Manchester United may soon need to replace some key figures in their squad and transfer talk has one man high on the club's summer shopping list
09:59, 06 Apr 2026
Michael Carrick has rejuvenated Manchester United
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Michael Carrick has rejuvenated Manchester United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
The winds of transfer activity are sweeping through Old Trafford, despite the current lull in Manchester United's on-pitch exploits.
So while supporters eagerly await the team's return to action, there's a wealth of intriguing news to whet their appetite. Michael Carrick's squad are presently gearing up for their journey to Dublin ahead of the season's final stretch. United will spend four days undergoing intensive training across the Irish Sea, capitalising on a break in the schedule.
The Red Devils have a mere seven matches remaining to leave their mark on this campaign and secure a top-four Premier League finish. Carrick's troops resume action at home against Leeds in a week's time (April 13) and currently sit just one point above Aston Villa in fourth place. Looking beyond the current season, however, there are unfolding developments that could shape the look of next term's squad. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.
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Bruno Fernandes could be on his way out of Manchester United this summer(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Fernandes 'picks his own successor'
With skipper Bruno Fernandes potentially on his way out this summer, there remains a host of uncertainties over who will fill his boots, reports the Mirror.
Speaking towards the end of 2025, Fernandes acknowledged the interest in him last summer and hinted he could still depart in the near future if he didn't feel valued by United.
Such a pivotal figure would necessitate significant investment to secure a suitable replacement. And Fernandes is prepared to assist United in this respect, having reportedly suggested a potential candidate to his current club.
Surprisingly, that name happens to be his own. Or at least his namesake, as The Sun reported that West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is the player Bruno has recommended as his choice to take over the mantle as United's new No. 10.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United
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Mateus Fernandes has been scouted by Manchester United(Image: Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bruno was recently on international duty with Portugal, where he shared a dressing room with none other than his namesake. In fact, Mateus even replaced Bruno to make his debut in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States last Wednesday.
This changing of the guard could prove to be more than symbolic if the current United captain has his way. His fellow Sporting CP graduate secured a £40million move to West Ham last summer after impressing for Southampton, joining the Hammers just before the transfer deadline.
Mateus isn't quite matching Bruno's Premier League statistics yet, having scored four goals and provided four assists in 34 total appearances this season. However, the 21-year-old's consistency, work rate and ability to play virtually anywhere in midfield suggest there may be some merit to the comparisons.
He is said to have a price tag in excess of £50m.
Rashford boosts Barca hopes
Marcus Rashford of Atletico de Madrid scores his team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano
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Marcus Rashford scores for Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
If there were any concerns that Marcus Rashford's potential permanent move to Barcelona was under threat, those worries were perhaps put to rest on Saturday.
That's following the Englishman's stellar display against Atletico Madrid that helped keep Barca on course to defend their La Liga crown.
Los Cules found themselves trailing in Spain's capital in what could have proved catastrophic for their title aspirations. Yet Rashford then sparked a clever attack down the left flank and levelled the score just minutes afterwards.
Barca's 2-1 triumph over Atletico extends their advantage to seven points in the title race. The gap becomes even more significant after Real Madrid stumbled at Mallorca in a 2-1 reverse.
It was recently suggested Barcelona had missed the cut-off point to secure Rashford for the £26m fee included in his loan deal. Though it has subsequently been indicated those claims may have been hasty.
Nevertheless, fortunes are improving for Rashford after scoring his first league strike since January. Finding the net in such a crucial encounter is certain to have impressed those who will determine his transfer destiny this summer.
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And if Carrick is to remain in the Old Trafford hotseat beyond this season, he will no doubt welcome a £26m boost to his transfer kitty.