Manchester United’s summer transfer plans could see major squad overhaul in 2026
The addition of Elliott Anderson would be one of the best moves Manchester United could make this summer (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
A wave of change is expected at Manchester United this summer, with a decision looming over Michael Carrick’s future. And now that we’ve seen a resurgence under the club’s legend, attention now turns to what kind of business will be done in the transfer market.
It is already known that Casemiro will be among those who leave when his contract expires at the end of June. However, it remains unclear whether club captain Bruno Fernandes will remain after winning the Player of the Season award.
Marcus Rashford’s situation and whether he will make his loan to Barcelona a permanent deal will also be a big topic of discussion in the coming weeks. Here, Mirror Football looks at what other deals could take place in a dream scenario at Old Trafford.
Anderson rejects Man City
One such priority concerns the requirements for central midfield reinforcements. To that end, beating Manchester City to sign Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson would be a coup of the highest order.
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All signs at the moment point to Anderson likely heading to City this summer. Despite Carrick’s previous successful plans, the player is understood to favor a move to the Etihad over Old Trafford.
read more: Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona could be influenced by ‘second meeting’read more: Manchester United News: Verdict given on Michael Carrick’s transfer plans as permanent manager
But in an ideal world, United would secure the player first and then refuse to let him go. Even if his reported £100m-plus price tag will make up a significant portion of the total funds available this summer.
Players like Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee could leave this summer, and both could generate significant cash to fund several new signings. Signing a player of Anderson’s caliber could be a huge boost in any transfer window, but the fact that Pep Guardiola’s side are seemingly such fans is just an added bonus.
Rashford’s replacement
As hard as it may be to accept, it would seem to be in everyone’s best interests if Rashford is finally able to sever ties with his boyhood club this summer. But Carrick suggested his former team-mate may still have a future at Old Trafford if things go his way.
Barcelona are still understood to hold an exclusive £26m buy option for the player who has enjoyed a resurgence at Camp Nou. And United already have Matheus Cunha, who has primarily excelled on the left flank this season, but the extra cover probably won’t hurt if Rashford leaves.
Marcus Rashford is likely to leave United permanently this summer (Image: AP)
In order to maintain team harmony and prevent players like Cunha from getting frustrated, it would be wise to bring in players who are more comfortable in the rotation. In that regard, a promising player like RB Leipzig’s Yann Diomande could be a good option to compete for a starting spot in the attack.
The Ivorian has been in Germany for less than a year after Leipzig activated his £16m release clause. However, it is a testament to how impressive he has performed in the Bundesliga that his market value is now thought to be close to the £60m area.
United are understood to be monitoring the forward, but other Premier League teams could also be in the race, with Paris Saint-Germain also attracting interest. Signing the left-winger from Leipzig could be difficult considering his contract runs until 2030.
That said, United should be able to facilitate negotiations if they at least demonstrate a willingness to meet the 19-year-old’s reported valuation.
£44m Stiller signature
Angelo Stiller could be a more cost-effective addition in midfield (Image: Getty Images)
There are reports that United are prioritizing two new midfielders this summer, with Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller making a lot of sense as a low-profile signing. Stiller will play deep in midfield and fill the void left by Casemiro.
That would give the likes of Coby Mainu and Fernandes the freedom to play more effectively up front without risking leaving Carrick’s team vulnerable. The Bayern Munich academy graduate was part of Stuttgart’s side who won the DFB Pokal title last season and is now on track to help the club qualify for next season’s Champions League.
As it stands, the 25-year-old Stiller is thought to have a release clause of just £32.6m. However, if Stuttgart were to pay a modest transfer fee of around £2m, that figure would rise to £43.5m, which seems inevitable at this stage.
Stiller has five assists in the Bundesliga this season and is averaging 69.1 passes per game, one of the highest averages for a non-defensive player.
Final Dream 2026/27 Team
Casemiro’s departure may ultimately be United’s only significant loss this summer, but many will be sad to see Rashford’s time at the club end in such disappointing circumstances. As for future transfers, the midfield pairing of Anderson and Stiller will bring both quality and depth, but Diomand shows all the characteristics of a future superstar.
The final team will look like this:
Ramence, Bindil, Onana. Maguire, De Ligt, Martinez, Shaw, Dalot, Yoro, Mazraoui, Haven, Dorg. Fernandes, Anderson, Mount, Mainu, Stiller, Thwaites. Lacey, Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesco, Diomande, Amado, Obi.
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