Manchester United's transformational summer is already taking shape, with big news emerging in terms of both new arrivals and departures
Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli gestures during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Diego Maradona Stadium
Scott McTominay could see some familiar faces in Naples this summer(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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Following the star performances of their 2025 acquisitions, Manchester United will be seeking similar success with their recruits this summer. Yet their achievements in the transfer market may hinge as much on outgoing deals as on fresh recruits.
Friday's 2-2 stalemate at Bournemouth appeared to have dealt a blow to the club's aspirations of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, although Chelsea and Liverpool failed to capitalise on the result. Nevertheless, Michael Carrick's squad remain well-positioned to qualify for next season's Champions League.
The interim boss could feasibly be handed the role on a permanent basis should the team secure a return to European football's premier competition. With this in mind, examines the latest transfer speculation surrounding Old Trafford this week.
United linked with Alphonso Davies
Should Tyrell Malacia depart as expected at the end of this season, Alphonso Davies could arrive as backup at left-back. The Bayern Munich ace has been largely missing from Vincent Kompany's plans this term due to recurring injury problems, including an ACL rupture that kept him out at the start of the campaign.
Bild's Christian Falk has reported United are keen on securing his services. The club are said to be seeking additional competition for Luke Shaw, who has endured his own spate of fitness problems but remains the preferred choice for the position when available.
Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern München celebrates his team's fifth goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena
Alphonso Davies is reportedly on United's radar as a new left-back option(Image: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
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Diogo Dalot has reverted to featuring at right-back on a more regular basis since Carrick assumed control in January. Patrick Dorgu was also brought in to cover on the left side, though it seems his long-term prospects may lie further forward.
This is said to have directed United's attention towards Davies, who is barely 12 months into a Bayern deal that's scheduled to run until 2030. Nevertheless, the right proposal could persuade Die Roten to part ways after apparently becoming dissatisfied with the return they're receiving given his ongoing fitness concerns.
Napoli chief eyes McTominay reunion
Numerous United supporters were saddened to witness Scott McTominay depart his boyhood club for Napoli during the summer of 2024. Having extracted such value from the Scotland international, the Italian side may now be looking to replicate that success.
Reports have emerged suggesting Napoli are targeting up to four United players whose contracts are set to expire this summer. Antonio Conte's outfit could secure another collection of bargains should their Old Trafford recruitment drive prove fruitful - potentially reuniting McTominay with one or more former United team-mates.
CalcioNapoli24 has reported Napoli are preparing approaches for Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Malacia and Tom Heaton. All four are currently set to see their contracts run out this summer as things stand.
Manchester United's winning goal scorer Scott McTominay smiles with team mate Harry Maguire after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford
Former Man United captain Harry Maguire is being linked with a move to Italy(Image: Visionhaus via Getty Images)
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Of those mentioned, only Maguire and Casemiro could be regarded as genuinely crucial to Carrick's plans this season. The latter has already confirmed he will depart on a free transfer this summer, despite speculation of Casemiro potentially reversing his decision and committing for another campaign.
Maguire, 33, is also understood to be in advanced discussions to sign a new short-term deal, according to the Athletic's David Ornstein. It's been suggested the England defender could nearly halve his salary in order to remain at Old Trafford, though the opportunity of a fresh start in Naples may also prove tempting.
Napoli are entitled to negotiate terms with any of the four players now they're each in the final six months of their current deals. And both McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, who has been on loan with the Serie A side this season, can testify the grass is sometimes greener on the other side.