Manchester United will hope to upgrade their squad in the transfer window this summer.placeholder image
Manchester United will hope to upgrade their squad in the transfer window this summer. | Getty Images
Manchester United’s biggest signing of this summer transfer window - according to Football Manager
Manchester United will hope to build from a strong start to life under Michael Carrick with a big summer transfer window which could establish the club as back amongst the European elite.
The Red Devils are in prime position to qualify for the Champions League and a strong summer of business has been a major factor in their revival, with signings such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko combining to earn several points – often from the pinpoint assists of Bruno Fernandes.
United will have another important summer ahead and may focus on other positions on the pitch to strengthen, such as a much-mentioned midfield rebuild and further additions in defence. We had a look at a simulated Football Manager 26 save for summer 2026 to see what United’s transfer business might look like.
Man Utd’s best signing of summer 2026 - according to Football Manager
According to Football Manager, Brentford captain Nathan Collins will be United’s best signing of the 2026/27 season after a season of stellar performances at the back.
The Republic of Ireland international signs for the Red Devils in a £36.5million deal in the save and becomes a regular starter at Old Trafford, making 37 starts from his 42 appearances in all competitions and chipping in with two goals and two assists, earning an average rating for the season of 7.13.
A strong defensive signing with Premier League and international experience and capable of leading the United backline for years to come, Collins is not the only expensive signing to arrive at Old Trafford and not even the only one from his own club according to FM.
United sign five players for a total of £114m in Football Manager’s prediction and amongst those is Brentford right-back Michael Kayode, who bags four assists in 39 appearances after a £31m move. The most expensive signing of the lot is Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel, who swaps north London for Manchester for £45m but makes just six starts, bagging four goals and two assists in 27 appearances overall.
Meanwhile, Cristian Orozco signs from Fortaleza as a star for the future and Mohamed Kudus makes an interesting loan move from Spurs in the 2027 winter window, which results in just one goal in 11 appearances.
Would Collins be a good signing for United?
Brentford have sold several key players in recent years, one of which went to United in Mbeumo, and Collins could become the next on the Bees’ conveyor belt in future transfer windows. The 24-year-old still has much room to develop and could make a significant impact if he were to arrive at Old Trafford – something Football Manager might be ahead of the curve on.
With Harry Maguire currently out of contract in the summer, United could do much worse than securing the signing of Collins as his replacement if they make this move a reality.
Unfortunately for United, their expensive summer window results in disappointment on the pitch as the Red Devils finish eighth in the Premier League in the 2026/27 save and miss out on Europe entirely. For Carrick, if he is given the permanent job, or for whoever is in the hot-seat at Old Trafford next term, that is a scenario they would whole-heartedly hope to avoid.
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