Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Manchester United fans are being told from all angles that this summer’s transfer business may be done.
The Red Devils have added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson to Michael Carrick’s first-team squad.
But according to The Athletic, it is not certain that United sign a third midfielder this summer, and the interest in Lewis Hall is concrete but difficult to pursue as Newcastle United insist he is not for sale.
All of a sudden, United fans are staring down the barrel of starting the 2026/27 season with no more reinforcements arriving. But I’m calling a transfer bluff.
Manchester United v ACF Fiorentina - Pre-Season Friendly
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Man Utd fooled the market with a £66m deal last summer
Last summer, United fans were delivered a similar message towards the end of the transfer window that no more signings could arrive.
Ruben Amorim, as quoted by Goal, told United fans that a striker may not arrive, and to prepare for the 2025/26 season with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha as the centre-forward options.
Those comments were made by the United boss in late July. Yet in early August, United completed a £66m deal for Benjamin Sesko. On deadline day, Senne Lammens then arrived for £18m.
United already have solid depth heading into 2026/27, but I still expect more signings to arrive. However, the messaging from the club under Ineos ownership has been: Underpromise and overdeliver.
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How long is left of the 2026 summer transfer window?
Patterns show that Ineos tends to make five signings every summer, at least that has been the case up until now.
That suggests that one more signing will arrive at Old Trafford this summer, and United have no need to rush.
The summer transfer window closes on September 1, meaning there are still 27 days left for United to add to their squad.
READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2026/27
There are certainly funds available, with reports that United had a £250m budget heading into this summer.
So far, United’s net spend is just £34m.