Manchester United are set for a hectic summer and have already been linked with many midfielders
Manchetser United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox
Manchetser United's heirarchy will face decisions throughout the summer transfer window(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are bracing themselves for a hectic summer transfer window. With Michael Carrick preparing for his first full season at the helm, there are expected to be numerous arrivals and departures at Old Trafford.
United will be looking to capitalise on their third-place finish last season by making shrewd moves in the transfer market. Their return to the Champions League adds further pressure to get their recruitment spot on.
Bolstering the midfield ranks high on United's list of priorities following the departure of Casemiro. Ederson has already put pen to paper on a move to Old Trafford, but further additions are expected, with West Ham's Mateus Fernandes among a host of players linked with the club.
Southampton's Shea Charles has also emerged as a reported target, while Manuel Ugarte's future at the club remains uncertain. MEN Sport rounds up some of the biggest stories surrounding Old Trafford.
Ineos midfielder 'plan'
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to accept a financial hit on Manuel Ugarte as they look to move him on. The Uruguayan midfielder has failed to make his mark since his £42.3million switch from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, and United look unlikely to recoup their initial outlay, highlighting the player's difficult spell at the club.
The Sun has reported that the club's hierarchy are willing to accept a loss on Ugarte this summer. It is claimed that his sale would prompt Carrick's side to target a third midfielder, following the signing of Ederson and the club's pursuit of West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.
Ineos, which oversees football operations at United, would need to sell Ugarte for £25.38m for United to avoid a loss under profitability and sustainability rules, after the midfielder penned a contract until 2029. However, the 25-year-old's wages could prove problematic for potential buyers and keep him at Old Trafford this summer.
Ugarte featured 24 times for United last season but made only 10 starts. He is currently representing Uruguay at the World Cup.
Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte
Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte has struggled to earn a regular spot at Manchester United(Image: Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Rivals make move
Leeds United have had a £20m bid turned down for Southampton star Shea Charles. The 22-year-old has previously been linked with Manchester United, but rivals Leeds have submitted an early offer for the midfielder.
The Athletic reports that the bid fell short of Southampton's asking price, though negotiations between the two clubs are continuing. Meanwhile, Carrick's side are yet to table an offer for the Northern Ireland international.
It was reported last month that United would seek three midfield signings should Ugarte be sold. United's director of football Jason Wilcox played a role in helping Southampton sign Charles from Manchester City in 2023 during his tenure with the Saints.