Manchester United are expected to undergo a significant defensive overhaul this summer, with Michael Carrick preparing for his first transfer window as permanent head coach. The club is set to see a £48 million duo depart, while a former academy star could return and a promising left-back is being targeted as a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.
Goalkeeping Changes
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir are both likely to leave Old Trafford, generating a combined fee of £48.3 million. Onana, who has been on loan at Trabzonspor, is not in Carrick's plans, and the Turkish club's president has confirmed talks over a permanent move. Bayindir, who lost his starting spot to Senne Lammens, is also linked with a return to Turkey. This opens a spot for a backup goalkeeper, with Sam Johnstone emerging as a target. The 33-year-old, a former United academy player who never made a first-team appearance, could return from relegated Wolves to provide experienced cover and help meet homegrown quotas.
Defensive Targets
Carrick's defence is relatively settled in central areas and at right-back, but left-back remains a pressing concern. Tyrell Malacia will leave when his contract expires, Patrick Dorgu is being used as a winger, and Luke Shaw, now 30, cannot be relied upon for a full season. The dream candidate is Newcastle's Lewis Hall, a 21-year-old left-back admired by United. Despite Newcastle's insistence that he is not for sale, a £70 million offer could tempt them, given they signed him for £35 million two years ago. However, Hall may prove too costly, with alternatives including Harry Amass and Nathaniel Brown.
Projected Backline
If the moves materialise, United's defensive lineup for next season could be:
- Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Sam Johnstone, Tom Heaton
- Right-backs: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui
- Centre-backs: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven
- Left-backs: Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, Harry Amass
Carrick's first summer in charge promises to reshape United's defence, balancing experience and youth while addressing key positions.
