• [Dailystar Icon]
• Sport
• Football
• Manchester United FC

Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes issues apology as 'transfer talks' begin for Man Utd target

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has issued an apology after risking upsetting a Liverpool legend while Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sign a Red Devils transfer target

[LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)]

Bruno Fernandes risked upsetting a Liverpool legend(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images)

Manchester United are on the brink of fulfilling one of their primary objectives from the beginning of the Premier League campaign - securing a return to the Champions League. Michael Carrick's squad currently occupy third position with five matches left to play.

This term, the top five sides are assured automatic entry into the competition, while sixth place could also secure a Champions League berth if Aston Villa finish fifth and triumph in the Europa League. United will have the opportunity to bolster their standing when they resume Premier League duties on Monday, welcoming Brentford to Old Trafford. Carrick's men secured a vital 1-0 victory at Chelsea in their previous outing.

It won't be long before the club's decision-makers completely focus their efforts on the summer transfer market. Although the window doesn't formally commence until June 15, numerous players have already been connected with a switch to M16. With that in mind, the Daily Star Sport delivers a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford...

Bruno Fernandes 'apology'

[Bruno Fernandes]

Bruno Fernandes issued an apology(Image: The Wayne Rooney Show / BBC Sport)

JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

The United captain remembered celebrating as a youngster when Jamie Carragher's spot-kick was saved by former goalkeeper Ricardo at the 2006 World Cup. Ricardo also thwarted Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the quarterfinal penalty shootout. During The Wayne Rooney Show, Fernandes quipped: "Obviously 2006, everyone remembers because of Cristiano and Wayne's little bit of fire. [It] ends up with Jamie Carragher missing the penalty. I had to say this - sorry, Jamie.

"I had to get a little bit off you, you get on me all the time," he said, grinning. "I can get on you with that penalty. When I miss a penalty, don't say anything about it, please."

In his Telegraph column, Carragher reminisced: "Sven Goran Eriksson summoned me and gave me one job: to dispatch a spot-kick as convincingly as I had in every practise session.

[Two soccer players on a field, one attempting to score by kicking the ball towards the goal while the goalkeeper is diving to block the shot. The field is bordered by a blue and white wall with a logo and spectators in the background.]

Jamie Carragher missed a penalty in the 2006 World Cup against Portugal

"I had not missed a penalty in six weeks. 'You'll take the fourth', Eriksson told me. Not a problem. England were 2-1 down by the time I made that 40-yard walk, but I was feeling confident staring at Portugal's No. 1 Ricardo.

"Knowing exactly where to place the ball, I struck it sweetly to the right, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way - my first touch of the game. There was a fleeting sense of relief."

Arsenal 'talks'

[LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 19: Maximiliano Arajo of Sporting CP runs in the field during the Primeira Liga match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Estdio Jos Alvalade on April 19, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)]

Maxi Araujo is attracting interest(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)

Portuguese newspaper Record reports that Arsenal have initiated discussions over Sporting Clube de Portugal left-back Maxi Araujo, amid interest from Manchester United. The Uruguayan is thought to have impressed Mikel Arteta during their Champions League encounters in March and April.

It's reported that the north London club have made an 'initial approach' to Araujo regarding a potential summer transfer. Sporting, on the other hand, are 'open' to parting ways with the 26 year old but will only entertain bids exceeding 50m (43m).

However, any agreement for Araujo is unlikely to be simple, as Arsenal find themselves up against United, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.