Manchester United are planning significant transfer activity this summer to strengthen Michael Carrick's squad, potentially reshaping their attack with the departures of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, and the arrivals of Dusan Vlahovic and Iliman Ndiaye.
The club have already spent £83million this summer, with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow joining the squad. Casemiro has left on a free transfer to Inter Miami, while Rasmus Hojlund's loan move to Napoli has been made permanent for around £43.2m.
Rashford and Zirkzee futures uncertain
Marcus Rashford continues to be linked with a move away from his boyhood club, with his future remaining uncertain. Joshua Zirkzee is also being touted with a move to Juventus, albeit only on a temporary basis.
Should Carrick lose both attackers, he may need replacements ahead of a heavily congested campaign of domestic and European football.
Vlahovic available on a free
United signed Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5m in 2024, but he has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The Dutchman has sporadically appeared under Carrick but has seen Benjamin Sesko rise above him to lead the line.
It is understood that the striker is nearing a loan exit to Juventus, with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claiming that boss Luciano Spalletti has 'said yes' to bringing the 25-year-old back to Serie A.
Dusan Vlahovic is one of several strikers linked with the Reds and could be the ideal addition for a bargain price. The 26-year-old departed Juventus upon the expiry of his contract this summer, where he scored 68 goals in 168 appearances. He has 140 club goals across his career.
Vlahovic is experienced in European football but could provide ample back-up to Sesko, who has performed well under Carrick. Bringing in a free agent would show the manager's loyalty to the Slovenian striker and allow him to improve with competition from the Serbia international.
Ndiaye as Rashford replacement
Rashford's future still remains uncertain at United. As it stands, the academy graduate will return for pre-season training with the club after closing the door on a Barcelona move. However, there is certain to be significant interest in him before the end of the window, and any departure would allow United to get the forward's hefty wages off the books.
The Sun reports that Fenerbahce have placed the 28-year-old on a shortlist for transfers, but they would need to break the bank to secure his signature. However, it is believed that Rashford wouldn't favour a move to Turkey. Tottenham have also shown interest in him.
If the winger does depart for good, then Iliman Ndiaye could be an ideal replacement with proven Premier League experience. The 26-year-old has 20 goal contributions in 70 appearances for Everton and is heavily linked with United.
It is understood that the Toffees will demand around £70m for the left-winger, who is also attracting interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Ndiaye is open to leaving Everton but has three years left on his contract, so the club are in no rush to sell him.
United's dream attack
With Benjamin Sesko currently leading the line, Vlahovic could be the perfect star United can rely on to jump in where required. With two top-drawer choices up front, attention would then turn to the flanks.
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo have the right-hand side locked down, with 21 goal contributions between them last season. Ndiaye would slot in perfectly on the left and there is already a left-wing option in the form of Patrick Dorgu, who Carrick prefers to play further forward.
The 21-year-old was shining brightly before his injury last season and can operate across the entire left-hand side. In terms of the No. 10 in Carrick's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Bruno Fernandes will remain the ever-responsible playmaker and club captain.
