Manchester United could witness a significant clearout during the upcoming summer transfer window, with as many as nine players potentially leaving Old Trafford to facilitate a midfield overhaul. The club is keen on making multiple signings in central midfield to bolster competition for current options.
Departures Looming
Casemiro is expected to depart at the end of the season when his contract expires, necessitating a replacement. Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are also set to leave as their deals run down. Additionally, Napoli is obliged to sign Rasmus Hojlund permanently for £38 million if they qualify for the Champions League, which requires five more points from their remaining four games.
Barcelona holds a £20 million option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently, but there is no obligation. He could spend a second season on loan at the Catalan club. Trabzonspor is reportedly keen on retaining Andre Onana permanently after his loan spell, while deputy goalkeeper Altay Bayindir may also return to Turkey. Joshua Zirkzee is another player United is open to letting go, likely returning to Italy, and Manuel Ugarte could be sold for a reasonable fee as the club refreshes its midfield.
Transfer Targets
Elliot Anderson is United's primary target, but Nottingham Forest is reportedly seeking £120 million. Other candidates include Adam Wharton, Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlos Baleba, and Sandro Tonali. The club also aims to sign a left winger, with Morgan Rogers and Yan Diomande under consideration. A backup goalkeeper and striker are also needed to replace Bayindir and Zirkzee.
If all nine depart, United would sign a new goalkeeper, midfielder, and striker, but no defensive additions are planned. Manager Michael Carrick expressed confidence in the current defensive options, stating, "It's not an area of concern for me at this moment in time. We've got a mixed blend of experience, quality, and promising young players like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro."
Carrick remained noncommittal about the summer plans, adding, "What the future looks like, I can't really get involved, because I'm not sure myself what that looks like."
