Manchester United manager Michael Carrick after the Premier League match at the American Express Stadium, Brighton and Hove. Picture date: Sunday May 24, 2026. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
PA Images via Getty Images
There is barely a player Manchester United hasn’t been linked with this summer. That, of course, is customary for the Old Trafford club. United is a staple of the gossip column and so supporters must take any reporting about transfer targets linked to their club with a pinch of salt.
This summer, however, is a pivotal one for Manchester United if it is to compete at the top end of the Premier League table next season. Michael Carrick has been confirmed as the club’s permanent manager following a successful interim period and the former midfielder must continue to mould the team in his own image.
STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILANO, ITALY – 2026/05/10: Ederson Jose of Atalanta Bc during warm up before the Serie A football match between Ac Milan and Atalanta BC . Atalanta Bc wins 3-2 over Ac Milan. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
LightRocket via Getty Images
Ederson is expected to complete a transfer to Old Trafford from Atalanta. The Brazilian is a box-to-box operator who will offer Manchester United a lot of energy through the centre of the field. The reported fee of £35m represents good value for a player who has shown his quality over several seasons in Serie A.
United, however, needs even more in the summer transfer window. Casemiro departed Old Trafford for Inter Miami and Major League Soccer at the end of the 2025/26 season, leaving a gaping hole in the centre of Carrick’s midfield unit. Even if Ederson fills that void, though, Manchester United requires more depth in the middle of the pitch.
Matheus Fernandes was believed to be a target before Tottenham Hotspur reportedly beat Manchester United to the signing of the Portuguese midfielder who suffered relegation from the Premier League with West Ham last season. Spurs were prepared to pay a fee that was beyond United’s valuation of the player.
RED BULL ARENA, LEIPZIG, GERMANY – 2026/05/27: Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace FC lifts the trophy during the award ceremony following the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 final football match between Crystal Palace FC and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid. Crystal Palace FC won 1-0 over Rayo Vallecano de Madrid. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
LightRocket via Getty Images
Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have also been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford. Either player would improve the quality of Manchester United’s midfield which currently consists of only Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
Manchester United could do with a new left winger although recent reports suggest Marcus Rashford could return to the club after a season on loan at Barcelona. A new left back would also strengthen Carrick’s squad while a back-up option to Benjamin Sesko as United’s centre forward could be on the shopping list.
While the early signs were that Manchester United would be proactive in this summer’s transfer window, it must be careful that the opportunity to strengthen doesn’t slip away. The Old Trafford club has already missed out on a target or two to rival teams. More work is required before the window closes.