Manchester United are entering a crucial phase of the summer as the Premier League season approaches. After a World Cup break, the club are back in the Champions League and Michael Carrick will continue as permanent head coach. Recent signings have slowed, but Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans have joined the senior squad, while Tynan Thompson could push for first-team involvement after arriving from Tottenham Hotspur.
Ticketing fiasco ends
In July, some supporters were angered by the club's clampdown on ticket touts. United now recognise how many innocent fans have been affected by the new strategy. The club says fans who were emailed to say their accounts had been temporarily restricted have six or more linked accounts. No sanctions have been handed out yet, so a solution is still needed before the season gets under way.
New striker arrives
United's attack has been overlooked so far this summer. Benjamin Sesko is Carrick's first-choice centre-forward, but questions remain behind him. Joshua Zirkzee's future is unclear amid interest from Italy, and even if he stays, United need a forward who can compete with the Slovenia international. Danny Welbeck would have been a great signing for that role after an impressive Premier League campaign. Signing a striker is understood not to be a priority, but Sesko could do with support.
Rashford solution
Marcus Rashford said his goodbyes to Barcelona on Thursday, bringing that chapter of his career to an end. He is now preparing to return to Carrington and will be reintegrated into the first-team squad if no buyer emerges. There is currently no exit route, so staying at Old Trafford this season is a real possibility. The dream outcome would be a seamless transition back into the side, but moving him on remains the ideal solution.
Hall signs
United look weak at left-back. Luke Shaw's 2025/26 campaign should be commended, but he cannot be relied upon to play twice a week with Champions League football back. At Newcastle, Eddie Howe has left and key players such as Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have also departed, making St James' Park less attractive for Lewis Hall. Hall fits the profile United need, and if he wants to leave the north east, the Reds should pursue a deal. Reports suggest he could cost as much as £70m, which would be money well spent if he becomes first-choice for the next decade.
Third midfielder joins
Many fans hope the third midfield signing will be a traditional defensive midfielder, but that may not happen as Carrick moves the club towards a more controlled style. If Aurelien Tchouameni becomes available, United would not hesitate to join the race. Realistically, a midfielder in the £30m-£50m bracket is likely to sign. AS Roma's Manu Kone impressed at the World Cup and would be an exciting addition, though it remains to be seen whether United make a move.
Back-to-back wins
Carrick will focus on the opening two matches: Hull City away and Ipswich Town at home. Hull are arguably the weakest of the newly promoted sides, and United should win there if they are to challenge at the top. Ipswich are no longer managed by Kieran McKenna, and it is uncertain whether Gary O'Neil is a good replacement. With two newly promoted teams up first, United should aim for six points in August.
Favourable Champions League draw
United will learn their opponents in the league phase of the Champions League at the end of the month. A dream draw would avoid long-distance trips that could create scheduling problems. United will not know until after the play-offs conclude which teams are worth avoiding, but the top two pots are almost decided. United cannot face English teams in the league phase and will want to avoid big hitters like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid this early. There is no such thing as an easy game in the Champions League, but Carrick will hope for a favourable draw.
