We might be in the midst of a World Cup, but the Manchester United news cycle never stops. Even in North America, United narratives are being written, whether it's Marcus Rashford's impressive cameo as he seeks a move away from Old Trafford or Amad's starring role for the Ivory Coast in his bid to return to form ahead of the new season.
Fixture Release and Summer Plans
The excitement for the 2026/27 campaign ramped up on Friday as the Premier League fixture list was revealed. United have been handed a favourable start away at Hull City before a home game against Ipswich Town. United will hope to have welcomed a few new additions by the time they kick off at the MKM Stadium on August 22. Michael Carrick knows he needs to bolster his squad as United look to compete on four fronts.
Q&A: Transfer Latest
Mateus Fernandes and Midfield Additions
When would you expect the signing of Mateus Fernandes? Will United afford another midfielder? The key date for Fernandes is June 30, the Premier League and EFL accounting deadline. West Ham lost £104 million last year and admitted they would have to sell players even without relegation. There is a feeling they might need to sell to avoid breaching financial rules, and if so, they need to do it in the next 10 days. That's why United are happy to let the Fernandes situation play out. If it goes beyond June 30, I still expect him to join. As for a third midfielder, if they can sell Ugarte, there is a reasonable chance of another addition after Fernandes.
Sandro Tonali vs. Fernandes
Do you not think Sandro Tonali would be a better replacement for Casemiro? I think Fernandes and Ederson are both box-to-box players and versatile midfielders, which is what United want. They see their No.6 as an elite-level passer who complements Mainoo and affects the game further forward. Tonali is excellent, but there are obvious reasons clubs could be wary given his previous betting ban, and Newcastle's sale of Anthony Gordon means they can drive a harder bargain for Tonali than West Ham can for Fernandes.
Hayden Hackney Interest
How far have United gone with pursuing Hayden Hackney? Hackney was one of a number of midfielders United have looked at as a potential third addition if Ugarte goes. Sander Berge and Shea Charles also fit the bill. A deal like that is only likely once Fernandes is done, and Hackney is likely to move before then, with Everton seemingly leading the race. That third addition will be a squad player and rotation option, ready to fight for a place and accept limited minutes.
Left Winger Depth
Why do we need another left winger when Dorgu is doing a good job? It's about depth. Patrick Dorgu has played three games on the left wing for United, a small sample size. Matheus Cunha did well there but is probably better through the middle. Dorgu could end up at left-back next season if United sign another left-winger, while people close to him believe he is best as a right-winger. He won't be short of games.
Winger Targets
Which winger are we signing this summer? United have looked at numerous options for the left. They are big admirers of Morgan Rogers, who fits the bill but comes with a hefty fee and competition. The MEN reported United also like Iliman Ndiaye at Everton, who has shown little desire to sign a new deal. Then there is Crysencio Summerville, another player United like and one that would be attainable given West Ham's issues. The difficulty would be signing two players from the Hammers this summer, and Rashford's future will also come into play.
Tchouameni Pursuit
Why don't United go all out to sign Tchouameni? At the moment, Real Madrid don't want to sell and Tchouameni isn't pushing to leave. Jose Mourinho has made it clear he doesn't want to lose the France international. Real's situation could change if they spend big on a midfielder, but the free transfer addition of Bernardo Silva won't force a departure. Maybe things change late in the window, but it feels unlikely and United will want a No.6 before that point.
Rashford's Future
Is Rashford coming back to Old Trafford? He will quite probably return to Carrington, but I'd be very surprised if he was reintegrated into the squad once competitive action starts. Rashford will get three weeks off after the World Cup and if still a United player, he will be back in training and available for pre-season. But the plan remains to ideally sell him, with a gentleman's agreement he can go for £40 million. That price could come down later, and a loan deal might end up on the table in the final weeks of summer, but I'd be surprised if he was still at the club in September.
Onana's Situation
What are the plans for Onana? It's been made clear to Andre Onana that the plan is to sell him. Senne Lammens is now clearly the No.1, and Onana, on around £190,000-a-week, is on too big a salary to be a No.2 goalkeeper, even if he wanted that role. He is happy to fight for his place if required, but it's almost certainly a battle he can't win. The challenge for United will be drumming up a bidding war on that salary, and another loan might end up being the solution.
