Manchester United are planning to strengthen in central midfield due to Casemiro's impending departure, which the Brazilian announced in January. The club are targeting Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba as midfield signings, according to multiple reports. They are also interested in Sandro Tonali, as reported by 16 sources. The midfield rebuild is a priority, with Gary Neville urging the club to make four signings this summer, including two midfielders, according to the Daily Mirror - Football. Louis Saha, speaking to Metro - Main, described Bruno Guimaraes as an ideal replacement for Casemiro and also mentioned Sandro Tonali as an alternative. Ryan Giggs, according to Metro - Main, urged Manchester United to sign Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson this summer. Tim Sherwood, according to the Daily Mail - Sport, urged the club to sign Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu. Elliot Anderson has attracted interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest have valued him at £80 million, according to multiple reports.
The striker situation is also under scrutiny. Benjamin Sesko is currently the main striker, but pundits are divided on his future. According to Metro - Main, Nicky Butt described Sesko as someone who will 'do okay' but is not the long-term answer and needs support. Michael Owen, also according to Metro - Main, advised Manchester United to 'upgrade' Sesko as he is 'not the answer' long-term. Louis Saha, according to Metro - Main, urged the club to sign a striker to support Sesko, and also mentioned Micky van de Ven as a possible defensive target. The disagreement among pundits affects whether Manchester United should prioritize signing a new starting striker or a backup striker.
Nicky Butt named Erling Haaland and Declan Rice as his dream signings for Manchester United.
Other transfer targets include a left winger, a left-back, and young prospects. Carrick has hinted that Manchester United could sign a left winger in the summer transfer window, and he said Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha can play left wing. According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are targeting a younger left-back, a left-winger, and at least two midfielders. The club are also interested in signing Marcus Tavernier, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Yan Diomande, according to the Daily Mail as cited by the Daily Express. Additionally, Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old Colombian defensive midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF for £750,000, according to multiple reports.
Defensive changes are also on the cards. Harry Maguire signed a new one-year contract with Manchester United, with an option for a further year, according to eight sources. Nicky Butt, according to Metro - Main, urged Manchester United to send Leny Yoro out on loan and sign another centre-half. This suggests potential movement in the defensive line.
Nicky Butt believes Benjamin Sesko will 'do okay' but is not the long-term answer and needs support.
Outgoings are expected to fund the rebuild. Paul Scholes, according to the Daily Mirror - Main, described eight first-team players who need to be sold: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee. Jadon Sancho can leave for free in summer 2026 and wants to return to Borussia Dortmund, according to research from four sources.
The manager situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Michael Carrick has impressed as interim manager, with Manchester United losing only once since his appointment. The club are on course to qualify for the Champions League, according to 17 sources. Ryan Giggs, according to Metro - Main, believes Carrick should be kept as permanent manager. However, Carrick's contract status is unclear: he is manager for the remainder of the season, but reports suggest he signed a deal until the summer, implying uncertainty about next season. This affects whether Carrick is seen as a long-term or short-term appointment, influencing transfer planning and squad stability.
Michael Owen advised Manchester United to 'upgrade' Benjamin Sesko as he is 'not the answer' long-term.
Pundits have also shared their dream signings. According to Metro - Main, Nicky Butt described Erling Haaland and Declan Rice as his dream signings for Manchester United. According to Metro - Main, Louis Saha described his dream signing as Desire Doue, but Victor Osimhen is a more realistic target. Chris Waddle, according to the Daily Mirror - Football, said Cole Palmer could be tempted to move to Manchester United if he feels disillusioned at Chelsea.
Several unknowns remain. It is not yet known who will be Manchester United's permanent manager next season, what the actual transfer budget is, which specific midfield targets are actively being pursued, whether Benjamin Sesko will remain as the main striker or be replaced, and which players will be sold to fund transfers.
Nicky Butt urged Manchester United to send Leny Yoro out on loan and sign another centre-half.