The upcoming summer transfer window looks set to be a pivotal one for Manchester United. Barring a late-season collapse, the Red Devils will be back in the Champions League next season and need to refresh their squad for the increased schedule.
Just one win from the last four games of the season would be enough to lock in a top-five finish for Michael Carrick's team. Even that might not be necessary, with sixth-place Brighton 11 points behind them and Bournemouth a point further back in seventh.
Early Business Priority
United's higher-ups are said to be keen to take care of business as early and smoothly as possible. According to BBC Sport, they are keen to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2022, when they spent a lengthy period pursuing Frenkie de Jong only to find themselves forced to move onto other targets in August.
This is complicated by the World Cup, which could affect the speed with which United are able to get deals done in both directions. There is still plenty they can get wrapped up early on, though, and we have examined what a dream start to the window might look like.
Rashford Resolution Reached
Marcus Rashford has spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona, who have an option to make the move permanent. However, recent reports indicate the Catalan club would prefer a second loan over exercising their £26million option.
Rashford has 13 goals and 13 assists for Barca, averaging a goal involvement for every 90 minutes on the pitch. His form has also brought him back into the England international picture.
United may decide to give another chance to a player who remains under contract until 2028, or they could determine a clean break suits them best. Whatever the decision, this is one move they will feel they can resolve sooner rather than later.
Hojlund Deal Rubber-Stamped
While there has been growing uncertainty over Rashford's future, things appear more black-and-white when it comes to another man who United sent out on loan for the season. Rasmus Hojlund has spent the campaign in Italy with Napoli, who will make the move permanent for just under £40m providing they qualify for the Champions League.
Unlike with Rashford, this is an obligation rather than an option. It is contingent on Napoli finishing in the top four in Serie A but that looks likely, with Antonio Conte's side sitting second with four games remaining - eight points clear of fifth-place side Como.
Hojlund has 10 goals in Serie A this term and 14 in all competitions, with Napoli chief Giovanni Manna suggesting around the turn of the year that a permanent move was all but a formality. "The player considers himself a Napoli player, and the same goes for us. This is extremely important," he told Corriere dello Sport.
Tonali the First Arrival
While the World Cup could complicate negotiations over some potential targets, plenty of big names will not be travelling to North America. These include United-linked midfielder Sandro Tonali, who was part of the Italy side beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off.
With Casemiro due to leave United when his contract expires at the end of June, at least one new central midfielder is a must. Tonali would arrive with plenty of Premier League experience, having barely missed a game for Newcastle across the last two seasons.
Another World Cup absentee who United could pursue early on is Carlos Baleba. The Brighton midfielder, 22, saw his Cameroon side miss out after finishing second in their qualifying group and losing a play-off semi final against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Manager Decision Made
There will be plenty of United fans who feel Michael Carrick has done more than enough during his interim spell in charge to justify being given the managerial reins permanently. He took charge in January with the club sat in seventh but a run of just two defeats in 13 games has propelled them into the top three.
Carrick is not the only contender. Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has been mentioned as an option, with the Spaniard potentially able to offer a different level of experience at the highest level.
Whoever gets the nod, this is one area where an early decision feels important. If a permanent manager is installed at the start of the transfer window then they will be able to maximise the time spent with the current crop and get an immediate idea of the areas where the squad needs strengthening.
