Manchester United are at the start of a summer rebuild. Michael Carrick will be eager to reshape his squad after becoming the club’s permanent manager. It is set to be a busy few months at Old Trafford as United look to bolster their ranks. The new boss was able to steer the team to third in the league last season, but United’s Champions League commitments and desire to win the domestic cups will lead to a more demanding schedule next term.
United have struck an early deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is currently part of Brazil’s World Cup squad, as part of their summer recruitment drive. However, several other new signings will be needed as seven players have already left the club and three more first team stars could also be heading for the exit door.
Casemiro’s departure was announced during the season. Replacing the 34-year-old will be pivotal for Carrick, both for his defensive contributions and nine league goals, with Ederson arriving to bolster the club’s options in midfield. Jadon Sancho’s time as a United player has also come to an end after reaching the end of his contract, five years on from being a marquee signing from Borussia Dortmund. The 26-year-old failed to produce his best form for the Reds and was loaned out to Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa after falling down the pecking order.
Tyrell Malacia was also among the first team players released by the club this summer after the full-back made just three league appearances for United last season. Meanwhile, academy stars Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe are set to embark on new chapters in their young careers after being released. United announced striker Rasmus Hojlund’s permanent move to Napoli before the summer transfer window had officially opened earlier this month. The 23-year-old spent the season on loan at the Italian club and a £38million clause was triggered after Antonio Conte’s side sealed Champions League qualification.
Among other United players who could leave this summer, Marcus Rashford has an uncertain future. The forward scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists during his loan spell at Barcelona, but the Catalan club opted against triggering their £26m buy option. Barcelona have signed Anthony Gordon in Rashford’s position, raising doubts over whether the United star will be at the Camp Nou next season. While he could be reintegrated into Carrick’s squad, the Reds will be aware that an impressive showing for England at the World Cup could also increase Rashford’s transfer value.
Andre Onana could also seal a permanent move away from United after spending last season on loan at Trabzonspor. The Cameroon international lost his No.1 spot at Old Trafford last year, which has since been taken by Senne Lammens, but became a fan favourite at Trabzonspor after winning the Turkish Cup. The club’s president Ertugrul Dogan is confident that Onana will remain with the Turkish side. Speaking to Ajansspor, Dogan said: 'I think Andre Onana will stay with the team. We’ve met his financial demands.'
Joshua Zirkzee is another player United could look to sell as the forward has struggled to earn a regular spot in the team after his move from Bologna in 2024. The 25-year-old previously attracted interest from Roma in the January transfer window. Zirkzee made 26 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring twice, but only started on five occasions. His lack of regular minutes saw him miss out on a place in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
