Manchester United's summer transfer window is heating up after Michael Carrick led them to Champions League qualification
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - 2026/05/13: Marcus Rashford (FC Barcelona) seen in action during LaLiga EA SPORTS game between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Mendizorroza Stadium. Final scores; Deportivo Alaves 1-0 FC Barcelona. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Deciding Marcus Rashford's future is high among Man United's priorities(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Having secured their place in next season's Champions League, Manchester United's active summer is already beginning to take shape. Michael Carrick will need to reshape his squad with both arrivals and departures expected, with the club's tasks including determining the future of Marcus Rashford.
Rashford spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Barcelona, yet doubts remain over whether the Catalan giants will take up their £26m purchase option. The England international is one of several senior stars who could depart Old Trafford over the coming months, with Casemiro and Jadon Sancho already set to leave when their contracts expire and more potentially following.
Casemiro's fellow Brazil international Ederson looks to be heading to Old Trafford, while Manuel Ugarte's situation also remains unresolved. This could open the door for another new midfield addition as Carrick's side prepare for a minimum of eight additional fixtures next season.
With the World Cup just a fortnight away, there's every chance some transfer dealings don't get resolved until much later in the summer. Nevertheless, there remains scope for movement in the meantime, and here are our latest updates on potential arrivals and departures.
Fernandes 'says yes' to United move
Manchester United are Mateus Fernandes' 'first pick' for a summer transfer, according to The i. The Portugal international suffered relegation West Ham United on the final day of the Premier League season and he was likely to be in demand even if they had survived.
Fernandes, who set the Hammers back £42million when he arrived from Southampton a year ago, is anticipated to fetch around £60m. Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the midfielder, though United are reportedly confident of securing a signing which could leave their midfield set for years to come if he can dovetail well with Kobbie Mainoo.
The 21-year-old made his senior international debut in the spring during a friendly against the United States. He replaced United captain Bruno Fernandes as a substitute on that occasion but was left out of Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad, though, meaning he.
What does Barca's Gordon deal mean for Rashford?
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United (10) claps the fans following the Premier League match between Fulham and Newcastle United at Craven Cottage on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Anthony Gordon looks to be Barcelona-bound(Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Barcelona are edging closer to a deal for Anthony Gordon, casting doubt on whether Marcus Rashford will return to Spotify Camp Nou next season. Sky Sports reports that Newcastle winger Gordon is on the verge of a move to Catalunya, with a £69.3m transfer expected to be rubber-stamped.
Gordon, much like Rashford, is capable of operating across the forward line. Both players feature in the senior England squad for the World Cup, where they will be competing for a starting berth on the left flank.
United and Rashford are now believed to be heading for pivotal talks that could yet result in him remaining at Old Trafford. A switch to a Premier League rival has also been floated, with Arsenal and Tottenham both cited as possible destinations, though there could yet be further twists on the Barcelona front.