Manchester United have made several new signings but remain busy in the market, with one month left to reshape the squad before the September 1 deadline. Midfield is still a priority despite the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, and the club could make a statement signing in the middle of the pitch.
Up front, Benjamin Sesko needs senior competition, with Joshua Zirkzee among those who could leave Old Trafford this summer. United could also test Newcastle's resolve over left-back Lewis Hall.
A £85m midfield statement
Aurelien Tchouameni joining from Real Madrid would be a marquee signing at the end of the window. United resisted paying eye-watering fees for Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window, but a big-money fee for Tchouameni would underline the club's ambitions.
The 26-year-old would be a dream addition to Michael Carrick's new-look midfield following Casemiro's exit. Real Madrid would reportedly demand around £85m for the France international, who recently signed a contract extension. However, Real Madrid's interest in Manchester City's Rodri could tempt Tchouameni to consider his future elsewhere.
Tchouameni would give Carrick an enviable array of midfield options, with Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo all competing for places.
Lewis Hall as Shaw's successor
United are interested in Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall and would sign Luke Shaw's long-term successor this summer in a dream scenario. The 21-year-old has impressed with the Magpies, who have already shown a willingness to part with key players through the sales of Anthony Gordon and Tonali.
The England international is reportedly open to joining United. However, Newcastle are reluctant to sell another star player, meaning United may have to pay a sizeable amount for the defender, who left Chelsea for £35m in 2023.
United relied on Shaw last season but have concerns about the full-back's fitness. Patrick Dorgu looked improved when moved into a more attacking role on the left flank. Signing Hall would allow United to start their left-back succession plan early, even at a premium fee.
A new striker to support Sesko
Benjamin Sesko's absence from United's early pre-season games has highlighted the need to sign a striker before the end of the summer window. Joshua Zirkzee has led the line but has struggled to make his mark since arriving from Bologna in 2024, prompting links with a potential £30m move back to Serie A.
Sesko thrived after Carrick took charge, but it took time for the Slovenian to earn his place in the starting XI. The 23-year-old is still learning his trade and should not be the club's only senior striker as United prepare to return to the Champions League and build on a third-place Premier League finish.
Dusan Vlahovic is one of several strikers linked with United and could provide an ideal solution. The 26-year-old is available as a free agent after leaving Juventus this summer, where he scored 68 goals in 168 appearances.
An expensive signing could derail Sesko's progress, but the former RB Leipzig player could improve by competing alongside Vlahovic, who would also be given opportunities as a rotational option for United.
