Manchester United have already been busy this summer, making multiple new signings as they look to give Michael Carrick plenty to work with ahead of a return to the Champions League. More are set to follow, with the World Cup putting plenty of stars in the shop window.
Youri Tielemans was well known to United long before he took a prominent role for Belgium in North America. He isn't the only new face to arrive, with Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and youngster Tynan Thompson all brought in.
More players could be offloaded in order to free up space in Carrick's squad, with European football meaning more bodies are likely to be needed. We've taken a look at some of the World Cup standouts who could fit the bill.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
One of the most sought-after youngsters in global football at present, Bouaddi penned a fresh Lille contract last season - evidence that there was attention to fight off long before the World Cup. Judging by his standout display against Brazil, however, that new deal is unlikely to deter potential suitors.
United have prioritised younger targets in recent years and the 18-year-old midfielder certainly matches that profile. They also conducted recent business with Lille when they signed Leny Yoro in 2024.
There will be hurdles, naturally. Bouaddi's performances have attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom boast substantial financial muscle and may bid more than United can spare right now.
Maxi Araujo
Araujo is familiar to former United manager Ruben Amorim, having featured under him at Sporting CP. Premier League supporters may recall the Uruguayan as the other goalscorer when a Viktor Gyokeres hat-trick propelled Sporting to a memorable Champions League triumph over Manchester City in 2024.
The 26-year-old impressed despite his national team crashing out at the group stage. He contributed to all three goals from Marcelo Bielsa's side, netting twice and laying on a goal for Agustin Canobbio.
Capable of playing at left-back or on the left wing, Araujo's adaptability could appeal to United. However, they may be wary of spending too much on a Sporting star with Gyokeres blowing hot and cold for Arsenal and Manuel Ugarte - also once of the Portuguese side - struggling in United red.
Antonio Nusa
Staying with wide options, Nusa has been linked with a Premier League switch for a number of years. At his first World Cup, the Norway winger demonstrated precisely why that's been the case.
The 21-year-old was chiefly deployed on the left by Stale Solbakken, finding the net in the round of 32 triumph over Côte d'Ivoire. His ability to dovetail with Erling Haaland won't have gone unnoticed and it could be time to give him a chance in English football.
Nusa's youth means there's considerable room for growth. That said, current club RB Leipzig are unlikely to let him go on the cheap.
Manu Kone
United are already believed to be among the contenders for Kone as they aim to add one more central midfielder. The Roma man is anticipated to be available for just over £40m, enabling the Giallorossi to more than double their investment.
Kone caught the eye during his outings for France and some believed he was underutilised by Didier Deschamps. The 25-year-old was left out of the starting XI for the semi-final against Spain and was unable to make up for lost time when he entered at the break.
The former Toulouse man previously attracted interest from the Premier League during his time at Borussia Monchengladbach, with United, Liverpool and Chelsea all thought to be admirers. Liverpool could yet emerge as rivals this summer too, should Michael Carrick's side fail to move swiftly.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Paris Saint-Germain winger Mbaye represents another, younger wide option. Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this week that the teenager joined Jorge Mendes' agency in preparation for a summer transfer.
United have not yet been mentioned amongst his suitors but there's reason to believe he could be the profile of player they need. So far, Manchester City and Aston Villa have both shown interest in the Senegal star, who won't come at a bargain price but carries enormous potential at just 18 years of age.
Mbaye wasted no time in displaying his talent at the World Cup. He netted one of the standout strikes of the group stage, leaving Theo Hernandez sprawling with breathtaking footwork before outpacing Mike Maignan for a goal on his tournament debut.
Yasin Ayari
Sweden star Ayari was another who caught the eye during the group stage. The 22-year-old struck two magnificent long-range efforts in a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia, including his nation's opening goal of the tournament.
Premier League sides are well acquainted with the Brighton midfielder, who has already racked up more than 60 appearances in England's top flight. He was questioned about Liverpool speculation early in the World Cup but preferred to delay any discussion regarding his future.
"I'm in the World Cup bubble, as they say, and I don't have any control over anything," Ayari told Fotboll Skanalen. "Everyone else is taking care of it for me. I'm just here focusing on the World Cup."
