Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has outlined his summer transfer wish list calling for four key signings, while 15-year-old academy talent JJ Gabriel is set to join the pre-season squad
09:11, 25 Mar 2026
Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick's side have some time off
With Manchester United enjoying a strong spell, supporters could be excused for wanting to relish the present moment. But as the campaign moves towards its conclusion, focus is naturally shifting to the forthcoming summer transfer window.
They aren't anticipated to spend wildly, especially following last summer's outlay of over £250million on signings, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo brought in to refresh United's attacking options.
This summer, strengthening the engine room will probably be the main concern. Casemiro has already announced his departure from the club at the season's end, Kobbie Mainoo's long-term prospects remain uncertain, and questions persist surrounding players like Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte...
JJ Gabriel decision made
JJ Gabriel during the FA Youth Cup quarter final match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford.
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JJ Gabriel continues to impress for Manchester United's youth teams(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Manchester United are set to include JJ Gabriel in their pre-season squad this summer, highlighting just how highly the 15-year-old is regarded at Old Trafford. Already viewed as one of the most exciting young prospects in the nation, Gabriel has shone for United's U18s this campaign, reports the Mirror.
His development hasn't escaped the attention of senior personnel, including Carrick, who has monitored him closely in recent weeks. The youngster is now being earmarked for a spot on the club's forthcoming pre-season tour of Europe, with talks continuing over an itinerary that may encompass Scandinavia and other locations.
The Red Devils are committed to establishing a defined route into the first team for their most talented academy graduates, and Gabriel's tour involvement serves as a powerful signal of their faith in his abilities. He's unlikely to be the sole youth player featured, especially with numerous senior squad members anticipated to miss the opening phases of pre-season owing to World Cup duties.
Gabriel has been in blistering form, bagging 21 goals in 23 outings for the U18s this term. He has already linked up with the first-team for training on multiple occasions, with Carrick branding him a "big talent."
Ferdinand reveals transfer wishlist
Rio Ferdinand
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Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on Man United's transfer approach(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has detailed what he reckons would constitute a triumphant summer transfer window for the club, demanding four crucial signings: a striker, a full-back and two midfielders.
Ferdinand contends that a "realistic" window wouldn't necessitate a wholesale rebuild, but instead focused enhancements - especially in midfield - coupled with extra options up top and at full-back.
"If United go and get four players in the next window and two of those are starters, then I think that's a realistic transfer window. If I was the club, my priorities would be two central midfielders, one who starts and maybe a younger one who you can blood in here and there around Bruno [Fernandes], Kobbie [Mainoo] and the one you bring in.
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"I would also go for another forward, a younger one who is going to be more of a back-up to what we've already got. And I would go for a full-back. That's it. I know you can say you want 10 new players and most positions can be improved but I don't think you need a huge revamp, it's still a lot but that's realistic."