Manchester United have a huge summer ahead as they look to ensure Champions League football next season, and draw a line under their shortest season which was filled with a poor start, managerial turnover, questionable performances and then a final glimmer of hope. Although they are favourites as it stands for Champions League qualification, it’s clear the squad and club are in need of another huge overhaul.

In this series of blog posts we are looking at the potential arrivals and departures coming in and out of Old Trafford this summer, and with a big summer of action already on the cards through the World Cup, a permanent manager yet to be appointed at the club and of course some financial aspects to take into account, it’s sure to be a busy few weeks/months filled with lots of speculation and movement.

If you have anything to add regarding our choices for arrivals and departures, then get in touch by leaving a comment, or head over to our social media pages and let us know who you think should be joining or leaving this summer, and let us know what you are predicting for United in the new season to come.

Full Back

Arguably the lowest down on the list of arrivals is where we start, as full-back is something United feel like they have decent cover with, but also this arguably is in need of a refresh when compared to the rest of the squad. The current starters are Shaw and Dalot, supported by Dorgu and Mazraoui, with third choice options in the shape of Harry Amass or Diego Leon on the left for a younger option yet to be seen if they can make a long-term impact in the first team, Malacia is also an option but will certainly be moving on this summer, while on the right you could utilise Amad as seen under Amorim. The concern largely comes down to reliability and quality in these positions, as Shaw has been ever-present this season but his injury concerns still loom. Meanwhile Dalot is another player happy to play most games, but can he realistically play 50+ games in a season, probably not if United want to go deeper into competitions. In the back-ups, the likes of Dorgu and Amad will likely be used more attacking in their appearances going into next season, leaving Mazraoui who is reliable cover and the younger options who are still unproven for any long stretch where they are needed in the XI.

In terms of targets, United could keep to their recent trend of Premier League proven, with van de Ven likely to feature a couple more times on this list, or more outright full backs in Tyrick Mitchell or Antonee Robinson. The talk for a shock move to bring in Myles Lewis-Skelly will likely be calmed by his recent Arsenal showing. This is not a position necessarily for this summer, and maybe will be pushed to next season or some January movement, but it’s likely to be on the agenda in the next 12 months.

Centre Back

Manchester United went from feeling like they had plenty of options at centre-back, to then a makeshift defence against Chelsea where Ayden Heaven was their only recognised centre-back option. I’m not sure a huge move is needed here to add to the existing players, but if United could tempt a left-footed centre back into the team this summer, it’s definitely worth considering.

The main option I think most fans would be looking at is Micky van de Ven, who despite being in this poor Tottenham side, could become a bargain buy if they are relegated this season, and if not he would demand a higher fee but probably is ready to move on from the chaos of Spurs after their recent league positions. With his proven Premier League quality, pace and versatility as a centre back or full back, he could be the solution to 2 potential areas for United.

Midfielder 1

All the other suggestions in this post are largely optional or ‘if a deal can be done’ type transfers, but midfield is a MUST. United are definitely losing 1 key midfielder in Casemiro, and could likely lose Ugarte and maybe even some of the younger options this summer. With just Mainoo as the only recognised central midfielder in the squad, he needs support, and that should probably be in the form of 3 additions. I’ve picked these out based on 1 top level signing, 1 mid-level and 1 cheaper option looking at the future or as a purely cameo type arrival.

Starting with the elite level options, you’d be looking at either Elliot Anderson, Sandra Tonali or Aurelien Tchouameni. As of today, I think Anderson will be set for a move to City with a record fee expected well over £100million. Alternatively, Tonali is a question mark, as he would be a perfect addition, but has questions over if a move away from Newcastle is likely, if he prefers a return to Italy, and would Newcastle be open to a deal given their history in recent years with transfers and Manchester United. United cannot afford a drawn out transfer saga with this, so if a deal can’t be done for either player, then move on to an alternative target.

Tchouameni is a name growing in interest, with a recent spat at Real Madrid possibly opening the door for a move away. With Real Madrid hugely in a transitional phase of chaos, United could sneak a deal in at £70million or maybe even less if the right conditions are met. I would have a concern over the recent spat with Valverde at Madrid, however the club seems to be a mess at the moment so I think this likely wouldn’t cause any issues. With proven elite level experience in Europe, this feels like the best Casemiro replacement in terms of mentality, even if he might not have another level to reach from this move.

Midfielder 2

In the ‘mid-level’ options I’m going to stretch this a little to include the likes of Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. While these have previously been considered the ‘high end’ options, I think United could get moves for either player around the £50million mark with possible add-ons for Wharton to move.

Baleba was heavily linked last summer and clearly this and a few other factors have led to a poor season. Now Brighton would be more open to business at United’s level of spend, with £50million an absolute top-end cost for the player who has largely underwhelmed this season, but still contains the traits to fit perfectly into United’s midfield.

Wharton is a player I really would like to see at United, as I think he has a huge ceiling, but my only concern is with Palace possibly back in Europe again next season, a new manager coming in, could they sway Wharton to stay for a bit longer, or push his price out of reach for United. I do have questions if the Mainoo-Wharton pairing is a perfect fit, but with Wharton playing the QB role and Mainoo given the licence to roam, I think it could really click over time. I would expect Palace to shut down any £50million talk, but with add-ons to be discussed, I think a deal like this isn’t impossible, especially if he misses out on the England squad, or gets limited game time this summer.

Midfielder 3

Finally, if you can call a £20million player a bargain buy, then so be it. But Manchester United should look for a 3rd addition to the midfield who can develop into the higher end player. I think players like Hayden Hackney could make a step up, especially if Carrick remains in charge. Alternatively you could look at Mateus Fernandes if West Ham are relegated will surely be available at a decent fee. Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and Alex Scott have both been mentioned, but they’re likely to push this closer to £30million which might have them out of reach.

If the third addition can’t be reached, United should be looking at Collyer, Thwaites and the Fletcher twins who are already United players and could be pushed into a useful role. Especially Collyer who has first-team experience and is needing that next career push, or Thwaites is being highly-touted for possible game time next season if he can impress over the summer. The Fletcher twins offer slightly different options for the midfield and might need a loan move away before being trusted in this spot, but why not give them some minutes in games where United look confident and get experience in this way.

Backup Striker

Benjamin Sesko has had a great 2026 after a shaky start to his Manchester United career under Amorim. He’s able to start and come from the bench with key goals, hold-up play and settling in nicely. As a result, United cannot afford both financially and mentally to bring in another starting striker option, however they could flex their reputation by bringing in a top name who might otherwise be a star starting forward, but to play second choice behind Sesko.

For me personally, I like either Vlahovic, or Mateta in this spot. I think Vlahovic could be available on a free this summer, and while his wages might be more than United would want to be giving a second-choice forward, I think he would still sit within the wage structure of the club. Meanwhile, a deal could be struck with Zirkzee heading the other way this summer. Alternatively again looking at proven Premier League quality, Mateta is clearly on his way out at Palace, and while he had eyes on a January move to Serie A, he might be tempted post World Cup to consider a Premier League move for a few years where he could feature at one of the elite level clubs in football. This would be the more expensive outlay option, but has proven qualities that can both work alongside and as an alternative to Sesko for a long season ahead.

Left-Winger?

The last arrival is only due to a name I’ve seen come up recently, in the form of Rafael Leao, who according to reports could be offered out to clubs this summer under £50million. While I don’t think that’s an area United need a huge amount of depth added, with Cunha, Dorgu and even Mount able to fill in that left-side, an opportunity to add a top talent like Leao should be considered. If he could even be looked at as the back-up striker option, it could again solve 2 areas for United, however only under the right conditions for a deal like this to come to fruition.

Let us know your thoughts on these arrivals, and whether you think they’re the right choice, or if anyone else should be on their way in. You can either leave a comment, or head over to our social media platforms to let us know your thoughts on Manchester United’s big summer ahead.