Manchester United may have closed the summer transfer window, but the club are already eyeing potential targets for January and beyond. With Michael Carrick having overseen a flurry of incomings at Old Trafford, the United boss is already thought to be plotting his next moves as the January window edges closer and the blueprint for next summer begins to take shape.
Carrick's recruitment team did not stand idle this summer, bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to bolster the engine room. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow also made his way to Old Trafford on a free transfer following his departure from Leeds United. Tynan Thompson, Kit Margetson and Cristian Orozco also completed moves to the club.
Areas of concern remain
Yet for all the activity, certain areas of the squad remain a source of concern. Defensive depth, positional cover and further quality in midfield are among the priorities yet to be fully addressed. Here, we run the rule over the seven names most likely to be in consideration for United.
Midfield targets
Alex Scott: Chelsea were unsuccessful in their attempts to lure Bournemouth midfielder Scott to west London this summer, despite tabling a £64m bid. The 23-year-old's deal with the Cherries runs until the summer of 2028, with United equally keen on the gifted star as they seek to strengthen their central midfield.
Scott even declined to put pen to paper on a fresh contract this summer, meaning United could land the player at a reduced cost next year as he enters the final 12 months of his time on the south coast. The fact that Scott's step-sister Maya Le Tissier also captains United's Women's side could further tempt him towards a switch to Old Trafford.
Aurelien Tchouameni: United have held a longstanding admiration for the Real Madrid midfielder, stretching back to his days at Monaco, and once again he was strongly tipped for a move to Old Trafford this year. The French international's contract at the Bernabeu is set to expire in the summer of 2028.
It might be something of an outside bet, with Madrid undoubtedly looking to command a substantial fee for the 26-year-old World Cup winner. Yet the reality is that next summer could represent the perfect conditions for United to finally make their move for the world-class defensive midfielder. Should he find himself short of game time at Real Madrid this season, following the La Liga giants' flirtation with the idea of offloading him over the summer, Tchouameni could potentially become an attractive proposition on the market in twelve months' time.
Defensive overhaul
Micky van de Ven: The club were linked with a move for Micky van de Ven this summer, only for the Dutch defender to put pen to paper on a fresh deal. He was also handed the captaincy at Spurs, making any renewed approach considerably more difficult.
However, should Lisandro Martinez's injury troubles persist, Van de Ven appears an obvious target for United boss Carrick. While it remains a long shot, the club are expected to sound out their options for the pacey 25-year-old if Tottenham's struggles on the pitch continue.
Jarrad Branthwaite: United's pursuit of Premier League-proven talent could see them return to Everton's Branthwaite. The club have previously lodged a bid for the Toffees defender. The centre-back, who can also fill in at left-back, agreed personal terms over a switch to Old Trafford, only for Everton to turn down two bids from United in the summer of 2024. Branthwaite has been hampered by injuries since, but at just 24, the commanding defender still has plenty to offer.
Left-back options
Lewis Hall: With United left relying on Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as the only senior options to deputise for Luke Shaw, alongside 19-year-old Harry Amass, left-back has emerged as the most pressing position to strengthen.
Hall emerged as United's dream option for the position this summer, but it quickly became apparent that Newcastle had no intention of selling following an exodus of high-profile players. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old was keen on the move to Old Trafford, and United are widely expected to reignite their pursuit of Hall next summer.
Alejandro Balde: United were thought to have had their eye on the Barcelona left-back this summer, but pulled out of a potential deal due to a disagreement over the defender's valuation. Still just 22, his contract with the Catalan club runs until the summer of 2028. Barcelona's acquisition of Joao Cancelo, combined with the emergence of Xavi Espart, is only likely to further tempt United into returning with an offer for Balde.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: United briefly harboured hopes this summer that Arsenal might consider offloading Lewis-Skelly following their capture of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. However, the youngster was determined to remain in north London and has once again proved pivotal in the opening weeks of the campaign.
However, the same issues that prompted Lewis-Skelly to seek first-team opportunities elsewhere could resurface, particularly the fierce competition for places in central midfield and at full-back. Lewis-Skelly's versatility in operating both at left-back and in midfield will undoubtedly appeal to United next summer.
