Man United prioritize strengthening midfield and left wing
According to British media, Manchester United enters the 2026 summer transfer window with quite clear goals: recruiting two central midfielders and a left winger. In addition, the Old Trafford team may also add a backup goalkeeper, but the top priority is still to strengthen the midfield and increase attacking options on both wings.
The decision not to extend the contract with Casemiro when the current agreement expires this summer did not surprise many people. However, Man United's board of directors admitted that the departure of the 34-year-old midfielder will leave a significant gap, both in terms of experience and ability to score important goals. The former Real Madrid player has scored 6 goals in the Premier League this season.
One of Man United's top targets is Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest. Despite having to compete with Manchester City, sources say that inside Old Trafford believes that the 23-year-old midfielder can still be persuaded to join the team.
In addition to Anderson, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Carlos Baleba of Brighton are also on the watch list, while Man United are still continuing to look for other options in the European market.
Two Newcastle United midfielders, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, are also mentioned as potential targets if there is a chance to leave. However, Man United's board of directors understand that reaching an agreement with Newcastle is extremely difficult. The Northeast team is famous for its tough negotiation stance - which was shown in the Alexander Isak deal with Liverpool last summer.
In the opposite direction, the revival of Kobbie Mainoo under Michael Carrick has helped Man United eliminate the possibility of the 20-year-old midfielder leaving the team this summer. However, the English player has not yet signed a new contract, although his current agreement is valid until 2027 and the club has the right to extend it for another year.
The "Red Devils" leadership believes that a midfield line including Mainoo and two potential rookies - supported by the flexibility of players like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount - can bring the strength and depth needed for Man United to compete at the highest level, especially if they return to the Champions League.
On the left flank, although Patrick Dorgu impressed under Carrick before suffering a hamstring injury, Man United still wants to add a new option. They once tried to recruit Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in January, but could not compete for the salary offered by Man City.
Which names can leave?
More than 2 years after INEOS took over football operations from the Glazer family, the new leadership is still making efforts to overcome the consequences of ineffective transfer windows in the past.
Man United currently owes about 422 million pounds of unpaid transfer fees, of which 238 million pounds will have to be paid before the end of next season. Recovering most of the money spent on contracts such as Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Andre Onana and Mason Mount is considered very difficult.
Man United are ready to listen to any offers, in which Hojlund and Onana are currently playing on loan at Napoli and Trabzonspor. Meanwhile, they believe that Marcus Rashford will find a new destination in the summer, even if Barcelona does not activate the £26 million buyout clause after the loan period of this player.
Jadon Sancho's career at Man United is almost certain to close when his contract expires this summer, helping the club save about 300,000 pounds in salary per week. Defender Tyrell Malacia is also expected to leave the team on a free transfer.
Harry Maguire's future is still undecided. The 33-year-old center-back has played an important role this season, not only in defense but also in guiding young players.
Man United may offer Maguire a one-year extension with a lower salary. However, the English center-back is likely to receive more attractive offers from other clubs. Therefore, the final decision may depend on whether he wants to continue to stick with Old Trafford or seek a more stable contract elsewhere.
