Manchester United have entered the last seven days of the transfer window, with manager Ruben Amorim having a lot to resolve ahead of deadline day
08:44, 27 Aug 2025
Ruben Amorim
Manchester United are yet to resolve pressing issues for Ruben Amorim(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Manchester United have less than a week to secure more transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's squad, while also facing a race against time to offload surplus players.
The transfer window closes on September 1, leaving United with little time to finalise any remaining deals for the new midfielder that Amorim is keen to bring in. United have signed three forwards in this window but are now in need of more grit in the engine room of their team, with fans yet to be convinced by the Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro partnership this season.
After failing to secure a win in either of their first two Premier League matches, the need for reinforcements at Old Trafford has become more pressing - but club officials also recognise the need to facilitate departures to balance the books, with a number of outcasts heading towards the exit door.
Here's all the latest Manchester United transfer news.
Amorim's three-man midfield wishlist
Ruben Amorim isn't happy with his midfield options
Ruben Amorim isn't happy with his midfield options(Image: PA)
It's clear that Amorim isn't satisfied with his current midfield options, having kept Manuel Ugarte and highly-rated youngster Kobbie Mainoo on the bench for the season's opening games, reports the Mirror.
Many interpret this as a message to the United board that his current options aren't up to scratch, and the club is working hard to bring in another quality player who can add stability to United's midfield.
United's current defensive midfield options are Casemiro and Ugarte, but neither are seen by Amorim as suitable for a regular starting position, nor does he view Mainoo as a pure No 6.
According to the Athletic, the club has identified three midfield targets that could strengthen their central areas. These include Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand.
Earlier in the transfer window, United were in discussions for Baleba, but backed off when Brighton demanded £120m. However, the club may reconsider their valuation as deadline day approaches.
The report adds that their interest in Wharton and Hjulmand - who previously played under Amorim at Lisbon - is not advanced at this point.
Mainoo's future at Old Trafford looks uncertain as a result of United's search for a new midfielder. Once a rising star at the club, the 20-year-old's prospects look bleak if he can't secure a place in Amorim's team given the current lack of quality in midfield.
If United sign another midfielder, it would further push fan favourite Mainoo down the pecking order, and it's reported by the Guardian that he is frustrated and wants to leave the club.
The issue with Mainoo is that Amorim doesn't see him as a defensive midfielder, which puts him in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes rather than Casemiro - this has given Manuel Ugarte opportunities from the bench instead.
While Mainoo would be open to leaving United, the Athletic reports that there are currently few options available for him.
With only a week left of the transfer window, no club has officially approached Mainoo, dealing a significant blow to his hopes of securing regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup with England next year.
United set for substantial loss on Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund's time at Manchester United has been a big disappointment(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
One player who seems destined to depart Old Trafford in the coming days is out-of-favour striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is nearing a move to Napoli.
Numerous reports suggest Napoli are confident of finalising the deal before deadline day, with the player set to join on loan before a mandatory buy clause option for around £38m is triggered.
Hojlund will then be offered a contract until 2030, bringing an end to his torrid spell at United that saw him score just 14 Premier League goals over two seasons.
However, this eventual sale would represent a massive loss on the £72m United shelled out for him in 2023 when they signed him from Atalanta.
Despite scoring 26 goals in all competitions, Hojlund has faced heavy criticism for his inconsistent performances and lack of a clinical finish.
He will be returning to Serie A, where he previously enjoyed success with Atalanta during the 2022-23 season.
Article continues below
His prospects seemed grim when United signed new forward Benjamin Sesko for approximately £74m, a move that further sidelines him at Old Trafford.