Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad
Signing Luke Shaw’s successor could be Manchester United’s top priority this summer (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer with Michael Carrick overseeing his first transfer window as manager. After a successful interim period, Carrick has been handed the permanent head coaching job until June 2028.
The former midfielder led the Reds to a comfortable third place finish in the Premier League, which at times seemed unthinkable under his predecessor Ruben Amorim. Securing Champions League football would not only provide director of football Jason Wilcox with extra funds, but also transform Old Trafford into a far more attractive destination.
The club, which strengthened its attacking options last year, is expected to prioritize strengthening its midfield this time around. However, there are also expected to be a number of changes in defense and between the posts, with Senne Lamence becoming the undisputed No. 1 following his arrival last summer.
However, the position of reserve goalkeeper ahead of the new season is not so clear-cut, with both reserve stoppers expected to leave for a total transfer fee of £48.3 million. Andre Onana has now returned to Old Trafford after spending the past year on loan at Trabzonspor.
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However, the Cameroonian is not part of the club’s future plans. Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan recently confirmed that talks are progressing regarding Onana’s permanent transfer.
Meanwhile, Altai Bindir started the season, but was quickly supplanted by the impressive Rammens. He is also rumored to be moving to his home country of Türkiye.
This leaves room for another reserve goalkeeper to join Tom Heaton, who recently agreed a new one-year contract extension with the club. And it could very well be a United academy graduate who has never featured for the first team.
United’s goalkeeping situation behind number one Senne Lamence is a bit of a mess (Image: Manchester United FC 2025)
The club are reportedly considering a move to re-sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolves following their relegation from the Premier League. The 33-year-old has been with Wolves since 2024 but has not been a regular for the club, making just 27 appearances in all competitions over the past two years.
He brings a wealth of experience and could prove to be the perfect agent, helping to meet the demands of a raw player. Carrick’s backline looks more stable heading into the new season, particularly in terms of central defense and right-back.
Sam Johnstone is a candidate to return to the top flight this summer (Image: Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The position in the entire defensive unit that requires the most urgent attention is left-back, given how limited United’s options are in that area. Tyrell Malasia is confirmed to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
Patrick Dawg has been used as a winger to suit manager Carrick’s convenience. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, now 30 years old, cannot realistically be expected to play the full 38 league games again, and his contract expires next year.
United’s priority target in the transfer market is reportedly Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, who is thought to have fans at Old Trafford. Newcastle insist the 21-year-old is unavailable and his contract runs until 2029.
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Considering the Magpies paid £35m for him two years ago, a bid of £70m could persuade them to part ways with the Englishman. Overall, Hall is likely to prove too costly for United, but there is little doubt that he is the perfect long-term replacement for Shaw.
United also have the impressive Harry Amass waiting in the wings, but he lacks Hall’s Premier League pedigree. Nathaniel Brown has also attracted United’s attention following his impressive spell at Eintracht Frankfurt and presents another option, but he too is expected to cost in excess of £50m.
If United let go of their two goalkeepers, bring in Johnston, and somehow secure Hall, the final line for next season could look like this:
Goalkeepers: Senne Ramens, Sam Johnston, Tom Heaton.
Right-back: Diogo Dalot, Nouser Mazraoui.
Center backs: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yolo, Aiden Haven.
Left-back: Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, Harry Amass.
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