Transfer priorities may have changed for Michael Carrick at Manchester United this month
Michael Carrick head coach of Manchester United
Michael Carrick has yet to complete his transfer business this summer(Image: Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick could be switching his transfer plans at Manchester United with less than a month until the summer window closes. The United boss has successfully transformed his midfield with the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Aston Villa and Chelsea, respectively.
Just over two weeks remain until their season-opener against newly-promoted Hull City and Carrick remains on the hunt for new arrivals at Old Trafford. A defensive signing has yet to be made, but it could be on the cards as the Premier League giants target a player they've previously scouted.
Atalanta star scouted
Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini during the friendly match soccer match between Atalanta and Atalanta U23 in Clusone ( Bergamo ) , North Italy - Saturday , July 18 , 2026
Giorgio Scalvini has been a key star for Atalanta for a number of years(Image: Spada/LaPresse/Shutterstock)
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United have shown in interest in Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to The Telegraph. The 22-year-old has already racked up 137 appearances for the Serie A side and would provide much-needed reinforcement in Carrick's backline, given the injury issues of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt last season.
The Italy international is well-known to the United hierarchy, having previously been scouted by the Red Devils. The centre-back can occasionally play as a defensive midfielder and completed an impressive 88% of his passes last term.
The Telegraph claims Carrick is no longer focused on signing a third midfielder, with the remaining transfer funds potentially being used to acquire a defender. According to Transfermarkt, the defender is valued at £32m (€38m), but his injury issues could cause the United boss to think twice. He's missed 81 matches in the last three years, including 14 games last season, due to four separate fitness problems.
Zirkzee departure
TRONDHEIM, NORWAY - JULY 24: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United warms up ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Rosenborg and Manchester United at Lerkendal Stadion on July 24, 2026 in Trondheim, Norway. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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United have yet to bolster their attack this summer, aside from the return of Marcus Rashford, but that hasn't stopped Carrick from entertaining the idea of letting Joshua Zirkzee leave the club.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus are interested in signing the Dutch striker on a season-long loan. The 25-year-old has failed to establish himself at the club since his £36.5million arrival in 2024, scoring just nine goals in 75 appearances across all competitions.
The report claims that Zirkzee has already given his approval to the Serie A giants, with opportunities at United drying up last year due to the existence of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.