Manchester United are expected to make several changes at the back this summer
Andre Onana (L) and Altay Bayindir of Manchester United talk as they make their way out for a training session at Carrington Training Ground on May 14, 2025 in Manchester, England
Onana and Bayindir could both leave Manchester United this summer(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
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Manchester United are set for a busy summer with Michael Carrick at the helm for his first transfer window in charge.
Carrick was appointed as United’s permanent head coach until June 2028 after impressing during his interim stint. The former midfielder guided the Reds to a comfortable third-place finish - something which was deemed unimaginable at points under predecessor Ruben Amorim earlier in the season.
Returning to the Champions League not only hands director of football Jason Wilcox extra money to spend but makes Old Trafford a far more attractive destination for prospective signings. Having addressed the forward line last year, it is expected that the club will focus on bolstering the midfield this time around.
Yet, several changes are also expected in the defensive and goalkeeping departments. Senne Lammens remains the undisputed first-choice following his arrival last summer.
The No.2 position going into the new campaign is less certain, however, with both back-up goalkeepers expected to leave for a combined fee of £48.3million. Andre Onana has been on loan at Trabzonspor over the past year and is now returning to Old Trafford.
But the Cameroonian shot-stopper is not in the club’s plans going forward. Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan recently confirmed that talks are taking place over making Onana’s move permanent.
Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir was initially a starter this season but quickly lost his place to the impressive Lammens. He too has been linked with a move to his native Turkey.
That opens up a spot for another back-up goalkeeper to join Tom Heaton, who recently signed a one-year contract extension with the club. And it could well be another former United academy player who never made an appearance for the first team.
Sam Johnstone.
Sam Johnstone could return to United this summer(Image: Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The club are reportedly considering re-signing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolves following their relegation from the Premier League. The 33-year-old has been at Wolves since 2024 but has not been a starter, making just 27 appearances across all competitions in the last two years. He could be the ideal back-up, boasting a wealth of experience while helping to fill homegrown player quotas.
Carrick’s defence appears to be more set going into the new season, especially in terms of central defence and right-back. The spot that needs addressing most urgently across the back-line is the left-back position, given how short of options United are.
Tyrell Malacia is confirmed to be leaving when his contract expires this summer. Patrick Dorgu has been used as a left winger whenever available by Carrick. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, now 30, cannot be expected to play another full 38-game league campaign and his contract is set to expire next year.
Looking at the transfer market, United’s dream candidate to come in is Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, who is understood to have admirers at Old Trafford. Newcastle insist the 21-year-old is not for sale and are under no pressure to sell him, given he is under contract until 2029.
Manchester United have been given a Lewis Hall transfer update
Lewis Hall would cost a hefty sum(Image: (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images))
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An offer of £70m could convince them to part ways with the Englishman, given the Magpies bought him for £35m two years ago. Overall, Hall is likely to be too costly for United, though there is no doubt that he is the ideal candidate to replace Shaw in the long-term.
United also still have the impressive Harry Amass to come in but he is not Premier League-proven like Hall. Nathaniel Brown has also been tracked by United following his impressive performances for Eintracht Frankfurt, offering another alternative.
Should United sell their two goalkeepers, bring in Johnstone and somehow land Hall, here is how their back-line will shape up next season:
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens, Sam Johnstone, Tom Heaton.
Right back: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui.
Centre back: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven.
Left back: Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, Harry Amass.