Manchester United are more likely to sign a left-back than a left-winger this summer after evaluating options in both positions. Patrick Dorgu's emergence as a viable winger is set to continue next season. The 21-year-old delivered another impactful display from an attacking role for Denmark last weekend, scoring a sensational goal against Ukraine from the wing.
With Dorgu a serious option on the left and Matheus Cunha playing there for much of the second half of last season, the need to sign a left-winger has diminished. United are still monitoring options in that area. They hold a longstanding interest in Morgan Rogers and admire Iliman Ndiaye of Everton, but the focus will be on a full-back.
If Dorgu is used as a winger next season, Luke Shaw would be the only left-back in the squad. Although Shaw started every Premier League game last season, doubts remain over his ability to play twice a week, and he is out of contract in 12 months. This has made signing a successor a priority. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is a player United keenly pursue. Newcastle do not need to sell after backing £69 million for Anthony Gordon, which complicates matters, but Hall has not always been a guaranteed starter and was on the bench for 10 of the Magpies' Premier League games last season.
United had scouted Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown, but the 22-year-old is understood to have agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich ahead of a move this summer. Myles Lewis-Skelly was also of interest, but his situation changed after his emergence in midfield for Arsenal at the end of the season.
Rashford's Regret
Marcus Rashford was blindsided by Barcelona's decision to spend big on Gordon, having felt he had done enough to earn a permanent deal at the Nou Camp. Although it is believed the La Liga side could try to negotiate a cut-price fee or another loan, the chances of Rashford wearing the Barcelona shirt again appear slim.
The Catalan club still have until Monday (June 15) to activate the option on his season-long loan and sign him for €30 million (£26 million), but that will not happen. There has been no formal communication between Barcelona and United, meaning no developments with other interested parties until next week.
Rashford performing well at the World Cup could spark a market for the 28-year-old, whose 28 goal contributions in 49 games for Barcelona were impressive. Premier League interest in the forward is expected, but the Manchester Evening News understands that Bayern Munich are seriously considering a move. Bayern wanted Gordon before he joined Barcelona and, having seen Nicolas Jackson return to Chelsea after his loan spell ended, they need cover on the left and a backup for Harry Kane. Rashford could fill both roles.
The Common Thread in Midfield
United's decision to step away from the race to sign Elliot Anderson has shifted the search for midfield reinforcements elsewhere, but there is a common thread running through the targets currently at the top of the list that should not be ignored. Anderson was the ideal target at 23 with plenty of Premier League experience. Mateus Fernandes is now considered the most likely new arrival. The Portuguese is 21 and has two seasons in the Premier League under his belt.
There is still interest in Carlos Baleba, who is 22 and has three seasons in the Premier League to his name, while United also admire Alex Scott, 22, who has been in the top flight for three years with Bournemouth. These are crucial links for much of United's transfer business now. They are focusing on younger players with their best years still to come and place a premium on Premier League-proven players.
The success of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has only reinforced that view, and it would be a big surprise if at least one of Fernandes, Baleba, or Scott did not end up at Old Trafford by the end of the transfer window.
Three Goalkeepers to Leave
It looks increasingly likely that at least three goalkeepers will be leaving Old Trafford this summer. Andre Onana is currently planning to return for pre-season in the second week of July but has been told he has no future at the club. Altay Bayindir has spent the last three years as No. 2 but will leave during this transfer window in search of more regular game time. Clubs in Turkey are interested.
Then there is Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season in the Championship with Bristol City, and consideration had been given to keeping him at Old Trafford next term as Senne Lammens' understudy. But Vitek is desperate for another season of first-team football and is expected to leave again, possibly being sold, with his value high after his performances for the Robins.
That means a new goalkeeper is needed, and United have what has been described as a "long list" of options, including 33-year-old Sam Johnstone and 35-year-old Karl Darlow. Both would count as homegrown, while Johnstone is also club-trained, which would be beneficial for filling UEFA-allowed spots in the Champions League squad next season.
Ederson's Welcome
Ederson was overlooked for the Brazil squad for the last 16 months of his Atalanta career, but within days of agreeing to join United, he was back in the squad for the World Cup. His late call-up to replace Wesley is a blow for United in some ways. That deal will now only be completed after the World Cup, and he will not be available for the start of pre-season. However, it gives him a chance to get to know the club he is joining. Matheus Cunha has been a welcoming presence in North America, and there is also the chance to pick the brains of Casemiro about United's midfield.
Dispatch from Carrington
United have been doing their best to keep the noise down regarding transfers this summer, but it has been well known that they really liked Elliot Anderson for several months. The problem was always likely to be Manchester City's interest, and it seems the point has come where United admit defeat in that chase. The price has rocketed as well, so there might not be too much disappointment there.
Earlier this year, there was talk of Forest wanting £100 million, with a possible compromise closer to £80 million. The fact that they secured Premier League safety changed that, and Anderson's performances in the second half of the campaign and his eye-catching displays for England have seen the price go up and up.
Quote of the Week
"One of the goals that we've set out is to win the Premier League, the 21st league [title], before 2028. So, ideally, we do it next season and if not, then the following season." Technically, this is from last week, but it came too late to make Notebook. Omar Berrada did not shy away from the ambition for United to win the league in the next two years. This line from his end-of-season club interview went under the radar, but it shows there is real belief that a title can be won soon.
What to Look Out For Next Week
Do not expect white smoke to emerge from the Nou Camp on Monday. The day will pass with little action, and it is safe to say Barcelona will not activate that option for Rashford before the deadline. Come Tuesday, the game changes for club and player, and they will need to be proactive. There might be little movement during the World Cup, but Tuesday is the day that plenty changes for United and Rashford.
