Man Utd had a quiet winter transfer window but they are now expecting to be busy this summer with key players leaving and big-money targets identified.
Replacing Casemiro will be Manchester United’s biggest challenge this summer
With one transfer window out of the way, all eyes now turn to the next one. It was a quiet January at Manchester United, but it is expected to be anything but a quiet summer.
There are just over four months until the Premier League window opens, and United’s priority is already clear. They went into January aware that midfield was a potential area of weakness, but only tried to sign a winger.
That failed move for Antoine Semenyo in December was true to United’s approach this month of only going for long-term targets. With Michael Carrick lifting the gloom, Kobbie Mainoo back in favour and key players returning from injury, there was no need to panic.
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With no European football this season, United are treading a tighter line on financial fair play controls, and their quiet January should help boost the coffers for the summer. If Carrick can secure Champions League football, then that will help as well.
United spent more than £215million in the summer and a similar outlay could be expected in 2026. Midfield will be the main focus. Casemiro’s departure will save more than £18million a season if United are back in the Champions League, but replacing him will be difficult.
The 33-year-old has rolled back the years recently and is such an all-rounder that finding someone to do everything he can might be impossible. He is a world-class defensive midfielder with a stunning range of passing and an aerial threat in both boxes. Good luck to the player trying to inherit that position.
United admire Elliott Anderson of Nottingham Forest, although they will face competition from Manchester City for the England international. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba of Brighton are also on the shortlist and it is likely they will make a move for one of them, but they will target two new midfielders as part of an overhaul in that area of the pitch.
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Manuel Ugarte was the subject of interest from European clubs this winter, and although United wanted to keep the squad together to enhance their Champions League push, the Uruguayan is likely to leave in the summer, so he will need to be replaced.
Attacking reinforcements could also be on the agenda. Roma wanted to sign Joshua Zirkzee on loan in January and although he has also stayed at the club, an exit in the summer could be on the cards. There is also a shortage of left-wingers, with Jadon Sancho set to leave when his contract expires, and Marcus Rashford also set to depart.
Semenyo would have filled that position and Carrick’s return to a 4-2-3-1 shape has created a vacancy for a left-winger. Patrick Dorgu has impressed in that role and Matheus Cunha played there against Fulham, but it’s a position United could return to.
There could also be changes at the back. A centre-back will be targeted if Harry Maguire leaves when his contract expires and his experience and leadership would create a void that needs filling.
Senne Lammens has nailed down the No. 1 spot in goal, but with Altay Bayindir likely to pursue a move to play first-team football, a backup goalkeeper might be required as well.
Plans for that window will be led by director of football Jason Wilcox, with Carrick having some input on ideas even though his contract only currently runs until the end of the season. The 44-year-old knows what it takes to play in midfield for United, and getting those deals are going to be absolutely key in what is going to be a big window.