Manchester United’s most senior players Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes have been outspoken about what they want to see at the club this summer.
Because of the resurgence in form under interim head coach Michael Carrick, Manchester United are on track to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2023/24.
Qualifying for the Champions League will provide a £100m boost to United’s budget this summer, and that provides Ineos with a platform to build a squad worthy of challenging for the biggest trophies.
Harry Maguire has predicted a ‘big’ summer at United, and Bruno Fernandes has also been outspoken about his ambitions if he is to remain at the club.
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire signing autographs at Old Trafford
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Harry Maguire celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes are demanding big transfer business
Fernandes and Maguire are the captain and vice-captain of Manchester United, and both players are approaching the twilight years of their careers. They would love nothing more than to spend that time bringing the Premier League or Champions League back to Old Trafford.
But for that to happen, both players want new signings to arrive this summer.
Speaking to The Athletic, Maguire said: “This summer’s going to be big. Really, really big. We need more players, we need more quality, we need players to come into the starting eleven”.
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“We’ve had a great few months under the manager. I feel like the squad is starting to look like something that is a strong squad.”
As for Fernandes, he has personally recommended signings. Fernandes has recommended Mateus Fernandes as a signing this summer as United plan to overhaul their midfield.
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How much Man United can spend this summer
Provided that Manchester United do secure a top-five finish and qualify for the Champions League, there should be a sizeable budget for Ineos to deliver on Fernandes and Maguire’s demands.
Football finance expert Adam Williams predicts United can spend up to £150m net this summer if they are in the Champions League.
United are planning up to four sales, and Casemiro leaving as a free agent will also free up his £350,000 per week wages from the club’s accounts.
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The priority is overhauling the midfield department, and Ineos have no excuse not to deliver two top-class midfield signings in the summer.
It is the last opportunity to create a winning squad that includes the likes of Fernandes and Maguire.
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