Manchester United are prepared to release up to nine players during the summer transfer window. Central midfield is an area where they would like to make several reinforcements to intensify competition for positions.
Casemiro also needs a replacement, with the Brazil international set to leave the club at the end of this season when his contract expires. Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malasia will also be on their way out when their respective contracts end in the coming months.
Napoli are also obligated to sign Rasmus Hjølund on a permanent deal for £38 million if they qualify for the Champions League. The reigning Serie A champions need five more points from their remaining four games to secure a place in next season’s league. However, Barcelona are under no obligation to sign Marcus Rashford to a permanent contract. It’s just a £20 million option. Nevertheless, he could spend another season on loan at the Catalan club.
The paper also reported that Trabzonspor are also keen to keep Andre Onana permanently beyond his current loan period. Altay Bindir could also return to Türkiye with the reserve goalkeeper free to move. Joshua Zirkzee is another player United are keen to sell, and is thought to be the player most likely to return to Italy. The club also intends to make a reasonable bid for Manuel Ugarte as they look to overhaul their midfield options.
Elliott Anderson has emerged as United’s main target, but several alternatives are being considered, with Nottingham Forest reportedly demanding £120m. Adam Wharton, Aurélien Choameny, Carlos Baleva and Sandro Tonali are all in the slot.
The club are also reportedly looking to sign a left-winger, with Morgan Rogers and Yann Diomande among the players. A backup goalkeeper and striker to replace Bijndil and Zirksee will also be on the table.
If all nine players leave, a new goalkeeper, midfielder or striker could be brought in, but reinforcements in defense seem unlikely. “That’s not a concern for me at this point,” Michael Carrick said.
“At the moment, timing-wise, it’s difficult to talk about the summer and what lies ahead, but it’s difficult to elaborate on that… But no, I’m not worried.
“I think we have a mix of young players with real quality experience and two promising young players who have already shown what they can do (Aiden Heaven and Lenny Yolo), rather than really talent.”
Carrick concluded: “I have no concerns. I don’t really know what the future holds so I can’t get too involved.”
