Michael Carrick will be hoping to celebrate some more Man Utd signings soon(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
After dropping upwards of £80m to reinforce their central midfield options, Manchester United have established a sturdy base for a pivotal upcoming campaign. Even so, few expect their summer recruitment drive to wrap up just yet.
Summer tune-ups have offered Michael Carrick valuable insight into what various members of his squad can deliver on the pitch. Meanwhile, a selection of international stars are set to report back at a later date following their post-World Cup breaks.
With the start of the new Premier League season under four weeks off, United are gearing up for an opening-weekend trip to face top-flight newcomers Hull City.
Prior to that opening fixture, the Red Devils are likely to secure further arrivals, though they may also sanction first-team departures to help balance the books. Below, we break down how the remainder of the transfer window could play out.
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Midfield plans and Tchouameni interest
United have been drawing up a shortlist of midfielders to fill the remaining slot alongside Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Much will hinge on whether the asking price is agreeable, however, as the club will not be pushed into overpaying.
Real Madrid and French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, seems to be the missing piece of the puzzle for Carrick, although it largely depends on Real Madrid's willingness to do business. However, a tough round of negotiations this summer would be small change to pay for a player of such quality, and one who could provide steel to United's engine room.
Manchester United are keen on Aurelien Tchouameni(Image: Getty Images)
The Sun have reported that Los Blancos are willing to part with the Frenchman this summer, with United said to have ‘recently enquired’. Madrid are also believed to be interested in Manchester City's Rodri, therefore paving the way for Tchouameni to leave the Bernabeu and become United's next midfield star.
The burning question remains what lies ahead for Marcus Rashford. The England international is still a United player after Barcelona allowed a purchase option to lapse, though a departure remains a possibility.
Several wide forwards have already been linked with the club. Crysencio Summerville now appears destined to move abroad, while concrete noise surrounding other targets has been relatively sparse of late.
Marcus Rashford could yet play a part for Man Utd next season (Image: Getty Images)
The easiest decision for United is to simply keep Rashford. The 28-year-old was in fine form for the Catalan giants last season and has a solid working relationship with Carrick. The England star's United fallout was said to stem from a rocky relationship with former boss Ruben Amorim.
With Amorim long gone, the path is clear for Rashford to reignite his United career. He would represent a ready-made option for United as an attacking force, with alternatives going for sky-high prices this summer.
With United in need of support in wide areas and in defence, there is one option that seems ideal for the Red Devils: Djed Spence. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back is coming off the back of a stunning World Cup for the Three Lions.
Djed Spence became England's unsung hero(Image: Getty Images)
The 25-year-old slotted in both at left-back and right-back during this summer's tournament, proving his flexibility. Inter Milan are believed to be in the running to sign the defender, with a price tag of around £25m being touted.
While it's a gamble, given that Spence only became a Premier League regular over the last two seasons, his versatility could be key to Carrick's squad rotation.
Possible exits and squad balance
While question marks hang over Rashford's future, there is greater clarity on potential departures elsewhere. Joshua Zirkzee is amongst those who could generate a reasonable fee should a suitable buyer emerge, though perhaps falling short of the £35m United paid Bologna.
Two of United's reserve goalkeepers also appear set to depart. Altay Bayindir is expected to head back to Turkey, while Radek Vitek has already made clear his desire for regular first-team football, meaning a move away from Old Trafford beckons.
Joshua Zirkzee is one player who could leave Manchester United this summer. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Decisions are yet to be made on others, including Toby Collyer. Nevertheless, a string of sales could generate as much as £50m.
That money could enable Carrick to bring in an additional striker to the squad. Ideally, this would be someone content with a squad role, with Benjamin Sesko continuing to spearhead the attack this season.
Dream squad for 2026/27
Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Heaton
Defenders: Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez, Shaw, Spence, Dorgu
Midfielders: Mainoo, Mount, Fernandes, Tchouameni, Santos, Tielemans
Forwards: Sesko, Rashford, Mbeumo, Cunha, Amad
Sold: Toby Collyer, Altay Bayindir, Radek Vitek, Joshua Zirkzee
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