Emi Martinez during an Aston Villa game
Emi Martinez has been tipped to sign for Manchester United
Manchester United face an important period in the summer transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 season. Having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, the Reds are making plans to add more additions to Ruben Amorim's squad.
United paid £62.5 million for Cunha at the start of June after the attacker was swiftly identified as a key target. Following the club's worst season in 51 years,
Bryan Mbeumo is the priority for technical director Jason Wilcox, but Brentford have already turned down two bids for their top goalscorer. A new striker and goalkeeper have also been tipped to be signed in what could be a dramatic upcoming two months of the window.
With no European football to contend with this campaign, Amorim has the sole task of improving on last season's 15th-placed finish. Here, The Manchester Evening News has examined the deals United could compete before the end of the transfer window
Ins
Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku has struggled to make an impact at since his £52m move from RB Leipzig in 2023. The forward's first season was plagued with injuries before he was utilised off the bench more than anything under Enzo Maresca last term.
The Frenchman has been linked with a possible swap deal to United that would see Alejandro Garnacho move the other way. On his day,
Bet365 have United ahead of Bayern Munich, who are priced at 7/2.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "Nkunku was first recommended to United back in 2022 by Ralf Rangnick and he has been a player of interest in the past.
"The idea of a Garnacho and Nkunku swap deal was first floated back in January but United refused to settle for a short term fix.
"We understand despite Chelsea's interest in Garnacho."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Once a striker destined for a move to one of the Premier League's top teams, Calvert-Lewin is available on a free transfer this summer after announcing his decision to leave Everton.
The 28-year-old scored 71 goals for the Toffees but has been forced to miss a lot of action in recent seasons due to injuries. However, that hasn't stopped him from being linked with a move this summer and alongside Italian side Fiorentina to sign the striker.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "Calvert-Lewin was tentatively linked with United last summer but unless he was coming in as cover for another forward signing, it is highly unlikely he will be heading to Old Trafford this summer.
"Off the back of a season where Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scored just seven Premier League goals combined, signing a forward who has averaged 4.25 league goals per season across the last four years would hardly set pulses racing.
"If it was off the back of his 21-goal 2020/21 season then it may have been a different story, but United cannot afford to take risks with their recruitment."
Emiliano Martinez
When Martinez appeared to get upset in Aston Villa's final home game of last season, speculation started surrounding his future in the West Midlands. The World Cup winner is one of the best goalkeepers in football and
, with Martinez staying put at Villa Park available at 2/1.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "Martinez is a goalkeeper United certainly like and if the money is right this summer then Aston Villa could well cash in.
"The problem is that it would be a signing to replace Andre Onana, rather than to complement him in the squad and the United goalkeeper has no intention of leaving the club this summer.
"With other positions considered more of a priority in the transfer market, signing a new number one may well be put on the back burner until next season."
Hugo Ekitike
Another striker on the list is Ekitike. After scoring 22 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, , Chelsea and Arsenal have all joined United in being credited with an interest in him.
Frankfurt are demanding a high fee for their talisman and Bet365 at the Deutsche Bank Park this summer. A move to Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea are all favoured ahead of United, who are priced at 8/1 to complete a move.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "Ekitike is a forward in high demand and rightly so after his exploits at Frankfurt last season.
"He fits the profile of forward United would like - a proven goalscorer with potential to improve. However, the price Frankfurt will demand may prove to be a sticking point."
Ollie Watkins
Watkins emerged as The 29-year-old has a consistent track record in front of goal in the Premier League and it's believed that Villa want around £60m to consider a sale.
Bet365 have United as the favourites to land the striker (9/4), . Arsenal (9/1) are the closest rival after previously attempting to sign the England international in January. He's 8/11 to remain at Villa Park.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "United are looking for a proven goalscorer at Premier League level and Watkins certainly fits that bill.
"His age profile doesn't necessarily align with Ineos' transfer strategy, given, at 29, he won't have much resale value. The other issue is why Villa would be looking to sell now that Marcus Rashford has returned to United and they sold Jhon Duran in January."
Victor Osimhen
The theme of centre-forwards continues with . Of all the strikers United have been linked with this summer, the 26-year-old has not had too much written about him in the gossip columns regarding Amorim's side.
Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer and United are behind Juventus, Galatasaray and Liverpool in the running at 7/1.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "Osimhen would be a brilliant addition. He guarantees goals wherever he goes and Napoli need to sell him this summer.
"The price and competition from elsewhere may prove to be an obstacle, but it is a deal that makes sense for all parties."
Viktor Gyokeres
Last but not least in terms of incomings is . The saga regarding the striker has been loud and controversial since last season finished with the Swede seemingly no closer to securing a move out of Sporting CP.
United and Arsenal both want to sign him this summer and Amorim's hopes of a reunion are priced at 4/1.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "Gyokeres wants to leave Sporting, he has worked under Amorim before and United need a goalscorer.
"It is a deal that works for all parties but it won't be a cheap one. Arsenal's interest won't go away either and the lure of Champions League football is strong."
Outs
Alejandro Garnacho
Despite being packed with potential and flair, Garnacho's time at looks to be over. After falling out with Amorim on different occasions last season, he's expected to be sold before the window closes.
The odds from suggest that Chelsea will be his next destination at 4/5 with Napoli, who failed with a bid for the forward in January, 9/2 to sign the winger.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "Garnacho has been told he can leave United and it is best for all parties if there is a clean break this summer.
"That being said, his goals and assists record across the last two seasons is very good and the 21-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract.
"If Chelsea are signing Jamie Gittens, who is in the same age group and is unproven at Premier League level, for £55m then
Marcus Rashford
Another player who isn't wanted by Amorim and doesn't fit the United's boss' system is Rashford. The news that Villa have decided against triggering their £40m buy option opens the door for a move somewhere else.
Barcelona is likely his dream move and move to Catalonia, pricing the Nou Camp side at 8/15 favourites.
MEN Sport editor Sean McCormick says: "The sale of Rashford, alongside fellow returning loanees Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, is one of United's top priorities this summer.
them viable options but United cannot shirk on their £40million asking price. Expect this saga to be long and drawn out."
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