Manchester United will hope they are preparing for a season in the Champions League during the summer transfer window
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali could be an option for Manchester United in the summer transfer window
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali could be an option for Manchester United in the summer transfer window(Image: Claudio Villa - FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are heading into an important summer transfer window with a midfield rebuild top of the agenda. Casemiro will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season and his departure will be felt after an impressive campaign.
The Reds will hope they are in the Champions League following an impressive turnaround from Michael Carrick. If they are, that will change their budget and make them a more attractive proposition to potential targets. United can register up to 25 players for the Premier League but they are unlikely to fill all of their spots.
United do not have to register U21 players so Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are among those who are not listed below but will be expected to feature next season. U21 players are likely to be defined next season as those who were born on or after January 1, 2005.
This means Patrick Dorgu will need to be registered for the 2026/27 season after being classed as a U21 player this year. With this in mind, MEN Sport has broken down who would be included in a dream squad next season.
Goalkeepers
Altay Bayindir will be expected to leave at the end of this season. The Turkish international played ahead of Andre Onana at the start of this campaign but has been a distant second choice to Senne Lammens since.
He, like Onana, should be looking for regular football that United cannot provide. Coming in to play second choice to Lammens could be Radek Vitek.
The 22-year-old is on loan at Bristol City this season and is impressing. He easily has the talent to be trusted as the No.2 goalkeeper with Tom Heaton perhaps staying on as the veteran third choice.
Senne Lammens, Radek Vitek, Tom Heaton
Defenders
As mentioned, Dorgu needs to be registered for next season. He has been listed among the defenders here but the Dane could easily be picked as an attacker.
After injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez this campaign, and with Harry Maguire not getting any younger, the Reds could look to make a statement by signing Micky van de Ven from Tottenham. If Spurs are remarkably relegated, there is zero chance the Dutchman stays in the Championship.
Even if they survive, he will be assessing his options as he is much better than this Tottenham team. United could also pick up a bargain if Spurs drop to the second tier.
Elsewhere, Tyrell Malacia will leave at the end of the campaign.
Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Micky van de Ven
Midfielders
United want to add two midfielders to their team in the summer transfer window and a raid of Newcastle would be their dream scenario. Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali would be perfect in the centre.
They will both want to be playing Champions League football next season and United should be able to offer that. Whether Newcastle would allow both men to leave for a rival remains to be seen.
Elsewhere, United must keep Bruno Fernandes after a remarkable campaign while Toby Collyer could be given a chance with the first team squad. Manuel Ugarte will likely be sold after a disappointing spell at the club.
Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Bruno Guimaraes, Mason Mount, Sandro Tonali
Forwards
A left winger is also on the wishlist for next season and RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande would be an exceptional addition. The Ivory Coast international is a friend and teammate of Amad - perhaps giving United an edge in transfer negotiations. He is only 19 though so would not need to be registered.
United should be looking to add another centre-forward to their team with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee expected to leave. Bryan Mbeumo is more than capable of providing an alternative option to Benjamin Sesko but a wildcard addition could be Brentford's Igor Thiago.
The Brazil international has been exceptional this season and his 22 goals earned him a call-up for the first time in March. Brentford would demand a high fee but the Champions League riches could make him affordable.
Amad, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Igor Thiago
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