Manchester United are reportedly looking to strengthen their squad further in the summer transfer window, with numerous high-profile stars linked with moves to Old Trafford. The club could finalise eight transfers this week, including £89m of talent arriving, according to reports.
Midfield rebuild and new arrivals
It has been a busy summer at Old Trafford, with Manchester United making their mark on the summer transfer window and showing no signs of slowing down. Michael Carrick's men are preparing for life back in the Champions League next season and the manager knows a deeper squad will be essential if they are to compete on all fronts.
The arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos has set the tone for what looks like a significant midfield rebuild at the club. Karl Darlow has also come through the door to provide experienced cover for Senne Lammens between the sticks and a clutch of younger players have been brought in with one eye firmly on the future.
On the other side of the ledger, goalkeeper Radek Vitek has headed to Middlesbrough on a permanent basis and there is a sense further names could follow him before the window slams shut on September 1. With that in mind, Mirror Football takes a look at eight transfers United could realistically get over the line this week.
Marcus Rashford and Jorge Salinas
Marcus Rashford could be handed a fresh opportunity to secure a return to Barcelona as Ferran Torres edges closer to joining PSG. The United forward spent last season with the Catalan giants, who chose not to activate their £26million purchase option for the loanee. Barcelona's decision to offload Torres might open the door for the club to renew their pursuit of Rashford. Nevertheless, United manager Michael Carrick has discussed having the England international in his plans.
"I've played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history," said the United coach. "We have a full squad next week in Dublin. We fly straight there and meet Leeds on Wednesday. We have a few days in Dublin where we have the whole squad, including Marcus, Kobbie and Lisandro."
Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas could prove to be an astute acquisition for Carrick's side. The 19-year-old left-back is regarded as a highly promising talent and would provide United with a long-term plan to succeed Luke Shaw, though the club face competition from Barcelona. Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragon has made abundantly clear that the club will not entertain offers below his £13.7m release clause, adding: "There is nothing we can do if a big star appears."
Academy trio and Manu Kone
United are believed to be receptive to bids for the academy trio as Carrick continues his overhaul. It emerged last month that the club would entertain either loan or permanent transfers for left-back Harry Amass and midfielders Dan Gore and Toby Collyer. Collyer, 22, enjoyed loan stints at West Bromwich Albion and Hull City last season, while Gore, 21, had a spell at Rotherham United. Amass, 19, was likewise sent out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday last summer before picking up an injury shortly after linking up with Norwich City in January.
Roma midfielder Manu Kone has been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford this summer. The Reds are said to be pursuing a third midfielder for their ranks and the France international, who impressed at the World Cup, has surfaced as a potential target. Corriere dello Sport previously reported United had reached personal terms with the 25-year-old. Roma are understood to be demanding up to £51m (€60m) for the midfielder.
Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Brighton's Carlos Baleba are among the numerous other names to have been linked with reinforcing United's midfield. Nevertheless, the club could opt to conclude their engine-room makeover by sealing a deal for Kone.
Jhon Lucumi and Joshua Zirkzee
Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi could help shore up United's defensive line as speculation over his departure continues to mount. The Colombia international, who also featured at the World Cup, is reportedly keen on joining a "big club" this summer after attracting attention from a number of sides. That's according to Quotidiano Sportivo, which claims Bologna are holding out for £21.4m (€25million) plus £2.6m (€3m) in add-ons. Juventus are said to have tabled two offers below that asking price.
Several other clubs, including Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, are also understood to be keeping tabs on the defender. However, Lucumi's reported ambition to join a major club could hand United a significant edge in the pursuit of his signature.
Joshua Zirkzee has been the subject of exit speculation throughout the summer window. The Dutch forward has struggled to secure a regular place in the team since his arrival from Bologna in 2024. Zirkzee has been touted for a potential loan to Juventus, with the attacker said to be receptive to the switch. Yet United's present shortage of centre-forward options beyond Benjamin Sesko could postpone any prospective departure.
