Manchester United transfer news has gathered pace under Michael Carrick, with four summer signings completed and another midfielder still wanted before the window closes.
United have rebuilt the centre of Carrick’s squad by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Karl Darlow has arrived to strengthen the goalkeeping department, while Tynan Thompson has joined from Tottenham Hotspur as a long-term academy investment.
However, work remains. United want a third midfielder following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury, while decisions are still required over Marcus Rashford, Radek Vítek and several academy players.
The Premier League summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday, 1 September. United therefore have more than a month to complete Carrick’s squad.
Confirmed Manchester United summer signings
United completed their first senior signing by bringing Santos to Old Trafford from Chelsea.
The Brazil international offers energy, defensive awareness and the ability to operate in several midfield roles. United officially confirmed his arrival in July, with reports placing the package at around £50million.
Santos should provide the mobility Carrick lacked following Casemiro’s departure. He can recover possession, carry the ball forward and support attacks without leaving large spaces behind him.
United then officially announced Karl Darlow’s arrival after the goalkeeper left Leeds United.
Darlow signed a contract until June 2028 and will wear the No.12 shirt. The experienced Wales international provides competition and cover within Carrick’s goalkeeping group.
Tielemans became the third arrival after United agreed a £35million deal with Aston Villa. The Belgium captain signed a five-year contract and brings extensive Premier League experience to Old Trafford.
His passing range should help United control possession more effectively. Tielemans can operate from deep, move into attacking areas and provide leadership during Champions League matches.
The club’s fourth summer addition was Thompson. United officially signed the highly rated Tottenham winger in a deal reportedly worth an initial £4million and up to £8million through add-ons.
Tottenham also secured matching rights and a 15% sell-on clause. Thompson registered 13 goals and six assists across youth competitions last season and is expected to begin within United’s development structure.
Manchester United transfer news on midfield targets
Carrick still wants another midfielder despite the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans.
Casemiro left following the expiry of his contract, while Ugarte’s serious knee injury has increased the need for another physical and defensively reliable option. United want a player who can cover ground, resist pressure and protect the defence.
Manu Koné has emerged as one of the leading candidates. The Roma midfielder delayed discussions over his future until France completed their World Cup campaign.
ReadManUtd reported that United could submit a £42.5million Koné bid this week. Roma are expected to demand more than €50million before seriously considering a sale.
Koné would add powerful ball-carrying and defensive intensity. He can move through pressure and cover large areas, giving Carrick a different profile alongside Santos, Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo.
Eduardo Camavinga has also been discussed internally. United have explored the conditions required for a move, although the Real Madrid midfielder would prefer to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alex Scott, Tyler Adams and Carlos Baleba have featured on United’s wider midfield shortlist. However, no active proposal has been reported for any of those players.
Koné currently appears to be the most realistic leading option. United must still agree their preferred valuation before opening formal negotiations with Roma.
Rashford, Amad and United’s attacking plans
United’s pursuit of another winger may depend on Rashford’s future.
Barcelona declined to activate their purchase option after his loan spell, while interest from other leading European clubs has remained limited.
BBC Sport has indicated that staying at United is now the likeliest outcome. Carrick wants to work with Rashford during pre-season before a final decision is made. ReadManUtd has examined how Simon Stone’s Rashford update changes United’s summer plans.
Crysencio Summerville has been identified as a possible left-wing signing if Rashford leaves. West Ham United are open to offers following relegation, although Roma and Aston Villa have also shown interest.
The Guardian reported that United view Summerville as a player capable of providing pace, direct running and goals from the left. However, a move is linked closely to creating space within Carrick’s current squad.
Amad is expected to remain at Old Trafford despite reported interest from Newcastle United.
Fabrizio Romano says United informed the winger’s representatives that they have no intention of selling him. The club continue to trust Amad after his numbers declined during the 2025/26 campaign.
ReadManUtd covered Manchester United’s final Amad transfer decision, with Carrick expected to give him another opportunity during the new season.
United may also assess their centre-forward options. Injuries and inconsistent performances have left Carrick without complete certainty in attack, although midfield remains the immediate priority.
Confirmed departures and players who could leave
Casemiro represents United’s most significant confirmed senior departure.
The Brazilian left when his contract expired after four seasons at Old Trafford. His exit reduced the wage bill but removed an experienced defensive midfielder from Carrick’s squad.
Tyrell Malacia was also released following an injury-disrupted spell in Manchester. United’s official retained list confirmed his departure, leaving the No.12 shirt available for Darlow.
More exits are likely before September.
Vítek has made clear that he wants regular first-team football after an impressive loan at Bristol City. The Czech goalkeeper is prepared to consider either another loan or a permanent departure.
ReadManUtd reported that Vítek has confirmed his Manchester United exit plan. Several clubs have already expressed interest, while United could protect themselves through a buy-back or sell-on clause.
Dan Gore could also leave after winning Rotherham United’s Player of the Year award during his loan spell. Another temporary move remains possible, although United may consider a permanent proposal at the right valuation.
Jadon Sancho’s position also requires a long-term resolution following another season away from Old Trafford. United need sales to create squad space and help finance further additions.
Rashford remains the largest outstanding decision. Keeping him would reduce the urgency around a new left winger, while a sale could lead United to accelerate their Summerville pursuit.
What Carrick still needs before the window closes
United have addressed part of their midfield problem with Santos and Tielemans.
Santos brings energy and long-term potential. Tielemans offers experience, control and leadership. However, neither arrival completely removes the need for another defensively powerful midfielder.
Koné appears suited to Carrick’s requirements. He would give United greater athleticism and allow Mainoo or Tielemans to receive the ball in more advanced positions.
The attack may also require attention. Rashford’s future, the availability of Summerville and the fitness of United’s current forwards will influence the final weeks of the window.
Carrick must also settle his goalkeeping group. Darlow has arrived, but Vítek wants regular football and further departures could follow.
United’s business has been more decisive than the original draft suggested. Four players have arrived, Casemiro and Malacia have left, and a clear midfield priority has emerged.
The next major move may define the window. Signing a third midfielder would complete a significant rebuild, while solving Rashford’s future would provide clarity across the attack.
United have made progress, but Carrick still needs several decisions before his squad is ready for the Premier League and Champions League.
