What Manchester United still need before transfer window closes
Manchester United have already strengthened Michael Carrick’s squad considerably, but their summer business cannot stop yet.
The Manchester United transfer needs remain clear as Champions League football returns to Old Trafford, with further quality required in midfield and defence while another striker is actively being pursued.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have transformed Carrick’s options in midfield, while Karl Darlow provides experienced goalkeeping cover. Tynan Thompson and Kit Margetson have arrived with longer-term development in mind.
United finished third last season, but competing across Europe and the Premier League will place greater demands on a squad that struggled with injuries throughout 2025/26.
The final weeks of the window should therefore be about completing the squad rather than making additions simply because opportunities become available.
Casemiro’s departure removed United’s most experienced defensive midfielder, while Manuel Ugarte’s injury has increased the need for another player capable of protecting the defence.
United have several options.
Manu Koné remains high on the shortlist. ReadManUtd previously reported that Ben Jacobs confirmed United’s interest in the Roma midfielder, who would add athleticism and defensive coverage alongside Tielemans and Santos.
Carlos Baleba also remains under consideration. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Brighton midfielder remains keen on joining United, although Brighton’s valuation creates a major obstacle.
Carrick does not need another midfielder simply to increase his numbers. United require someone capable of defending space, winning duels and allowing Tielemans or Santos to move further forward.
That profile could become the most important remaining addition.
Left-back has become a clear priority
United’s defensive issues extend beyond centre midfield.
Luke Shaw enters the season as Carrick’s only established senior left-back following Tyrell Malacia’s departure.
ReadManUtd reported on Saturday that Lewis Hall is United’s preferred option, although Newcastle have no intention of making negotiations straightforward.
United are actively exploring the conditions required to sign Hall, while Alejandro Balde has also been discussed as an alternative.
Reports have also confirmed United’s interest in Hall, with the club viewing the 21-year-old as a possible long-term successor to Shaw.
Centre-back deserves attention as well. Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt have both experienced significant injury problems, while Harry Maguire is now 33.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven still have development ahead of them. United may decide their existing numbers are sufficient, but another injury could quickly expose the lack of certainty in central defence.
Another striker would give Carrick necessary competition
Benjamin Šeško remains Carrick’s leading number nine, but United cannot expect him to carry the position throughout a Champions League campaign.
Joshua Zirkzee continues to attract interest from Serie A and could still depart before the deadline.
United have already responded by pursuing Brentford forward Igor Thiago. ReadManUtd reported on Friday that United had submitted a £30m bid for the striker.
A second recognised centre-forward would give Carrick an alternative when Šeško is unavailable and reduce the need to move Bryan Mbeumo away from his strongest position.
Marcus Rashford’s expected reintegration also reduces the urgency for another winger. United already possess several players capable of operating from wide areas or behind the striker.
The Manchester United transfer needs have therefore become increasingly specific.
Another midfielder and a left-back should remain high on the agenda, while the pursuit of Thiago suggests Carrick also wants stronger competition for Šeško.
United have already improved. Completing those deals could determine whether they simply return to the Champions League or become equipped to compete seriously once they get there.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
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