Manchester United are preparing for a major summer transfer window, but their experience in trying to sign Antoine Semenyo in January has highlighted the challenges they face in landing top targets. Semenyo ultimately joined Manchester City from Bournemouth for £62.5 million, despite talks with United, Liverpool, and Tottenham in December.
United spent over £200 million last summer on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Senne Lammens. They held wage talks with Semenyo's representatives before City's interest made it clear they could not compete financially. United currently sit third in the Premier League and are likely to secure Champions League football, which would provide a financial boost.
The club's hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Jason Wilcox, and Omar Berrada, are prioritising a top-class midfielder this summer. Targets include Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, and Wolves' Joao Gomes.
United hope to finance deals through sales, with Marcus Rashford set to join Barcelona for £26 million, Rasmus Hojlund heading to Napoli for £38 million, and interest in Joshua Zirkzee, Altay Bayindir, and Andre Onana. However, the club is aware of a 'United tax' on transfers, as seen in the Mbeumo deal where Brentford increased their asking price from £55 million in January 2025 to £70 million plus £7 million in add-ons by summer.
United will need to be shrewd in negotiations to sign an elite midfielder and strengthen in other areas, including left wing, left-back, and possibly goalkeeper if Bayindir and Onana depart.
