Manchester United are preparing for a potential return to European football next season with some big summer transfers
Cristian Orozco of Colombia passes the ball during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match between El Salvador and Colombia at Aspire Academy on November 07, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.
Cristian Orozco is hoping for big opportunities at United(Image: Mohamed Farag - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Manchester United have already reached an initial agreement with Cristian Orozco and there are more incomings planned for next season.
United have turned a corner in 2026 since Michael Carrick took over, winning seven out of 10 and losing just one game during his reign. Big results against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have further solidified calls for the former club captain to assume the role on a permanent basis.
However, with no official announcement made yet and the summer creeping up, United have turned their attention to signings for the future. Orozco is coming in as a highly-rated defensive midfielder to boost the academy system.
United have reached a preliminary agreement with the 17-year-old Colombian's current club, Fortaleza CEIF, to secure his services. However, the deal cannot be finalised as Orozco has to wait until he turns 18 to head to Old Trafford.
A fee of around £750,000 ($1million) has been agreed, showcasing his potential to become a future star rather than a solid replacement for departing stars. Orozco is unlikely to be United's first and only signing for the summer with the club set to also invest in players for the first-team squad.
The Manchester Evening News understands United will target a younger left-back, a left-winger and are in the market for at least two midfielders.
Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest impressing recently, becoming a key member of Thomas Tuchel's England squad and has garnered interest from both United and City. Forest have reportedly placed an £80m price tag on the 23-year-old and he admitted his main focus for the summer is representing his country.
Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson of England during the international friendly match between England and Japan at Wembley Stadium on March 31, 2026 in London, England.
Manchester United are planning for the summer already(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Anderson said: "We've obviously got the World Cup this summer, so all my eyes are on that and playing for England. I've obviously got the badge on now, so that's what I'm thinking about at the moment."
Despite Forest battling relegation this season, the midfielder has earned plenty of praise for his performances at the City Ground.
As well as Anderson, Newcastle duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are two stars that United have been linked to. With Casemiro departing in the summer and Manuel Ugarte facing an uncertain future in Manchester, the club are searching for solid replacements in the middle of the park alongside Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates victory with teammate Bruno Guimaraes after the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at St James' Park on September 01, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
The Newcastle pair are on United's radar(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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Tonali's contract at Newcastle runs until 2029 with Chronicle Live reporting that the club are calm about his future at St James' Park. However, chief executive David Hopkinson admitted that the club will have to be open for business this summer "on our terms" as they aim for the "maximum price" for their key stars.
The Italian's agent, Giuseppe Riso, has openly admitted there is a possibility of movement in the future. United are one of several clubs interested in Tonali and have also been linked with the 25-year-old's teammate Guimaraes.
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly is also said to be on United's radar this summer, as per Sky Sports News. The left-back has impressed since breaking into the senior team in north London and could be seen as a younger replacement for veteran Luke Shaw.
Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal celebrates victory following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2025 in London, England.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is another potential option(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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The 19-year-old only signed a new five-year deal last year but has slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal. Loanee Piero Hincapie has emerged as the first choice this season, with Riccardo Calafiori also getting the nod over the teenager.
With plenty of exciting transfers possibly on the horizon, United have their work cut out for them if they are to make some shrewd signings to lure a new manager into the hot seat at Old Trafford.