Manchester United have signed six players, let 14 leave, and could still complete seven more transfers before the Premier League season begins on August 22 against Hull City. Manager Michael Carrick has been reshaping his squad for the 2026/27 campaign following his permanent appointment at the end of last season.
Six arrivals so far
Andrey Santos was the first signing of the Carrick era, joining from Chelsea for £50 million. The midfielder has featured regularly in pre-season and is confident he can replace Casemiro as the No. 6. Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, Santos said: "I prefer playing deep like a number six. I try help my teammates without the ball and with the ball I love breaking the lines. For me Casemiro is a legend. Now he's gone and I'm here. I feel that I can do like Casemiro did last season."
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow joined on a free transfer from Leeds, and Youri Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa after United triggered his £35m release clause. Youth signings Tynan Thompson and Kit Margetson came from Tottenham and Swansea City respectively, while 18-year-old midfielder Cristian Orozco joined the academy from Fortaleza CEIF.
Fourteen departures
Casemiro left for Inter Miami on a free transfer, taking £350,000 off the weekly wage bill. Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Malachi Sharpe departed upon contract expiry and are currently without clubs. Radek Vitek joined Middlesbrough for an initial £7m, which could double with performance bonuses.
Loans saw Solomon Honor move to Southport, Sekou Kone to Lausanne-Sport, Andre Onana return to Trabzonspor for a second spell, Altay Bayindir join Celta Vigo, and Elyh Harrison head to Greenock Morton. Sonny Aljofree and James Bailey left on free transfers to Rotherham United and Stockport County respectively, while Tyler Fredricson ended his eight-year association with United by joining Lausanne-Sport permanently.
Rasmus Hojlund completed a permanent move to Napoli after a successful loan. The Serie A side triggered a £38m obligation-to-buy clause after qualifying for the Champions League. Writing on Instagram in May, Hojlund said: "This goal felt symbolic because it means two things. We now secured Champions League with Napoli, which means because of my contract I’m now officially a Napoli player and I’m saying goodbye to Manchester United. My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey. So the goal today symbolises a new confident start, in which I will give everything for the time ahead to Napoli, and a thank you to all the fans, players and staff of Manchester United who made the dream I had as a kid come true. It’s time for new dreams, so let’s chase them."
Seven transfers still possible
United are working on a deal for Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, an 18-year-old named EFL Apprentice of the Year with 21 senior appearances. Talks are ongoing, with Aston Villa and Arsenal also interested, but United are frontrunners. The club are also targeting fullbacks, with Jorge Salinas emerging as a target. Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon said clubs must meet the £13.7m release clause, adding: "There is nothing we can do if a big star appears."
Lewis Hall remains the primary target, but Newcastle are adamant the 21-year-old is not for sale. Myles Lewis-Skelly could be an alternative, with United offered the chance to sign the 19-year-old this week. Manu Kone is also linked, with reports suggesting personal terms have been agreed, though Roma may demand up to £51m. Lamine Camara is another option, costing at least £42.7m according to The Standard.
Outgoings could include Toby Collyer, who has interest from Championship sides, and Harry Amass, who could leave if a £6m fee is met or on loan. Joshua Zirkzee is linked with Juventus, who are considering a loan with obligation to buy, while Ethan Wheatley is being monitored by Everton for their under-21 setup.
