Manchester United still have business to do as we head towards the last month of the summer transfer window, and an impending departure is set to change their order of priorities
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 10: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 10, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick wants more signings(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Four signings down, four to go? Manchester United have spent £85million this summer, bringing in two centre midfielders - Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans - and two goalkeepers - Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson.
And while United still want to strengthen one of those positions, they have other priorities. Michael Carrick was able to stick with a tight squad last season, often going more than seven days without a fixture thanks to the Red Devils being out of the both domestic cups by the time he took over.
But this season, United's return to the Champions League calls for more depth. That's why club chiefs want to bolster Carrick's options all over the pitch.
Midfield has long been the top priority, but with Santos and Tielemans through the door, and striker Joshua Zirkzee in talks to join Juventus on loan with a £30million option to buy, things have changed.
Striker
Although Joshua Zirkzee only started one game under Carrick - after United had secured Champions League football - there's no doubt that his departure would leave a hole in the squad. The Dutchman played second fiddle to Benjamin Sesko last term and was needed in the final knockings of the campaign after Sesko picked up an injury which has also ruled him out of pre-season so far.
Zirkzee has started both of United's friendlies, scoring one goal and providing one assist, and is expected to lead the line again on Saturday against Atletico Madrid - unless he's in Italy sealing a move. Juventus are the frontrunners to sign him, with Roma and Como also interested.
His impending exit should prompt United into the market for a replacement. Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins was of interest last summer while ex-Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is available on a free transfer.
Or should the Red Devils look outside the box? Ivan Toney scored 55 goals in Saudi Arabia last season and is proven in the Premier League, and prior to Chelsea's swoop, Danny Welbeck would've been an option.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Amex Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Manchester United would need a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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Bumped down to second place from our last set of rankings, United have since addressed their previous top priority. It became even more important to sign at least two midfielders when, after Casemiro had left on a free transfer, Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup, ruling him out of much of the new season.
But given that Santos, Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo are the only fit senior centre midfielders in Carrick's squad, another wouldn't go a miss. Aurelien Tchouameni is understood to be United's No.1 target and the ex-Monaco star could be allowed to leave Real Madrid if they sign Rodri from Manchester City.
Roma's Manu Kone has also been shortlisted alongside Bournemouth youngster Alex Scott. However, United are unlikely to make a bid for Scott, with Chelsea having seen a £64m offer rejected by Chelsea.
Aurelien Tchouameni defensive midfield of Real Madrid and France during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Aurelien Tchouameni is a target for Manchester United(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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To the defence now and despite Luke Shaw managing to start all 38 Premier League games last season for the first time in his career, his fitness will always remain a concern. Shaw, 31, remains susceptible to injury and playing every few days would likely be too much.
Patrick Dorgu has developed into more of a left winger and with United open to selling Harry Amass, it's clear that they'd like to bring in a new left-back. Newcastle's Lewis Hall is understood to be on their radar and reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford.
But given that Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali - and are in advanced talks with Arsenal over Bruno Guimaraes - it may well be impossible to sign Hall for a reasonable price. Fulham defender Antonee Robinson is an alternative.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 2: Lewis Hall of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on December 2, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Lewis Hall is keen to join Manchester United, according to reports(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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If Barcelona had triggered their option to sign Marcus Rashford for just £26m, signing a left winger would've been higher on United's to-do list. But with Rashford back in the fold, it makes things complicated.
There seems to be no active escape route for the England international right now and he's set to return to training in the coming weeks to work under Carrick for the second time. But things can change, and United are open to selling Rashford for around £40m.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye is admired by the Red Devils and said to be open to a transfer amid interest from Al-Hilal. Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo has also been touted, a lesser-known name who would be a cheaper option to serve as backup to Matheus Cunha.
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