For Manchester United, this summer's transfer window represents a chance to capitalise on their best season for years.
After breaking back into the Champions League, Michael Carrick will want to consolidate last year’s work and building the best squad possible will go a long way in doing that.
Some deals are already over the line, but there are still positions and players to target as they balance out a squad that is needing reinforcement to cope with a return to Europe and new goals.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to chart out what the perfect summer transfer window could look like for the Red Devils. Take it with a grain of salt, of course, but everyone included has at least some reputable links rooting in some kind of reality.
Perfect signings to complete Man Utd's squad
Bradley Barcola FranceAction Images
Let’s review the business thus far. Arriving to bolster their midfield is the 29-year-old Youri Tielemans, who arrives ready to make an instant impact after winning the Europa League at Aston Villa.Bringing versatility and youth is Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, who has proven he can play in any one of the midfield roles from his time in London and in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg. Whilst Karl Darlow was added for keeper depth, but who else are they targeting?Despite two midfield additions, fans still believe they require a more destructive, defensive force in midfield. Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes were targeted, but both opted for moves elsewhere and other names such as Alex Scott, Felix Nmecha, Carlos Baleba and Sander Berge have all been considered.However, there are two names that stand out above the rest. Roma’s Manu Kone and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga are both young and experienced options to bolster their midfield and both would cost far less than the other names mentioned. Both are likely to exit and United should not miss out; our pick would be Camavinga and United have already tried to ignite a move.In defence, a left-back has been touted. Luke Shaw played every single league game last season, but the increased workload will surely trigger injury concerns. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall has been linked and with multiple key figures exiting already this summer, the ex-Chelsea defender could well be targeted. His energy, work rate and attacking qualities are reminiscent of a younger Shaw, and it would make for a perfect replacement, albeit costly.Plus, a left-sided attacker is likely required if Rashford is to exit. One name linked is West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and United have had exploratory talks with the Dutch forward. United have thrown their hat in the ring for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, but they face stiff and costly competition.If they want to make a big splash, Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola has been linked with a £128million-plus deal away to eye regular football. It would be an exciting statement deal given his experience, achievements and how he looks ready to take that next step in his development.
Player In Club Notes
Youri Tielemans Aston Villa Signed for £35million
Andrey Santos Chelsea Signed for £48million
Karl Darlow Newcastle United Signed for free
Eduardo Camavinga Real Madrid Reports of an exit, falling down the pecking order.
Bradley Barcola Paris Saint-Germain Linked with a move away, would be an expensive deal.
Lewis Hall Newcastle United Wanted by United, could follow a flurry of exits at St. James Park.
The transfer exits Man Utd need to sanction
man utd marcus rashford
As it stands, United have already recouped some cash and more could be on the way. Napoli decided to makeRasmus Hojlund’s loan move permanent and agreed a£43milliondeal. Whilst it is a loss on their original investment, it was the best move for both parties.
Plus, the trio ofCasemiro,Jadon SanchoandTyrell Malaciaall running down their contracts have freed up some wage space. There’s also the sell-on clause money that is likely to come fromMason Greenwood’s move to Fenerbache from Marseille, which could equate to somewhere around£10million to £15millionprofit. In addition,Altay Bayindiris set to depart too.
The big question is where doesMarcus Rashfordgo? Now 28, his deal doesn’t expire for another two years and Barcelona were offered a deal to sign him for around £35million but decided to complete a deal twice as expensive for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.
Rashford’s last game for United was in December 2024 and while the club are keen to offload his sizable wages, there is a lack of suitors which has resulted in back-to-back loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. He will begin pre-season at United, but the ideal solution is a sale to free up more funds.
Ideally, another exit forJoshua Zirkzee. A back-up at best under Carrick, nine goals in 75 games is a poor return and, at 25 with three years left on his deal, a sale makes sense. But recouping the £36.5million fee paid could be difficult.
AfterEderson’s failed move from Atalanta,Mason Mountis reportedly getting another chance that could help save his United career, especially withManuel Ugartenow out for a lengthy spell. However, the Uruguayan may have been set for an exit if he didn’t suffer a knee injury at the World Cup.
Player Out Club Notes
Casemiro N/A Released
Tyrell Malacia N/A Released
Jadon Sancho N/A Released
Rasmus Hojlund Napoli Sold for £43million
Marcus Rashford* N/A Sizable wages, set to return for pre-season but could exit
Joshua Zirkzee* N/A 9 Goals in 75 Games, third-choice
Altay Bayindir* N/A Free To leave
How the perfect transfer window looks for Man Utd
Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)via Reuters
Players In
Andrey Santos
Youri Tielemans
Eduardo Camavinga*
Lewis Hall*
Bradley Barcola*Players Out
Casemiro
Tyrell Malacia
Jadon Sancho
Rasmus Hojlund
Marcus Rashford*
Joshua Zirkzee*
Altay Bayindir*
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