Manchester United's summer transfer plans are taking shape as INEOS have reportedly green-lighted a midfield rebuild as a rival saw a bid rejected for one of the Red Devils' key targets
09:12, 24 Jun 2026
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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Manchester United's hierarchy plan to overhaul the club's midfield(Image: PA)
Manchester United are gearing up for a hectic summer transfer window. Numerous arrivals and departures are expected as Michael Carrick prepares for his first full campaign as manager.
United will be looking to capitalise on the transfer market to build upon their third-place finish from last season. The club's Champions League return places additional pressure on nailing their recruitment strategy.
Bolstering the midfield ranks stands as a key objective for United following Casemiro's departure. Ederson has already committed to a switch to Old Trafford, though additional signings are anticipated, with West Ham's Mateus Fernandes amongst numerous players linked with a move. Southampton's Shea Charles has surfaced as another target on United's wishlist, while Manuel Ugarte is said to be facing an uncertain future. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at some of the major stories surrounding the club.
INEOS green-light midfielder strategy
Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte
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Manchester United could accept a loss on Manuel Ugarte (Image: Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are reportedly prepared to accept a financial hit on Manuel Ugarte as they seek to move him on. The Uruguayan midfielder has failed to justify his £42.3million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, with United unlikely to recoup their investment, highlighting the player's precarious position.
It's reported that the club's bosses are willing to accept a financial hit on Ugarte this summer. It is suggested that his departure would encourage Carrick's team to pursue a third midfielder, following Ederson's arrival and the club's chase for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.
INEOS, which handles football matters at United, would require Ugarte to be sold for £25.38m for United to prevent a loss under profitability and sustainability regulations after the midfielder penned a deal until 2029. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old's salary could present a stumbling block for prospective buyers and keep him at Old Trafford this summer.
Rivals' opening bid rejected
Shea Charles
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Shea Charles has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
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Leeds United have had a £20m proposal turned down for Southampton star Shea Charles. The 22-year-old has previously been linked with the Red Devils but rivals Leeds have submitted an early approach for the midfielder.
The Athletic reports that the bid fell short of Southampton's asking price but discussions between the two sides continue. Meanwhile, Carrick's team are yet to table an offer for the Northern Ireland international.
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It was claimed last month that United would pursue three midfield acquisitions if Ugarate were to depart. United's director of football Jason Wilcox assisted Southampton in securing Charles from Manchester City in 2023 during his stint with the Saints.