What + who are our top summer 2026 targets?

[Woziak]

---------------------Lammens
------Dalot - De Ligt - Martinez - LB
----Anderson - Bruno - Mainoo
---------Amad - Mbuemo- Cunha

----------------------Vitek
-----Mazraoui - Maguire/Yoro - Heaven - Shaw
---------------------Goretzka- Wharton
-----------Diomande- Mount - Dorgu
-------------------------------Sesko

Vitek 20m
LB ?
Anderson 90m
Goretzka 0m
Diomande 70m
Wharton 80m
= 260m

Out:
Casemiro 0m
Heaton 0m
Sancho 0m
Höjlund 40m
Rashford 35m
Zirkzkee 35m
Malacia 5m
Bayinder 5m
Onana 20m
Ugarte 30m
= 170m
= 260m - 170m = 90m + LB (Probably around 30-50m)

Reports lately have been saying that we will have around 200m budget this summer again, CL football or not even though qualifying for the CL would help a lot, not only with how much we can spend but also being able to attract the players of the highest level.

Realistically player sales will probably look more like this;

J Sancho - Released / Wages Saved £250k
Casemiro - Released /Wages Saved £325k
T Malacia - Free /Wages Saved £100k
R Hojlund - £35m / Wages Saved £85k
J Zirkzee - £30m /Wages saved £115k
M Rashford - £26m /Wages Saved £300k
A Bayinder - £4m / Wages Saved £65k
M Ugarte - £25m / Wages Saved £150k
M Mount - £20m /Wages Saved £250k
A Onana - £15m / Wages Saved £140k
T Collyer - £10m / Wages Saved £25k

M Greenwood Sale on of 40% on profit
£75m - £27m = £48m (£19m)

Rashford, Collyer and Greenwood represent 100% profit as academy players that’s a huge £55m net profit on the year and this could be critical with the new (SCR) Squad Costs Rule.

Now I’m pretty sure we won’t sell all of these players, however these are the players that Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada want removed from the squad for various reasons.

The new season for 26/27 will operate under the new Premier League Squad Costs Rule (SCR) of 85% however if we qualify for Europe then the club is subject to a 70% threshold. The EPL will be monitored live for this new law with the current information supplied, however Europe could be a huge problem due to a significant drop in Club revenue for 25/26 Season.

We really need to see our next accounting period which probably won’t be released to September 2026.

https://documents.uefa.com/r/UEFA-C...rticle-69-Interim-financial-statements-Online

I’ve attached the link for fans to read the reporting period and how it’s slightly ambiguous in certain paragraphs.

Simplified let’s assume United Turnover decreases significantly from £667m of the last financial year to £550m due to no European Football and only 40 matches played this season. The assumption would be that United could maybe only spend 70% which is a maximum of £385m, if wages are reduced to maybe £250m that does not leave much for legacy transfer payments, Agent fees and new transfers so it’s absolutely critical that United sell Rashford, Collyer and hope a big European team come in for Greenwood so that they can make a pure profit from academy players.

It’s also worth remembering that if CL qualification is achieved, multiple players in the squad will receive increased wages of 20-25% which will have a significant impact on Squad Costs Rule.

Removing specific players like Casemiro, Sancho, Rashford and maybe even Mount would possibly help the cause as well, I’m no expert on the new SCR and UEFA’s Squad Ratio Rule actually allowed accounting period so maybe some one from CAF can offer more insightful information?

 

[croadyman]

I think he’s probably 50/50 with most of CAF, he could also have injury issues. Personally I want us to finally go sign Victor Osimhen, he is a beast and made for the PL.

Assuming he’s 27 in the summer and not 28 until December this year, we could give him a 4+1 year contract on £275,000 per week plus Goal Bonus.

He’s currently on £250,000 per week in Turkey, let’s test the theory he’s a United Fan as indicated in the media.

My point is Igor Thiago might be £75m from Brentford and Osimhen would be slighter cheaper, he has a buyout of €80m (£69m) and Osimhen is just Elite, we need an Elite 27/28 year old for young Benjamin to learn from, plus Sesko can play as a 10 with an out and out nine like Osimhen.

Osimhen will never happen due to the fact he is on very low tax in Turkey and equivalent UK wage is enormous

 

[LuckyScout78]

Must :

+ Elliot Anderson. Forest. Covering ground and back the defend. + A player to have so others attacking players have more freedom to create and attack.

He can sit back if you tell him to do it. Even he is a energtic player


+ Kees Smit, AZ : A potential future replacement for Bruno. He both has assist, build up the attack ability and has goals in his games, If he is around the opponent box.


+ Left wingers option out there are many :

Strong consideration towards Yan Diomande. Close to a "Must " BUT

Gordon or Mane from Wolves are migth 2 really good options too



Elliot Anderson, Kees Smit, Jim Thwaites, Toby Collyer back up nr.6, Sekou Kone, Finley McAllister and Fletcher Brothers

3 cm players option that will strength the cm area options. With Collyer, Kone, McAllister and Fletcher as pushing for first team spot


Diallo/Lacey/Mbeumo - Bruno/Smit/Kone/McAllister - Anderson/Thwaites/Collyer/ - Mainoo/Mount/Fletcher's brothers - Cunha/ Diomande or Gordon/Mane


+ Back to Elliot Anderson = to improve the defensive. And play quick ball forward when he win it
+ Kees Smit = improve the creative and attack of Manchester United
+ Jim Thwaites = promote to first team
Sum = United as a team simply has to become harder to beat and become a more consistent better creative and attacking team

Have to improve both defend and attack. Reasons and factors why you buy them = need them

 

[Zumbi]

Must :

+ Elliot Anderson. Forest. Covering ground and back the defend. + A player to have so others attacking players have more freedom to create and attack.

He can sit back if you tell him to do it. Even he is a energtic player


+ Kees Smit, AZ : A potential future replacement for Bruno. He both has assist, build up the attack ability and has goals in his games, If he is around the opponent box.


+ Left wingers option out there are many :

Strong consideration towards Yan Diomande. Close to a "Must " BUT

Gordon or Mane from Wolves are migth 2 really good options too



Elliot Anderson, Kees Smit, Jim Thwaites, Toby Collyer back up nr.6, Sekou Kone, Finley McAllister and Fletcher Brothers

3 cm players option that will strength the cm area options. With Collyer, Kone, McAllister and Fletcher as pushing for first team spot


Diallo/Lacey/Mbeumo - Bruno/Smit/Kone/McAllister - Anderson/Thwaites/Collyer/ - Mainoo/Mount/Fletcher's brothers - Cunha/ Diomande or Gordon/Mane


+ Back to Elliot Anderson = to improve the defensive. And play quick ball forward when he win it
+ Kees Smit = improve the creative and attack of Manchester United
+ Jim Thwaites = promote to first team
Sum = United as a team simply has to become harder to beat and become a more consistent better creative and attacking team

Have to improve both defend and attack. Reasons and factors why you buy them = need them

We cannot put unproven youth players at the heart of our CM rebuild if we want to compete in the PL and CL. We need someone like Anderson plus another proven, senior level CM.

Thwaites is a very exciting prospect, Kone is a great prospect. There’s no evidence they’re ready to jump into first team duties yet, and when they do so it needs to be as fringe support to a more experienced and proven core.

Over the years I’ve seen countless very talented u18 and U21 prospects touted as first team squad players the following season, only for them to not make it for various reasons.

 

[daba]

LW - Diomande - 80m
CM - Anderson - 80m
CM - Man Utd Kone or Lamine Camara or Baleba (max I would pay for him) - 50m
RB - Kayode - 50m
ST - Welbeck - 0m
GK - Ortega/Meslier/Pope/Sommer - 0m

 

[croadyman]

LW - Diomande - 80m
CM - Anderson - 80m
CM - Man Utd Kone or Lamine Camara or Baleba (max I would pay for him) - 50m
RB - Kayode - 50m
ST - Welbeck - 0m
GK - Ortega/Meslier/Pope/Sommer - 0m

Will take nearer £100m for Anderson

 

[Red_Orchestra]

We need to sell all of our injury prone players.

Mount
De Ligt - out for season?
Shaw
Martinez
Maguire - questionable

We need new defenders, thats potentially 3 centerbacks that need replacing with one lb. Heaven and Yoro will be our starters for a long time if we dont sign some center backs.

 

[croadyman]

We need to sell all of our injury prone players.

Mount
De Ligt - out for season?
Shaw
Martinez
Maguire - questionable

We need new defenders, thats potentially 3 centerbacks that need replacing with one lb. Heaven and Yoro will be our starters for a long time if we dont sign some center backs.

You make a very valid point, however midfield is the highest priority so need to look at one year left or free agents in summer for CB and LB/RB signings

 

[Tallis]

It will be nice to do a couple of free transfer signings early on in the window - lets say Welbeck and Senesi.

Keep our powder dry for 2-3 CMs and either a LB or a LW depending on which position we see Dorgu playing.

On CBs, given the recurring injury issues to De Ligt and Martinez, Senesi could be a good short to medium term solution.

 

[pascell]

It will be nice to do a couple of free transfer signings early on in the window - lets say Welbeck and Senesi.

Keep our powder dry for 2-3 CMs and either a LB or a LW depending on which position we see Dorgu playing.

On CBs, given the recurring injury issues to De Ligt and Martinez, Senesi could be a good short to medium term solution.

Brighton have triggered their one year option on Welbeck contract.

 

[RedRocket08]

It will be nice to do a couple of free transfer signings early on in the window - lets say Welbeck and Senesi.

Keep our powder dry for 2-3 CMs and either a LB or a LW depending on which position we see Dorgu playing.

On CBs, given the recurring injury issues to De Ligt and Martinez, Senesi could be a good short to medium term solution.

I think Senesi would do great here. 2 midfielders + a LW + a back CF as well.

As another poster mentioned, we should look at letting go of the likes of Shaw, Mount, Maguire, Martinez, De Ligt mainly due to injury concerns. We'll likely keep one of these 3 CBs if we only buy one.

Of course Rashford, Sancho, Hojlund, Bayindir, Onana and Ugarte will need to get sold, Colllyer too. I think we'll end up keeping Zirkzee because we won't have the funds to replace him.

Promote to first team: Vitek, Amass

 

[mctrials23]

Will take nearer £100m for Anderson

Not if they get relegated it won't.

 

[ron86]

W

We need to sell all of our injury prone players.

Mount
De Ligt - out for season?
Shaw
Martinez
Maguire - questionable

We need new defenders, thats potentially 3 centerbacks that need replacing with one lb. Heaven and Yoro will be our starters for a long time if we dont sign some center backs.

Who's going to buy injury prone players on big wages? These will be here until their contracts expire

 

[FromTheBench]

Not if they get relegated it won't.

Someone or the other will still pay near that.

Top english midfielder.

 

[croadyman]

Someone or the other will still pay near that.

Top english midfielder.

Yeah there's already an English premium and when you add in the fact he's an international too

 

[McFred]

I’d say we need two fullbacks that are better than Dalot & Shaw. At least two midfielders (Casemiro replacement and one other). And then another quality attacker, probably to play on the left. Also need a sub keeper. Potentially a backup striker too.

Very challenging window as that’s 6/7 incoming players, plus a new manager, and a whole host of outgoings to manage.

 

[IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos]

I’d say we need two fullbacks that are better than Dalot & Shaw. At least two midfielders (Casemiro replacement and one other). And then another quality attacker, probably to play on the left. Also need a sub keeper. Potentially a backup striker too.

Very challenging window as that’s 6/7 incoming players, plus a new manager, and a whole host of outgoings to manage.

Two centre mids is unarguable, then I think it’ll be a left sided forward, one of the full backs and a backup keeper.

Can’t see us doing both full backs in one summer, unless one is just a prospect, and i think we can get by without another striker, even if Zirkzee goes. Mbeumo and Cunha are both there, Mount as a false nine if desperate.

 

[Dominos]

We're consistently at a stage where we need more signings than our budget will allow.

Every half decent player is costing £50m these days, proven players often costing £100+m see the ridiculous fees for Rice and Caicedo which will set a benchmark for what we need to pay for Anderson for example.

Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo cost us over £200m which still feels like a miracle we were able to afford in one window. Unless you have huge sellable assets to raise funds, you can't really buy more than 3 high profile players in a window. You can take a chance on a low profile cheaper foreign league player like we've done with Lammens but they're often not going to work out as well as Lammens has done.


If we can sign sign two top midfielders and a left back without selling players to raise funds that would be my preference.

Realistically I think we'll have to make do with Cunha/Dorgu playing left wing for another season. Make do with our unimpressive options at CB for another season.

If we can sell Dalot and upgrade him, do it. If we can sell Zirkzee and bring in a cheap back up striker with the funds, do it. And replace Bayindir too.

 

[Dominos]

Two centre mids is unarguable, then I think it’ll be a left sided forward, one of the full backs and a backup keeper.

Can’t see us doing both full backs in one summer, unless one is just a prospect, and i think we can get by without another striker, even if Zirkzee goes. Mbeumo and Cunha are both there, Mount as a false nine if desperate.

I don't see where the room is for another left sided attacker really with Cunha/Dorgu in the squad.

If we've decided Cunha is of no use to us now Amorim has gone and we need an actual winger for a 4231, this is one of the concerns many people raised in the summer when we signed him as it was obvious Amorim would get sacked at some point. If the club haven't forseen this issue it's a real problem.

Dorgu might continue doing alright at left wing, or he may be a long term left back I'm not sure. But it probably makes sense to sign a left back to compete with Shaw for now until Shaw's contract runs out next year, and then when Shaw leaves we re-assess whether Dorgu gets moved to left back and that opens a spot for a left sided attacker next summer.

 

[goldenboy]

We're consistently at a stage where we need more signings than our budget will allow.

Every half decent player is costing £50m these days, proven players often costing £100+m see the ridiculous fees for Rice and Caicedo which will set a benchmark for what we need to pay for Anderson for example.

Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo cost us over £200m which still feels like a miracle we were able to afford in one window. Unless you have huge sellable assets to raise funds, you can't really buy more than 3 high profile players in a window. You can take a chance on a low profile cheaper foreign league player like we've done with Lammens but they're often not going to work out as well as Lammens has done.


If we can sign sign two top midfielders and a left back without selling players to raise funds that would be my preference.

Realistically I think we'll have to make do with Cunha/Dorgu playing left wing for another season. Make do with our unimpressive options at CB for another season.

If we can sell Dalot and upgrade him, do it. If we can sell Zirkzee and bring in a cheap back up striker with the funds, do it. And replace Bayindir too.

I think United will have more funds than you and a bunch of others on here think:

Rashford will be sold for pure PSR profit. Hojlund is being sold. Casemiro is leaving off of a huge wage. Ugarte should and probably will be sold for a fee which could close enough bring in a more suitable replacement. If there is any way of getting Mount's pointless wage off the books that would help. Plus even with European football, Zirkzee might still be surplus to requirements and sold for a decent fee.

In total, United should have more to spend than they had the previous summer. Especially when you also consider that United seemingly still had the available funds left over to sign Baleba last summer which they ended up not using.

PS I suspect Vitek will replace Bayindir as back-up keeper.

 

[Dominos]

I think United will have more funds than you and a bunch of others on here think:

Rashford will be sold for pure PSR profit. Hojlund is being sold. Casemiro is leaving off of a huge wage. Ugarte should and probably will be sold for a fee which could close enough bring in a more suitable replacement. If there is any way of getting Mount's pointless wage off the books that would help. Plus even with European football, Zirkzee might still be surplus to requirements and sold for a decent fee.

In total, United should have more to spend than they had the previous summer. Especially when you also consider that United seemingly still had the available funds left over to sign Baleba last summer which they ended up not using.

PS I suspect Vitek will replace Bayindir as back-up keeper.

Possibly, it's also possible our net spend last summer was higher than we wanted because we failed to agree permanent sales for a load of the players we wanted to sell (Sancho, Hojlund, Rashford), and the fees we did get were subpar compared to what we wanted (Antony, Garnacho).

The sales for Rashford/Hojlund this summer may just be making up for our big spending last year. In that case their sales aren't necessarily a reflection that we'll have loads to spend this summer. The Baleba stuff was just noise with no bid submitted so who knows how serious we were about splashing even more money.

Even assuming our budget is big this summer - a big budget is say £200m - that's still only enough for maybe 3 signings. £100m of our budget will end up going on Anderson if he agreed to join for example.

The problem is when we count random sales to add to our budget, we have to replace said player with that money anyway, it's just adding to the list of positions we need to fill. We can't sell Zirkzee to strengthen other areas because any money he raises will need to be spent on his replacement or else we'll be light in attacking options.

It's not possible to get rid of Mount unless it's a loan where we pay most of his wages anyway. And again that would leave us short in the attacking midfield area so again I'd be uncomfortable letting him go and not replacing him - though I get you can argue we're already short in his position because he's never fit anyway.

 

[Njord]

In:
Lewis Hall
Elliott Anderson
Adam Wharton
New striker

Maybe £250M out + Moderate wages

Out:
Casemiro
Rashford
Sancho
Malacia
Höjlund
Zirkzee
Bayindir

Maybe £60M in + A lot of wages saved

Lammens/Vitek
Dalot/Mazroui
De Ligt/Yoro
Martinez/Maguire
Hall/Shaw
Anderson/Ugarte
Wharton/Mainoo
Mbeumo/Diallo
Fernandes/Mount
Cunha/Dorgu
Sesko/New striker

 

[Ødegaard]

Now our squad needs are fairly clear, in my view:
1. We need 2 new midfielders who can be starters for us. Adam Wharton & Elliot Anderson are the main 2 targets for me, with Carlos Baleba as a third option. I do believe Anderson will go to City, just based of earlier rumours I've read.

We also need to check in on some midfielders, to check their availability, for example: Moise Caicedo might be available from Chelsea due to their financial difficulties. Real Madrid might do a clearout due to some frustrations with how their players are performing. Either one of Camavinga or Tchouameni could be good options, assuming price and wages wouldn't be too prohibitive.

I believe 2 new top midfielders in is better than what i'll suggest next, simply because I would rather get the quality in and add more squad strength later. Massively upgrading our offense before this season was important, and we need the same for our midfield. I believe Mainoo as a 3rd choice and Ugarte as 4th is a good position to be in for a season.

With that said, you can certainly make the argument that we should be adding more numbers to our midfield, and then you would have to accept not going for 2 clear first choices, but maybe 1+2 rotation options. This would be if we are able to get a decent buyer for Manuel Ugarte.
In that case, maybe go for 1 of Wharton/Anderson/Baleba and then someone like Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt, made it clear multiple times he wants another chance outside of Norway) and another relatively cheap option who can compete for a starting spot with Berg/Mainoo.

We need either a left-back or a left-winger, depending on Dorgus position moving forward. I would prefer getting a better left-back, as a injury to Shaw always seem to be around the corner, and Dorgus form started when we moved him further up and told him to just be physical.
That said, i don't really know what alternatives are out there, and as much as i enjoy some players on football manager, i don't actually want to recommend players off of that. The closest i get is Diouf if West Ham goes down.

I believe we need to give Maguire a fairly good 1 year contract. We cannot afford a great CB on top of this, and we can't afford bedding in time. We need Heaven and Yoro to get a bit more time to develop as well. That is, unless i am missing something.

I would love for us to sell Zirkzee & reinvest that cash into a new attacker who can come in from the bench, or start a few games in times of injury or jadedness. Zirkzee seems a lovely enough bloke, but he lacks that edge that is needed to succeed as an attacker in the Premier League at this moment in time.


Sesko
Cunha - Bruno - Mbeumo
Wharton - Baleba
Shaw - Martinez - De Ligt - Mazraoui
Lammens

Chido Obi
Dorgu - Mount - Diallo
Mainoo - Ugarte
Diouf - Heaven - Yoro - Dalot
Vitek

On top of this Maguire as backup for De Ligt, and adding some experience while our talents grow is just a good position to be in.


I believe this to be the way, partly because a lot of these players can cover different roles, and it gives us come clear upgrade paths moving forward, while giving our kids a good spot as 2nd/3rd choices.

We don't have to rely on Chido Obi as Mbeumo and Cunha can play as a striker.
We don't have to rely on Shaw to remain fit, as both Diouf and Dorgu can cover.
Ugarte is less of an issue as 4th choice for a season, than he is as our current 3rd choice. Seikou Kone might overtake him in training as well over the season, which could give us more depth, or give us some transfer options in January.


Random guestimate for prices, googling outgoing players wages, but putting questionmark on them as i don't want to come off as if anything is exact:
In: 190m (375-500k per week)
Wharton: 80m (150-200k per week?)
Baleba: 80m (150-200k per week?)
Diouf: 30m (75-100k per week?)

Out: 50-70m (1m 87k per week
Rashford: 30m (300k per week?)
Sancho: 0 (250k per week?)
Casemiro: 0 (300k per week?)
Malacia: 0 (75k per week?)
Heaton: 0 (22k per week?)
Byindir: 2-5m (35k per week?)
Zirkzee: 20-40m (105k per week?)

Club still owes a ton in transfer fees from past seasons, so I don't think we will use all our ougoing wages on new players, but i would love a versatile attacker to take Zirkzee's spot on the bench if possible. Preferably someone who can play left wing/10 or 10/striker.

To me, this would leave us in a positon where the plan is to upgrade on Ugarte as 4th choice midfielder, Dalot/Mazraoui as main right-back and upgrading in positions where people aren't working out moving forward, with plenty wages to spare to get proper signings in, instead of temporary options.

 

[goldenboy]

The sales for Rashford/Hojlund this summer may just be making up for our big spending last year. In that case their sales aren't necessarily a reflection that we'll have loads to spend this summer. The Baleba stuff was just noise with no bid submitted so who knows how serious we were about splashing even more money.

I'm not convinced by that - neither of Rashford or Hojlund were 100% guaranteed to be able to be sold for a decent fee this summer when United made the signings they did. It would have been taking a huge risk to spend the money on their hypothetical future sales the summer in advance with no guarantees.

Another thing you're forgetting is that United managed to spend all that money despite not having any European football.

Even assuming our budget is big this summer - a big budget is say £200m - that's still only enough for maybe 3 signings. £100m of our budget will end up going on Anderson if he agreed to join for example.

I would wager that if United qualify for the Champion's League, then based on what I've said above (eg about sales, wages, extra revenue from Europe etc.) they will definitely be able to spend over £200mil. I'd guess something like £250mil would be feasible, even before considering unaccounted for exits like Zirkzee or Mount.

Also, I don't think Anderson will cost £100mil. Even in this current climate I'd expect more like £70-80mil, plus some later add-ons.

We can't sell Zirkzee to strengthen other areas because any money he raises will need to be spent on his replacement or else we'll be light in attacking options.

Perhaps, but maybe one of Obi or Janneh could be ready to step-up as a 3rd choice striker next season? They don't seem too far off.

 

[croadyman]

I think United will have more funds than you and a bunch of others on here think:

Rashford will be sold for pure PSR profit. Hojlund is being sold. Casemiro is leaving off of a huge wage. Ugarte should and probably will be sold for a fee which could close enough bring in a more suitable replacement. If there is any way of getting Mount's pointless wage off the books that would help. Plus even with European football, Zirkzee might still be surplus to requirements and sold for a decent fee.

In total, United should have more to spend than they had the previous summer. Especially when you also consider that United seemingly still had the available funds left over to sign Baleba last summer which they ended up not using.

PS I suspect Vitek will replace Bayindir as back-up keeper.

Then there is also the funds supposedly available for Semenyo as well who is annoying ripping it up at City

 

[Todd]

We should be targeting four new starters- two in midfield, two in central defense. Plus a slew of backups.

 

[devilish]

United are currently at 3rd place but we all know that this squad is not good enough. The moment this side plays 2 games per week it will crumble simply because it will have to rely on its squad players that are quite shit. Now every year we (and I add myself to the list) tend to make a list of ins and outs only to end up disappointed later on. This year seems no different. The reality is that we're not the top of the pick anymore, we can't outspend in salaries and fees and we haven't won the EPL title for more then a decade . We're also a club who struggle to sell player or bring in a lot of players at one go.

So here would be my game play

First of all we must secure the manager earlier. He must be a manager who has experience managing a top side. I'd say we should talk to Emery now and if he says no then we sign Carrick and we bring in another experienced no 2 to aid him. Will he win us the EPL? Probably not. But that's unimportant. He'll be the guy before the guy and the aim now is stability. We need to get top 4 on a regular basis, hence why Emery is the preferable option and why Carrick could be an alternative. God forbid we spend the entire summer waiting for the manager and god forbid if we get the flavor of the month 'system' manager who works great at semi amateur level but will crack in the big boy's league.

Regarding transfers time and time again United had 2 big issues.

A- Our CM is weak both technically and physically
B- We can't break a deep line defense

Regarding A I'd love to see us get Vitinha and Anderson in CM. Hell I'd love if Carrick and Scholes can get back to their prime. It ain't gonna happen though. As said we're not the top of the bunch anymore and we're not overspending in terms of salary. In such circumstances then why should Anderson turn City down and join us? Why would Tonali turn Arsenal for us? That assuming he is able to leave Newcastle in the first place.

Which leads us to be. What I think we need are physical and intelligent CM who can keep the ball in the opponent's half and fullbacks capable of going wide and cross the darn ball. We've got a 6ft5 striker up front but we might as well have Peter Dinklage playing there as no one knows how to whip a decent cross. So here are my top 5 signings.





Transfer 1: Diouf - West Ham - LB 6ft tall and with 5 assists under his belt, Diouf looks quite a decent LB. He's got speed, he's physical and he's got a mean cross. He's got 5 assists this year, not bad considering the side he's playing with.

Transfer 2: Leon Avdullahu - Hoffenheim A physical DM whose got the makings of a good leader, he covers loads of inches of pitch (currently 4th in the Bundesliga ranks) and who is quite comfortable with the ball. Many consider him as the heir of Xhaka

Transfer 3: Man Utd Kone - Roma. A no 8 who can play as a 6. He's very athletic, pacey, and he's got an exquisite technique.

Transfer 4: Bazoumana toure - Hoffenheim - LW. 19 years of age and what a player. He's a sort of traditional winger - inside forward hybrid ie he possesses the speed and the crossing ability of the former while he's perfectly capable of cutting inside like the latter. Regarding speed, he's very very fast. We need someone who can switch things around and cross the ball if needed especially since we've got a 6ft5 striker upfront.

Transfer 5: Julian Ryerson - Dortmund - RB If we sell Dalot then he would be a no brainer. 6ft tall, a good crosser and an aggressive RB, Ryerson would be an amazing addition to the team.

Then its all about sales. If Zirkzee leaves then a striker possibly on the cheap must be signed. Delap could be a punt on an option to buy. But that requires us being able to play the game for once rather then can ridiculed in it by Chelsea time and time again.

 

[goldenboy]

Transfer 2: Leon Avdullahu - Hoffenheim A physical DM whose got the makings of a good leader, he covers loads of inches of pitch (currently 4th in the Bundesliga ranks) and who is quite comfortable with the ball. Many consider him as the heir of Xhaka

I've watched a few recent Hoffenheim games and I've struggled to really notice Avdullahu on the pitch tbh.

Also, Avdullahu's average distance covered is very good, but Burger's at 12.5km is even more impressive. I haven't done the calculations for every player, but he really would be right by the top for average distance covered per match in the Bundesliga (and in the PL).

Transfer 4: Bazoumana toure - Hoffenheim - LW.

I think he's just too similar to Dorgu. Don't really see the point tbh.

Transfer 3: Man Utd Kone - Roma. A no 8 who can play as a 6. He's very athletic, pacey, and he's got an exquisite technique.

I do quite like him and wouldn't hate United signing him, but I'd also take Burger ahead of him as a physical midfielder, then try to pair him with someone else a bit more exceptional (whether that's an eg Anderson, Barrios, Valverde or Tchouameni). Kone is a pretty solid jack of all trades, master of none.

He's also not great in the air for his size, and neither is Avdullahu. That's something which will be missed with Casemiro gone, but which Burger does bring to the table. Burger basically brings many of the best qualities of both Avdullahu and Kone but in one player, plus aerial ability - meaning one can either be more ambitious, or look for other stand-out attributes in the second midfield signing.

Transfer 5: Julian Ryerson - Dortmund - RB If we sell Dalot then he would be a no brainer. 6ft tall, a good crosser and an aggressive RB, Ryerson would be an amazing addition to the team.

Selling 26 year-old Dalot to replace him with a 28 year-old RB does not seem a "no brainer"; unless you mean a relatively brainless decision. Full-backs tend to peak the earliest of all outfield players as well, with them being so reliant on pace.

 

[devilish]

I've watched a few recent Hoffenheim games and I've struggled to really notice Avdullahu on the pitch tbh.

Burger looks their stand-out central midfielder, and he has even more than Avdullahu in the way of physicality.

He actually covers even more ground than Avdullahu - who is at 10.9 km per match, while Burger is at 11.5 km per match. Avdullahu has just played slightly more matches.

Avdullahu's average distance covered is good, but Burger's is genuinely impressive. I haven't done the calculations for every player, but he really would be right by the top for average distance covered per match in the Bundesliga (and in the PL). In the Premier League 11.5km is pretty much level with the likes of Berge and Zubimendi, and ahead e.g. Rice and Anderson. 10.9km is below those named.



I think he's just too similar to Dorgu. Don't really see the point tbh.



I do quite like him and wouldn't hate United signing him, but I'd also take Burger ahead of him as a physical midfielder, then try to pair him with someone else a bit more exceptional (whether that's an eg Anderson, Barrios, Valverde or Tchouameni). Kone is a pretty solid jack of all trades, master of none.

He's also not great in the air for his size, and neither is Avdullahu. That's something which will be missed with Casemiro gone, but which Burger does bring to the table. Burger basically brings many of the best qualities of both Avdullahu and Kone but in one player, plus aerial ability - meaning one can either be more ambitious, or look for other stand-out attributes in the second midfield signing.



Selling 26 year-old Dalot to replace him with a 28 year-old RB does not seem a "no brainer"; unless you mean a relatively brainless decision. Full-backs tend to peak the earliest of all outfield players as well, with them being so reliant on pace.

Thanks for your feedback and you have got some valid points especially around Ryerson whom I thought to be around dalot's age

It's pointless speaking about Real Madrid players and to a lesser degree Anderson as they won't come, not unless we overpay them. It's ain't happening under ineos. Hence we need to focus on other players. Burger seem to be a decent shout same as barrios.

Regarding distance per 90 stat I took the info from the official bundesliga website

 

[goldenboy]

It's pointless speaking about Real Madrid players and to a lesser degree Anderson as they won't come, not unless we overpay them. It's ain't happening under ineos. Hence we need to focus on other players. Burger seem to be a decent shout same as barrios.

I had thought that before, but I'm just speculating based off of Andy Mitten's recent comment hinting that United might be able to sign someone from La Liga of a higher profile than some may have considered. Tchouameni has 2 years left on his deal and maybe wants another challenge? Maybe it is completely impossible, but who knows what's said behind the scenes. The budget could be there.

Barrios has a release clause I think so could be doable for a similar fee to Anderson. They are fairly similar players, although Barrios doesn't sit as deep as Anderson can, so he might have a bit more difficulty in hypothetically pairing with Mainoo at times. Though he also does cover quite a lot of ground and isn't a slouch defensively and in the tackle. Maybe they could be alright together in games where United are up against teams parking the bus.

Regarding distance per 90 stat I took the info from the official bundesliga website

Yes that is just total distance for the season, not per 90. Burger's per 90 distance is the highest of all the players towards the top of the list who I calculated the per 90s for (including Coufal who is at the top for total distance across the season).

 

[croadyman]

Thanks for your feedback and you have got some valid points especially around Ryerson whom I thought to be around dalot's age

It's pointless speaking about Real Madrid players and to a lesser degree Anderson as they won't come, not unless we overpay them. It's ain't happening under ineos. Hence we need to focus on other players. Burger seem to be a decent shout same as barrios.

Regarding distance per 90 stat I took the info from the official bundesliga website

Yeah would have agreed with you until Mitten comments on the recent TOTD podcast. There might be something in it as he's well connected to Utd and also lives in Spain so probably hears whispers.

 

[ATXRedDevil]

I’m going to keep beating the drum for Mamadou Sangare and Lamine Camara.

 

[croadyman]

I’m going to keep beating the drum for Mamadou Sangare and Lamine Camara.

Would like one of them and a Anderson/Tonali, mind you having said that we probably need a ball progressor like Wharton or Stiller to partner them.

 

[vva]

I’d like Manchester United to target two midfielders from this group in the summer of 2026:

• Elliot Anderson
• Matheus Fernandes
• Mamadou Sangare
• Lamine Camara

My ideal combination would be Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes. Both already have Premier League experience and should be able to make an immediate impact.

The main obstacle is the price tag, especially in the case of Elliot Anderson. There have been reports that Nottingham Forest could demand around £100m, which would obviously make the deal very difficult. Another question is whether he would even want to join us, as it looks like he has followed Manchester City on Instagram for quite some time.

If Manchester United cannot move forward with Anderson, then Matheus Fernandes should become the main priority. I’d like at least one midfielder with direct Premier League experience. He’s still young but has shown very good potential this season, and his transfer fee seems to be in the £50m+ range, which feels much more realistic.

If we manage to sign Fernandes, my preference would be to pair him with Mamadou Sangare. Sangare could provide physical strength and athleticism in midfield, alongside the technical qualities he already has.

In the end, a lot will depend on transfer fees and whether the players are willing to join. If the prices are reasonable and the deals are possible, there are several interesting combinations we could build:

• Elliot Anderson + Lamine Camara
• Matheus Fernandes + Mamadou Sangare
• Elliot Anderson + Matheus Fernandes

Any of these pairings could give us a younger and more dynamic midfield going forward.

 

[goldenboy]

My ideal combination would be Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes. Both already have Premier League experience and should be able to make an immediate impact.

Anderson and Fernandes would be two very good signings, I agree.

But you don't explain in all your text why you've included Camara as a 4th option?

 

[elmo]

I think United will have more funds than you and a bunch of others on here think:

Rashford will be sold for pure PSR profit. Hojlund is being sold. Casemiro is leaving off of a huge wage. Ugarte should and probably will be sold for a fee which could close enough bring in a more suitable replacement. If there is any way of getting Mount's pointless wage off the books that would help. Plus even with European football, Zirkzee might still be surplus to requirements and sold for a decent fee.

In total, United should have more to spend than they had the previous summer. Especially when you also consider that United seemingly still had the available funds left over to sign Baleba last summer which they ended up not using.

PS I suspect Vitek will replace Bayindir as back-up keeper.

Wait till he’s actually sold. I highly doubt Barcelona will fork out the money for him.

 

[vva]

Anderson and Fernandes would be two very good signings, I agree.

But you don't explain in all your text why you've included Camara as a 4th option?

Lamine Camara is another all-action midfielder who offers excellent passing and is strong in defensive duels. His main weakness, however, is in aerial battles.

Because of that, if we’re playing with a two-man midfield, pairing him with Matheus Fernandes might not be ideal, since Fernandes isn’t particularly strong in aerial duels either.

 

[Woziak]

Fans guessing we have £300-400m are so wide of the mark, the club has £90-100m to pay in September for historical transfer debt before they do anything.

If and it’s a huge ‘if’ United can sell well and get the following for these players ; Rashford(£25m), Hojlund(£35m), M Ugarte (£25m), J Zirkzee (£30m), A Onana(£5m),
A Bayinder(£5m), T Mallacia(Free),
T Collyer(£10m) ,J Sancho(Free), Casemiro(Free)

We will struggle to sell £100m maximum unless we get a 40% sell on Greenwood which might be another £15-16m of profit. The key here is Rashford, Collyer and maybe greenwood as all three represent 100% profit on the books and allow us to spend huge sums if the club had the right stable financial foundation, eventually all the debt catches up with you!

Realistically I think we might have £125m if Champions league football is achieved plus a £100m addition from making some of the sales on the list above we won’t make them all, United are just terrible at selling players!

Therefore a dream window needs to include 2/3 very good Free Signings;

GK - Bring Back Vitek as number 2 or
M Ter Stegen on a Free / £120k
CB - Free transfer M Senesi 125k or A Rudiger £200k
DM - Joao Gomes - £35m / £125k
No 8 - A Wharton - £60m / £150k
CM - E Camavinga - £35m / £150k
LWS - I Ndiaye - £55m / £125k
CF - Gonçalo Ramos - £40m / £125k
Bonus signing L Goretzka - Free / £150k

Total - £225m

The club would save £1.5m on wages per week from players leaving that are listed and the new players would probably sign within the clubs new wage structure with wages suggested for a total of maybe £1.15m.

This would mean the club would save £20m per year in wages, sign experienced. Leaders like M Te Stegan, A Rudiger and L Goretzka on relatively 2/3 short term contracts (yes they are all German, we need some of that ruthlessness!) and also have a young mobile midfield with six to seven great options.

Imagine having a Gonçalo Ramos and Benjamin Sesko competing or playing together, the club should sell him on the idea of Ramos rebuilding his career.

Now also imagine the club having genuine attacking options like; Mbeumo, Cunha, Bruno, Lacey, Amad and Ndiaye where three start and the other three are on the bench?

United can’t do any £80-110m transfer this summer, there’s simply far too much to do to rebuild a squad that can qualify back to back for CL football and also have the depth needed to produce great results.

We need 6 to 7 transfers this summer as a bare minimum and with this I have not even discussed the full back situation which also needs urgent attention.

If we can find another £50m then go get Nathaniel Brown and maybe with four Germans in the squad, Naigelsman becomes the obvious candidate if there are any doubts whatsoever about Carrick?

 

[IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos]

Fans guessing we have £300-400m are so wide of the mark, the club has £90-100m to pay in September for historical transfer debt before they do anything.

If and it’s a huge ‘if’ United can sell well and get the following for these players ; Rashford(£25m), Hojlund(£35m), M Ugarte (£25m), J Zirkzee (£30m), A Onana(£5m),
A Bayinder(£5m), T Mallacia(Free),
T Collyer(£10m) ,J Sancho(Free), Casemiro(Free)

We will struggle to sell £100m maximum unless we get a 40% sell on Greenwood which might be another £15-16m of profit. The key here is Rashford, Collyer and maybe greenwood as all three represent 100% profit on the books and allow us to spend huge sums if the club had the right stable financial foundation, eventually all the debt catches up with you!

Realistically I think we might have £125m if Champions league football is achieved plus a £100m addition from making some of the sales on the list above we won’t make them all, United are just terrible at selling players!

Therefore a dream window needs to include 2/3 very good Free Signings;

GK - Bring Back Vitek as number 2 or
M Ter Stegen on a Free / £120k
CB - Free transfer M Senesi 125k or A Rudiger £200k
DM - Joao Gomes - £35m / £125k
No 8 - A Wharton - £60m / £150k
CM - E Camavinga - £35m / £150k
LWS - I Ndiaye - £55m / £125k
CF - Gonçalo Ramos - £40m / £125k
Bonus signing L Goretzka - Free / £150k

Total - £225m

The club would save £1.5m on wages per week from players leaving that are listed and the new players would probably sign within the clubs new wage structure with wages suggested for a total of maybe £1.15m.

This would mean the club would save £20m per year in wages, sign experienced. Leaders like M Te Stegan, A Rudiger and L Goretzka on relatively 2/3 short term contracts (yes they are all German, we need some of that ruthlessness!) and also have a young mobile midfield with six to seven great options.

Imagine having a Gonçalo Ramos and Benjamin Sesko competing or playing together, the club should sell him on the idea of Ramos rebuilding his career.

Now also imagine the club having genuine attacking options like; Mbeumo, Cunha, Bruno, Lacey, Amad and Ndiaye where three start and the other three are on the bench?

United can’t do any £80-110m transfer this summer, there’s simply far too much to do to rebuild a squad that can qualify back to back for CL football and also have the depth needed to produce great results.

We need 6 to 7 transfers this summer as a bare minimum and with this I have not even discussed the full back situation which also needs urgent attention.

If we can find another £50m then go get Nathaniel Brown and maybe with four Germans in the squad, Naigelsman becomes the obvious candidate if there are any doubts whatsoever about Carrick?

You started so well, but then we hit your suggestions of players and it’s miles wide of the target. Ter Stegen? A bloke that’s played about a dozen games in the last couple of years and might have to retire? Wharton at £60m and Gomes at £35m are optimistic, but £35m for Camavinga? That’s ludicrous. That’s Real only slightly more than breaking even on him.

Also, Goretzka and Rudiger? The former is massively in decline and would be a bust in the Prem, the latter feels completely unnecessary if Maguire extends.

 

[BenitoSTARR]

I wonder if Arthur Avom on a free transfer might be a cheeky way to get an Anderson style player in whilst saving an absolute wedge. Probably be fine being a rotation player due to age but looks well above average for his age and he’s comfortable in all phases.

I say this as I think we need 2 maybe 3 CMs