Manchester United are eyeing summer transfers as they have reached a key agreement and are making plans to break with a 24-year tradition
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s and Neil Docking
08:11, 26 Mar 2026
Michael Carrick could welcome some stellar new signings to Manchester United this summer
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Michael Carrick could welcome some stellar new signings to Manchester United this summer(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United will use this month's international break to integrate some of their peripheral players as key stars depart to represent their countries.
A total of 18 players are away on international duty with Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and on-loan Marcus Rashford featuring for England. Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro are also absent representing their respective nations with friendlies approaching. Unselected stars will continue their preparations at Carrington with interim manager Michael Carrick ahead of facing Leeds United in April.
The Red Devils won't return to action until April 13, with the weekend of April 4 and 5 set aside for FA Cup fixtures. Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have both pulled out of international duty to recover from minor fitness concerns. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Manchester United's English interim head coach Michael Carrick applauds fans at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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Michael Carrick is waiting to see whether he will be in charge of Manchester United next season(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
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United to break 24-year tradition
With the World Cup looming, United are organising their pre-season plans with the players' welfare in mind.
The club appear set to break a 24-year tradition and not venture to another continent for their warm-up tour ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Given the major tournament is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, many of United's key stars will be undertaking long-haul journeys to represent their countries.
United have been venturing beyond the continent for pre-season training for years due to the club's global commercial appeal. In fact, the only time since 2002 that United have remained in Europe was during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
Therefore, 2026 will mark the first time in 24 years that the Red Devils will break with tradition and stay in Europe for pre-season. Discussions are currently underway to arrange a pre-season schedule in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.
Historically, United have kicked off their training at Carrington in the first week of July. However, with the World Cup scheduled from 11 June to 19 July, the club's management will need to organise the tour accordingly.
Transfer targets
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton celebrates 1st goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
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Iliman Ndiaye of Everton(Image: Getty)
Sky Sports report that wingers Yan Diomande and Iliman Ndiaye are among the names United are considering this summer transfer window.
RB Leipzig star Diomande, 19, and Everton attacking whizz Ndiaye, 26, are both in demand after stellar seasons so far for their respective clubs.
Senegal international Ndiaye is in his second campaign with Everton, who signed him from Marseille, and is reportedly valued at £70million. He has six goals and three assists in the Premier League this campaign so far.
Diomande has 11 goals and seven assists for Leipzig this season and that form has earned admiring glances from elsewhere including from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. He is said to be valued at around £80m.
Sky Sports say midfielders Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest are "also high on United's list of targets", with Wolves' Joao Gomes and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton under consideration as well.
Newcastle left back Lewis Hall is also said to have piqued the interest of Old Trafford scouts.
Casemiro agreement reached
Manchester United's Casemiro celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Casemiro will be able to play as much as he wants for United(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Casemiro will be able to savour every remaining game with United this season after the club and player agreed to tear up a clause in his contract, reports the Mirror.
The Brazil international, 34, confirmed his departure from Old Trafford in January, with his stint set to conclude at the season's end. However, it's believed that there was a clause in his contract that would have triggered a 12-month extension.
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This stipulation would be activated if he started 35 Premier League matches during the final year of his contract.
Currently on 29, it's a tally Casemiro would likely have achieved. But now that United have agreed with the midfielder to waive this clause, he can savour the last few weeks of his tenure at Old Trafford without triggering a one-year extension.