With just a few weeks to go until the start of the World Cup, attention turns to players who could catch Man United's eye and potentially fit into Michael Carrick's long-term plans.
Michael Carrick has a big summer ahead of him
Michael Carrick has a big summer ahead of him(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Manchester United’s summer rebuild under Michael Carrick will bring further change to the club, with a number of players set to have played their final game for United.
A 3-0 final-day win added to the excitement ahead of next season, but United need to get their summer recruitment right if they are to continue building momentum. With the World Cup approaching, the tournament could act as a scouting mission for United as they seek to bolster their squad.
Alongside the confirmed departures of Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, United could part ways with the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Altay Bayindir to name just a few this summer.
Casemiro’s exit marks a clear turning point. Signed in 2022 to bring experience and stability, United will look for a different profile entirely as they seek to replace him, with young, up-and-coming midfielders with their best years ahead of them on the shortlist.
Elliot Anderson tops that shortlist. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has become a key figure this season, with four goals and four assists for Forest. His real strength, though, is his intensity, ability to carry the ball through midfield and energy levels, and he's set to be a key man for England as they hunt World Cup glory.
Another player United could be watching over in North America is Germany's Nathaniel Brown. The 22-year-old has developed into a tactically flexible player capable of operating in multiple roles across the pitch and could be a good option as a left-back reinforcement for United. His game is built on structure and technical reliability rather than standout numbers, but that profile is often valued in tournament squads where balance matters as much as output.
Yan Diomande will be looking to star for the Ivory Coast this summer. He brings pace, strength and directness, attributes that often stand out in international tournaments. He is very much on United's radar, with Liverpool and other top teams also monitoring him.
Another young player who has been attracting a bit of interest from European clubs is Gilberto Mora. Still just 17, the Mexican is a midfielder who plays with real composure and confidence. While he is not yet producing elite-level numbers at club level, his reputation is based on early exposure at senior international level and clear long-term potential.
He has already attracted reported interest from Real Madrid. On the World Cup stage this summer, he will not be expected to dominate, but top European clubs will be keeping a close eye on him.
For United, still shaping the next phase of their rebuild, the World Cup offers a clearer reference point than ever. It is less about finished stars and more about identifying who can handle the step up, who fits the physical demands of elite-level football and who has the profile to grow within a system.
The World Cup could end up being a useful scouting mission for United as their rebuild continues.