Manchester United's rebuild under Michael Carrick is in full effect. The new permanent United boss has already welcomed several new signings as the club prepares to face Norwegian side Rosenborg on Friday in their second pre-season fixture.
So far, Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea before the club pulled off a stunning move for Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans. Joining those two is former veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who has signed from Leeds. United's move for highly rated Tottenham prospect Tynan Thompson shows they're also considering their long-term future.
United star receiving 'texts and calls' over move
United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been of interest to Juventus, as the Serie A side weighs up a move for the Dutch star. Zirkzee has long been linked with a return to Italy after struggling to light up the Premier League since arriving at Old Trafford in 2024 for £36.5million from Bologna. While he has only scored five goals in 56 Premier League appearances, the 25-year-old's stock in Italy seems to have remained high.
Gazetta dello Sport report that Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali and sporting director Marco Ottolini are looking to replace Dusan Vlahovic, who was recently released. Zirkzee is believed to have been on the receiving end of 'texts, calls and video calls' as the Serie A giants enquired over his availability. Juve's preference is believed to be PSG's Kolo Muani, but their £34m bid has not yet been accepted as the Parisians look to hold out for more.
Zirkzee started United's opening pre-season match of the summer and failed to find the net as Carrick's team fell to defeat against Wrexham. In April, it was reported that Zirkzee was 'intent' on staying at Old Trafford beyond the summer, but it looks like he could be on the move.
Alex Scott boost
United may have been handed a boost in their chase for Alex Scott after he rejected a new contract offer from Bournemouth. The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer. The Cherries have Scott tied down to a contract until 2028 and have tried to extend his terms. However, according to Sky Sports, he is not currently willing to accept those, with his camp having rejected a fresh deal.
A release clause for Scott has been reported, but with nothing signed, Scott is expected to cost any admirers around £60m. United's pursuit of the midfielder comes as Carrick is said to be looking for a third addition to the engine room. Scott appears to be the concrete option, alongside AS Roma's Manu Kone. Scott's club team-mate, Tyler Adams, has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Arsenal have been linked with Scott too, but Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes seems to be their priority target.
