Manchester United are still in the market for a midfielder before the transfer window closes whilst Marcus Rashford's future remains unresolved
Head Coach Michael Carrick, Assistant Head Coach Steve Holland of Manchester United takes part in a walk ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid
Michael Carrick is still looking to bolster his Manchester United squad(Image: Getty)
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Manchester United's summer rebuild is far from complete, with the club still expected to be active in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Michael Carrick is preparing for his first full campaign at the helm and while there have already been notable additions, work remains to be done both in terms of recruitment and reducing the size of his squad.
The midfield has been the main area of focus, with United bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. However, the club are not believed to have finished strengthening in the middle of the pitch and continue to explore further options.
Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni emerged as a target earlier this summer but Barcelona's transfer medldngs could halt any potential deal. The Manchester Evening News takes a look at the latest transfer updates out of Old Trafford.
Rashford contract clause emerges
Manchester United's attempts to find a solution for Rashford's future have become even more pressing after details of a lucrative contract clause were revealed. The 28-year-old is already earning around £300,000 per week at Old Trafford, but his wages are now set to increase after United qualified for the Champions League.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United
Rashford is set for a seven-figure bonus on top of his hefty United wages if he remains(Image: Getty)
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Before Sir Jim Ratcliffe made major changes to the club's financial structure, United players had a clause written into their contracts guaranteeing a 25 per cent salary increase if they secured Champions League football. The arrangement was removed in 2024, although players who had signed deals before then - including Rashford and Mason Mount - remain entitled to the boost.
Given Rashford's current earnings of approximately £16m per year, the forward's salary is expected to rise by around £4m as a result of United's European qualification. That extra cost has only increased the club's motivation to find a suitable buyer before the window shuts.
A permanent transfer to Barcelona had appeared to be the most realistic destination for much of the summer following his loan stint in Spain. However, the Catalan giants' £70m capture of Anthony Gordon appears to have closed that door. With only a few weeks left until deadline day, Rashford and United must now find a way forward.
Barcelona swoop causes problem for Man Utd
Barcelona's unexpected pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri could have major consequences for United's own plans in the transfer market. Real Madrid had looked like the favourites to sign the Spain international, whose Etihad Stadium contract has less than 12 months remaining.
Rodri of Manchester City celebrates with the trophy after winning the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City
Rodri is being chased by Spain's two largest clubs(Image: Getty)
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Jose Mourinho's side were reportedly prepared to spend more than £60m on the 30-year-old, while City are thought to be willing to consider a sale given his age.
From United's perspective, Rodri joining Real Madrid would represent the perfect scenario. His arrival at the Bernabeu could force key transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni towards the exit door, with Los Blancos needing to make room in midfield and generate funds to maintain financial balance.
However, persuading Real Madrid to sell the Frenchman could prove difficult if they miss out on a player of Rodri's quality. Barcelona's interest has now thrown another complication into the situation. If the Catalan giants beat Real Madrid to Rodri's signature, there would be little incentive for Los Blancos to negotiate over Tchouameni - denting United's hopes of a late midfield signing.