Manchester United are already planning their next moves in the transfer market, with the January window and next summer both in focus for manager Michael Carrick to strengthen his squad.
United welcomed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to the club this summer. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow also joined as a free agent from Leeds United, while Tynan Thompson, Kit Margetson and Cristian Orozco also signed.
However, there were problematic areas that United failed to address. Here, we take a look at the players United can pivot to in the winter window or next summer.
Midfield targets: Alex Scott and Aurelien Tchouameni
Chelsea failed in their efforts to take Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott to west London this summer, despite offering £64m. The 23-year-old's contract with the Cherries ends in the summer of 2028, with United also keen on the gifted star as they look to bolster their central unit.
Scott even refused to sign a new deal this summer, meaning United could secure the player on the cheap next year as he enters his final year on the south coast. The fact Scott's step-sister Maya Le Tissier is also captain of United's Women's team could also further encourage him of a move to Old Trafford.
United have long admired Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, dating back to when he was plying his trade at Monaco and once again he was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this year. The French international's contract in the Spanish capital will end in the summer of 2028.
It might be a bit of a long shot with Madrid no doubt in the mood to command a hefty fee for the 26-year-old World Cup winner. But the reality is that next summer could represent the ideal landscape for United to finally move for the world-class defensive midfielder. Should he not pick up as many minutes as he would like at Real Madrid this season after the La Liga giants flirted with the idea of selling him over the summer, Tchouameni could potentially become a market opportunity in a year's time.
Defensive options: Van de Ven and Branthwaite
The club were linked with a swoop for Micky van de Ven this summer, only for the Dutch defender to sign a new deal. He was also given the club captaincy at Spurs, making any new approach even tougher.
But if Lisandro Martinez's injury issues continue, Van de Ven looks an obvious option for United boss Carrick. While it's a long shot, you expect the club will test the waters for the rapid 25-year-old if Tottenham's on-field struggles continue.
United's quest for Premier League proven stars could bring them back to Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite. The club have previously made a bid for the Toffees defender. The centre-back, who can deputise at left-back, agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford, only for Everton to reject two bids from United in the summer of 2024. Branthwaite has struggled with injuries since then, but at just 24, the towering defender still has a lot to offer.
Left-back targets: Hall, Balde and Lewis-Skelly
With United down to Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as the only senior cover for Luke Shaw, as well as 19-year-old Harry Amass, left-back has become the priority position to address. United held a strong interest in Lewis Hall this summer but it became clear Newcastle wouldn't sell after an exodus of big-name players. However, the 21-year-old wanted the move to Old Trafford and United are expected to revive their interest in Hall next summer.
United were believed to be interested in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde this summer. But they stepped back from a move over a gap in valuation for the defender. Still only 22, his contract with the Catalan giants is up in the summer of 2028. Barcelona's signing of Joao Cancelo, coupled with the rise of Xavi Espart, will only further encourage United to return to the table for a deal for Balde.
There was brief hope at United this summer that Arsenal could consider selling Myles Lewis-Skelly after they wrapped up a deal for Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. The youngster wanted to stay in north London and has been integral again in the early weeks of the season. However, the issues that convinced Lewis-Skelly to look elsewhere for first-team football could rear their head again, namely, staunch competition at the centre-midfield and full-back positions. Lewis-Skelly's ability to operate at left-back as well as in midfield will also surely appeal to United next summer.
