United View: Crucial transfer window looms

I want to start this week by giving a huge thank you to Ben McCarthy, who has stepped down from his role as our Manchester United columnist after four fantastic years. 

Ben leaves a great legacy and I am proud to be taking the mantle for the next few months, as we look ahead to the Reds’ 2026/27 campaign. 

United go into the summer break off the back of an impressive third place finish in the Premier League, with Michael Carrick steadying the ship after a rocky start under Ruben Amorim, who was axed in January. 

As revealed in May, Carrick’s stellar run as interim boss has landed him the permanent job at Old Trafford, with attention now turning to the upcoming transfer window. 

The Reds’ qualification for the Champions League will not only give them a much-needed financial boost but also enhance their appeal to prospective transfer targets. 

With Casemiro departing the club following the expiry of his contract, the United hierarchy will have their sights set on a midfield rebuild, and if reports are to be believed, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson remains top of that list. 

The main issue is competition from the blue side of Manchester, with City also reportedly keen on the 23-year-old, who are thought to be capable of offering much more in the way of wages. 

Should Carrick’s side fail to land their top target however, they wouldn’t be short of options. 

West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes – who has impressed in his debut season for The Hammers – could prove to be a smart acquisition, with a potential cut price deal on offer following their relegation. 

What is for sure is that United need more than one midfielder as part of the rebuild, and with Manuel Ugarte largely flattering to deceive since arriving at Old Trafford, I feel that at least three are required. 

Encouragingly, The Reds seem keen to get their business done as early as possible, with personal terms already agreed with Atalanta midfielder Ederson. 

United have monitored the hardworking Brazilian for a number of years, and with his contract set to expire in 2027, this summer may be the perfect time to strike. 

Questions have been raised over the 26-year old’s failure to make Brazil’s World Cup squad, but I’d be comfortable if he was brought in as a rotation option, especially for the relatively small fee of £38 million which has been reported. 

Elsewhere, following a spat with teammate and captain Federico Valverde, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni could also be on the market, and would be the world class number six United are looking for to fill the boots of Casemiro. 

Once issues in the middle of the park are solved, Carrick may then look to strengthen down the left-hand side of his team. 

The big question is, where does the United boss see Patrick Dorgu playing next season? 

Should the Dane continue to be used as a left-winger, as he was on numerous occasions last season to great effect, then a left-back may be on the agenda. 

However, should he be seen as the left-back going forward, The Reds could be in the market for a left-sided attacker. 

If the former is true, Lewis Hall would be the dream acquisition, though his sale now looks unlikely following Anthony Gordon’s eyebrow-raising £69 million switch to Barcelona. 

Gordon’s move also directly affects United’s outgoings, with Marcus Rashford’s move to Camp Nou now looking equally improbable. 

Hansi Flick’s side seem reluctant to trigger Rashford’s £25 million buy option - valid until June 15 - which points towards a return to Carrington for the 28-year-old. 

Despite this, his reintegration into Carrick’s squad looks nigh-on impossible, with yet another loan switch perhaps on the horizon.  

Meanwhile, United still need to find potential suitors for both Andre Onana and Jadon Sancho, who are also set to return from respective loans to Trabzonspor and Aston Villa. 

Whatever happens, this summer is certain to be a crucial one for the Reds, as they look to build on a solid 2025/26 campaign.