Manchester United could offload Marcus Rashford's hefty wages and a struggling striker to make way for more new signings to arrive at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are continuing their activity in the summer transfer window with Michael Carrick building a squad capable of competing across various competitions.
Summer spending spree
United have spent £83m so far this summer, and have seen some huge salaries drop off the wage bill. Jadon Sancho departed the club as a free agent and Casemiro headed for Inter Miami, both of which freed up some room in the budget.
A £35m move for Youri Tielemans has been completed, with the former Aston Villa midfielder signing a five-year deal at Old Trafford. Andrey Santos also joined from Chelsea for an initial £48m, plus £2m in add-ons to beef up the middle of the park.
Karl Darlow, Kit Margetson and Tynan Thompson have also arrived. However, Carrick will still be eager for more players through the door. Some stars will have to depart to accommodate this, with Rashford's future one of a number up for discussion.
Zirkzee's potential exit
Joshua Zirkzee is also being linked with a switch to Juventus, though only on a temporary basis. Reinforcements will be required for Carrick to have enough squad depth to compete both at home and in Europe.
United signed Zirkzee for £36.5m in 2024 but he has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The Dutchman has made a few appearances under Carrick but watched on as Benjamin Sesko leapfrogged him to spearhead the attack last season.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reports that Juventus are closing in on a loan deal for Zirkzee, with boss Luciano Spalletti 'saying yes' to the move. It looks increasingly likely that the former Bologna man will depart this summer, one way or another.
Free agent option
United will likely need reinforcements if that is to happen, although Carrick may not want to disrupt the progress of Sesko, who impressed towards the back end of last term. This is where the free agency market could prove invaluable. Dusan Vlahovic is one among several forwards who have been linked to Old Trafford – and he could represent the perfect signing for nothing at all.
The 26-year-old left Juve following the expiry of his deal this summer, having netted 68 goals in 168 outings. He has amassed 140 club goals throughout his career.
Vlahovic boasts a considerable European pedigree but could provide adequate cover for Sesko, who has impressed under Carrick's guidance. Securing a free agent would demonstrate the manager's faith in the Slovenian forward while allowing him to develop through competition with the Serbia international.
Vlahovic would additionally offer greater flexibility in attack, enabling Carrick to rest Sesko and maintain squad fitness throughout a demanding campaign.
Rashford's future
Rashford's situation at United continues to hang in the balance. At present, the academy product is set to rejoin pre-season preparations with the club following the collapse of a Barcelona switch.
He remains heavily linked with a move away from the club, including in recent days to Fenerbahce. Earlier in the window, however, it was thought that Rashford wouldn't be keen on a move to Turkey, which could put the skids on any potential move before it has even gotten going. Tottenham have also registered their interest, and with several weeks remaining before the transfer window shuts, whether Rashford's future lies at Old Trafford or beyond remains very much unresolved.
Should he depart permanently, Iliman Ndiaye could prove an ideal replacement, bringing with him solid Premier League pedigree. The 26-year-old has racked up 20 goal contributions across 70 appearances for Everton and is strongly linked with a move to United.
It is understood that the Toffees will hold out for around £70m for the left-winger, who is also attracting attention from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
Dream attack lineup
With Benjamin Sesko currently leading the line, Vlahovic could be the ideal option for United to call upon when needed. With two top-quality strikers at their disposal, focus would then shift to the wide positions.
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo have the right flank well covered, with the latter likely to get the nod to start. Ndiaye would fit seamlessly on the left, and there is always the option to utilise Patrick Dorgu in a more advanced role after impressing last season.
Regarding the No. 10 role in Carrick's favoured 4-2-3-1 system, Bruno Fernandes will continue as the dependable playmaker and club captain.
