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Manchester United have missed out on signing Morgan Rogers after Chelsea completed a £117 million transfer agreement with Aston Villa for the 23-year-old England winger. The move was confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano on Friday with his signature ‘Here we go!’ announcement.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Chelsea had reached a verbal understanding with Aston Villa regarding the transfer fee. Romano later confirmed that Rogers has agreed to personal terms with the Blues on a contract running until June 2032. The deal was settled even before Arsenal, who were widely regarded as the leading contenders, had tabled a formal bid.

Rogers had been under Manchester United’s consideration ahead of the summer transfer window. Manager Michael Carrick was reportedly eager to reunite with the player he previously coached at Middlesbrough. Sporting director Jason Wilcox also shared a prior working relationship with Rogers from their days in the Manchester City academy. INEOS, overseeing football operations at United, viewed Rogers as a potential long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes, while also providing the flexibility to partner with the Portuguese playmaker before any eventual succession.

However, Aston Villa’s valuation – exceeding £100 million – proved beyond United’s financial reach, especially as their primary focus this summer remains on strengthening the midfield. A new forward, though desirable, was not considered an immediate necessity. Despite genuine interest, the financial framework simply did not work in United’s favour.

Rogers ended the 2025/26 season as one of the Premier League’s most effective attacking threats. Featuring across both wings and occasionally in a central attacking role at Villa Park, the 6’2″ player from Halesowen recorded 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions.

Romano further reported that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso played a key role in persuading Rogers to choose Stamford Bridge over a potential move to Arsenal. With England’s World Cup campaign concluding in the third-place playoff against France tonight, Rogers is expected to travel to west London on Monday to complete his medical assessment.

Adding to the frustration for United fans, the £50 million sale of Andrey Santos to Chelsea earlier this summer inadvertently strengthened the Blues’ financial position to pursue Rogers, leading to what is now a record-breaking British transfer. This summer has already seen the British transfer record fall twice – first when Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson, and now again with Chelsea’s acquisition of Rogers – with United missing out on both high-profile battles.

As a result, Carrick’s squad must now turn their attention to identifying an alternative creative or left-sided forward in an increasingly limited domestic market, where both Chelsea and City have already snapped up the two most sought-after English attacking prospects of the window.