Manchester United are planning some key transfers this summer to bolster Michael Carrick's squad
Manchester United's English midfielder Ashley Young (L) and Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (C) are overlooked by assistant coach Michael Carrick (R) as they attend a training session at the Carrington Training complex in Manchester, north west England on October 22, 2018, ahead of their UEFA Champions League group H football match against Juventus on October 23.
Manchester United's English midfielder Ashley Young (L) and Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (C) are overlooked by assistant coach Michael Carrick (R) as they attend a training session at the Carrington Training complex in Manchester, north west England on October 22, 2018, ahead of their UEFA Champions League group H football match against Juventus on October 23.
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Michael Carrick could sell two Manchester United attackers and replace them with experienced European stars in time for the new season. The club have already spent £83million this summer and could make more signings before the window is out.
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow have already joined Carrick's crusade for silverware. Casemiro has departed on a free for Inter Miami, with Rasmus Hojlund making his Napoli loan move a permanent deal for around £43.2m.
Marcus Rashford continues to be linked with a move away from his boyhood club, with his future remaining uncertain. Elsewhere, Joshua Zirkzee is also being touted with a move to Juventus, albeit only on a temporary basis.
Should Carrick lose both Rashford and Zirkzee, he may well need replacements front up ahead of a heavily congested campaign of domestic and European football. With this in mind, has examined what a dream United attack could look like this season.
Sign free agent to replace £36.5m star
Dusan Vlahovic.
Dusan Vlahovic is available for free(Image: Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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United signed Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5m in 2024 but he has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The Dutchman has sporadically appeared under Carrick but has seen Benjamin Sesko rise above him to lead the line.
It is understood that the striker is nearing a loan exit to Juventus. Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim that boss Luciano Spalletti has 'said yes' to bringing the 25-year-old back to Serie A.
This is where the free agency market can come into play. Dusan Vlahovic is one of several strikers linked with the Reds but he could be the ideal addition for a bargain price. The 26-year-old departed Juve upon the expiry of his contract this summer, where he scored 68 goals in 168 appearances. He has 140 club goals across his career.
Vlahovic is experienced in European football but could provide an ample back-up to Sesko, who has been performed well under Carrick. Bringing in a free agent would show the manager's loyalty to the Slovenian striker and allow him to improve with competition from the Serbia international.
Vlahovic would also offer more options up top, allowing Carrick to rotate Sesko out and keep his squad healthy through a challenging season.
Sell Rashford and go for Premier League rival
Iliman Ndiaye.
Iliman Ndiaye is admired by United(Image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Rashford's future still remains uncertain at United. As it stands, the academy graduate will return for pre-season training with the club after closing the door on a Barcelona move. However, there is certain to be significant interest in him before the end of the window, and any departure would allow United to get the forward's hefty wages off the books.
The Sun reports that Fenerbahce have placed the 28-year-old on a shortlist for transfers, but they would need to break the bank to secure his signature. However, it is believed that Rashford wouldn't favour a move to Turkey. Tottenham have also shown interest in him. With several weeks to go until the transfer window closes, it's still very much up in the air whether Rashford's future remains at Old Trafford or elsewhere.
If the winger does depart for good, then Iliman Ndiaye could be an ideal replacement with proven Premier League experience. The 26-year-old has 20 goal contributions in 70 appearances for Everton and is heavily linked with United.
It is understood that the Toffees will demand around £70m for the left-winger, who is also attracting interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Ndiaye is open to leaving Everton but has three years left on his contract, so the club are in no rush to sell him.
United's dream attack
Harry Maguire and teammates of Manchester United pose for a photo with the Snapdragon Cup Champions 2026 Trophy following the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid at Strawberry Arena on August 01, 2026 in Solna, Sweden.
United could look totally different from the front this season(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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With Benjamin Sesko currently leading the line, Vlahovic could be the perfect star United can rely on to jump in where required. With two top-drawer choices up front, attention would then turn to the flanks.
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo have the right-hand side locked down, with 21 goal contributions between them last season. Ndiaye would slot in perfectly on the left and there is already a left-wing option in the form of Patrick Dorgu, who Carrick prefers to play further forward.
The 21-year-old was shining brightly before his injury last season and can operate across the entire left-hand side. In terms of the No. 10 in Carrick's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Bruno Fernandes will remain the ever-responsible playmaker and club captain.