As the dust settles after World Cup 2026, plenty of stars from the tournament will find themselves in high demand. Manchester United will need to be careful not to overpay on the strength of a few impressive games but there are definitely players who might take their fancy.
United have already started spending this summer, with a World Cup star among their three senior recruits. Youri Tielemans arrived after impressing in Belgium's run to the quarter-finals and has been joined by Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow.
It isn't the first time a player has moved to Old Trafford after impressing at a major tournament. Daley Blind joined from Ajax in 2014 after an impressive World Cup while Javier Hernandez arrived after thriving four years prior, though that deal was agreed before the Mexican headed to South Africa.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
One of the most in-demand youngsters in world football right now, Bouaddi caught the eye long before the World Cup and signed a new Lille deal last season. Based on his starring role against Brazil, though, the Moroccan's new deal looks likely to simply earn Lille a tidy sum rather than keep him at Stade Pierre-Mauroy much longer.
United have made a point of looking at younger targets in recent years and the 18-year-old midfielder fits the bill there. They also have experience of dealing with the Ligue 1 club already after Leny Yoro in 2024. There will be obstacles, of course. Bouaddi's form has alerted the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom have considerable spending power, so United would need to decide whether they can justify that kind of outlay on a teenager.
Maxi Araujo
Araujo is well known to former United boss Ruben Amorim, having played under him at Sporting CP. Indeed, Premier League fans may remember the Uruguayan as the other scorer when a Viktor Gyokeres hat-trick helped Sporting record a famous Champions League victory over Manchester City in 2024. The 26-year-old was one of only a handful of members of Marcelo Bielsa's squad not to embarrass themselves as Uruguay fell at the first hurdle. He was involved in all three goals his country provided, scoring two and setting up the other.
An option at left-back or on the left wing, Araujo's versatility could suit United. It remains to be seen how much Sporting would want for him, though, and Manuel Ugarte's struggles in England after impressing with the Portuguese club could provide a deterrent.
Antonio Nusa
Sticking with options out wide, Nusa's name has often popped up in gossip columns over the years with the words 'Manchester United' not too far away. At the World Cup, though, the Norway winger showed exactly why that has been the case. The 21-year-old was predominantly used on the left by Stale Solbakken, scoring in the round of 32 victory over Cote D'Ivoire. However, he is also an option on the opposite flank. Nusa's age means there is plenty of potential upside. However, current club RB Leipzig have been known to hold out for significant sums when selling to the Premier League in the past.
Manu Kone
United are already thought to be in the running for Kone. The Roma midfielder is expected to be available for a little over £40m, allowing the Giallorossi to more than double their money. Kone impressed during his appearances for France and some felt he was underused by Didier Deschamps. The 25-year-old started two knockout wins but started on the bench against Spain, only entering the fray at half-time when Les Bleus were 1-0 down. He was previously linked with a Premier League switch while on the books of Borussia Monchengladbach, with United, Liverpool and Chelsea all mentioned. Liverpool could yet provide competition this summer as well if Michael Carrick's side don't act fast.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Paris Saint-Germain winger Mbaye is another, younger option out wide. According to Fabrizio Romano, he recently moved to Jorge Mendes' agency with a view to a summer move. United haven't been among the clubs linked but perhaps they should be. Manchester City and Aston Villa have eyed the Senegal star, who won't come cheap but has a big potential upside at just 18 years of age. Mbaye wasted little time showing his quality at the World Cup. He scored one of the goals of the group stage, leaving Theo Hernandez on his backside with phenomenal footwork before beating Mike Maignan for pace.
Yasin Ayari
Sweden midfielder Ayari was another to impress during the group stage. He scored two stunning goals from range in a 5-1 win over Tunisia, including his country's first of the tournament. Premier League clubs know plenty about the 22-year-old, who has already played more than 60 times for Brighton in the competition and came off the bench in an FA Cup win at Old Trafford last term. He was asked about Liverpool links early in the World Cup but wanted to wait before discussing anything about his future. "I'm in the World Cup bubble, as they say, and I don't have any control over anything," the youngster told Fotboll Skanalen. "Everyone else is taking care of it for me. I'm just here focusing on the World Cup."
