): According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have contacted Manchester United — along with other Premier League top-six clubs — about a potential January move for Barcelona's World Cup-winning Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo. No concrete steps have been taken by United, but the door appears open for discussions as the winter window approaches.

Rashford Future (RUMOUR): Reports continue to swirl around Marcus Rashford, with opinion pieces suggesting an official club announcement could soon signal the end of his time at Old Trafford. The forward had been expected to leave in the summer but remained at the club due to a lack of suitable offers. His long-term future at United looks uncertain heading into the new year.

Sources

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