What + who are our top summer 2026 targets?

Zumbi said:
Cunha, Dorgu and Shaw for two positions on the left flank is not enough.
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Absolutely. We either trust Dorgu to be an attacking left back and buy a winger.

Or we sign a top left back and let dorgu rotate with Cunha.

Would love if we signed player for both positions eg Hall and Diomande (or a cheaper young winger alternative) but I wouldn't hold my breath on that given the expected outlay elsewhere.
 
irishguy said:
Absolutely. We either trust Dorgu to be an attacking left back and buy a winger.

Or we sign a top left back and let dorgu rotate with Cunha.

Would love if we signed player for both positions eg Hall and Diomande (or a cheaper young winger alternative) but I wouldn't hold my breath on that given the expected outlay elsewhere.
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Yep, agree entirely. Plus we lose so much from not having a more dynamic overlap option on the left to stretch the play. It’s one of the most obvious deficiencies/imbalances.
 
Big Ron’s Coat said:
Nonsense. Carrick employed variations of the 442 as well as a back 5 at Boro. 4231 is definitely his preferred formation but it’s also what’s made the most sense with our lack of midfield options this season. If we finally strengthen the spine of the team we could very well see more variance tactically next season to better utilize our forward options. In which case Cunha could rested with relative ease.
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Carrick at Boro also used 4231 in the vast majority of cases - 90.3% of his games across his 2.5 seasons there (112 out of 124). The preference has got nothing to do with a lack of midfield options at United.

And on the rare occasion when switching to 442, he still generally used wide attacking midfielders or wingers as 2 wide players in the 4 - he did not use a diamond - e.g. the last game at Boro where he used 442 vs Leeds, where he had Azaz and Burgzorg as 2 wide attacking midfielders/wingers in the 4: https://www.transfermarkt.com/spielbericht/index/spielbericht/4382837

Carrick used 3 at the back at Boro a mere 5 times out of 124 games...

The idea that Carrick and his team will have to shift to his vastly unfavoured 3 at the back, or adopt a winger-less 442 diamond that he has never used before, every time Cunha needs a rest, or needs to be subbed mid-match, is what is an absolute nonsense idea. It is the opposite of something the team could adapt to "with ease". Imagine having to change your entire formation every time Cunha is gassed at 60 minutes in a match. Laughable.

opta-analyst-formations-used-team-style-comparison-for-v0-f7nlc72ssbdg1.png
 
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ericcovicc said:
I agree.

So we know from Withwell that we are looking for two midfielders, a left back and a experienced striker. This means we are not planning to use Dorgu as a LB.

I think that if we will go for another position in the transfer market it will be right back (because we lack quality there) or a cb (because of de Ligt injury).
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This must be the priority order, anything else is a bonus

DM
LB
CM
CF
 
Bobby_2024 said:
This must be the priority order, anything else is a bonus

DM
LB
CM
CF
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Need two DMs or that CM needs to be able to play as a 6 as well. Otherwise we're one long term injury away from playing Kobbie at 6 for a prolonged period of time
 
We must buy 2 CMs, LW and backup striker. Without these 4 players, we will likely struggle winning games. If we can move some players then we need to get LB, CB and RB. It is likely 2-3 youth players brought to XI, Gabriel is likely one of them bring on when we need a creativity and goal.
 
I agree with all the posters who say we need midfielders, and fullbacks but I think we also need to look at our centre backs. Id like to see Heaven cement his place next season but Im not totally convinced with Yoro, hes still a bit naive.Its a shame de ligt and martinez are injury prone. I think we should sign a right sided cb whos quick and good on the ball, Todibo for example, shouldnt break the bank
 
Bobby_2024 said:
This must be the priority order, anything else is a bonus

DM
LB
CM
CF
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This looks about right in terms of priority..but I think we are in trouble if we only make 4 signings this Summer.

Massive increase in games next season and we know we have lots of injury prone players in the squad.

Ugarte will surely be moving on so a third midfield signing is a must.

Think we need another wide attacking option as well but maybe Lacey and at a stretch Gabriel get minutes there.
 
Zumbi said:
Some players who are ill suited to playing there “in a pinch” should not be how we determine our transfer priorities. We very obviously need another player who can play on the left flank and so that’s what we’ll target.

The prospect of Dalot or Mazraoui having to fill in on the left because we’re short if numbers there is a worse prospect than them playing on the right where they’re more comfortable.
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Funny that’s how I view all our right side options even when playing on the right at the moment. At least Cunha and Dorgu have something about them.

Optimally I’d like a winger who can play both sides added to the mix. But I just don’t see how we’ll have the budget for it after adding a fullback, at least two midfielders and a striker. We’re also paper thin at CB.
 
Bobby_2024 said:
This must be the priority order, anything else is a bonus

DM
LB
CM
CF
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These are the must haves, not negotiable or we forfeit the season. As for CB and LW, I think we need to raid the free agent market with intent and get a couple of veterans for squad roles.
 
r0663664 said:
We must buy 2 CMs, LW and backup striker. Without these 4 players, we will likely struggle winning games. If we can move some players then we need to get LB, CB and RB. It is likely 2-3 youth players brought to XI, Gabriel is likely one of them bring on when we need a creativity and goal.
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JJ is literally a child, we won’t be relying on him to add creativity
 
With such a thread bare squad and midfield being such a priority I’d be massively surprised and massively annoyed with Ineos if we don’t look at the free agents this summer as there’s plenty available to fix problems in the squad.

Just by going out and getting Nick Pope, Marcos Sensei, Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez you sort a back up keeper, a squad option centre back, a squad option attacking midfielder and an experienced back up striker who are all PL proven and very experienced without spending a penny in transfer fees.

That would then allow us to spend big on three midfielders and a left back or left winger depending on where they think Dorgu plays positionally next season, next season we’re going to be juggling PL and CL games with both the domestic cups so we’re going to need a big squad where the drop off in quality isn’t as massive as it is now.
 
irishguy said:
This looks about right in terms of priority..but I think we are in trouble if we only make 4 signings this Summer.

Massive increase in games next season and we know we have lots of injury prone players in the squad.

Ugarte will surely be moving on so a third midfield signing is a must.

Think we need another wide attacking option as well but maybe Lacey and at a stretch Gabriel get minutes there.
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Same answer. The kid turned 15 only a few months ago
 
davidmichael said:
With such a thread bare squad and midfield being such a priority I’d be massively surprised and massively annoyed with Ineos if we don’t look at the free agents this summer as there’s plenty available to fix problems in the squad.

Just by going out and getting Nick Pope, Marcos Sensei, Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez you sort a back up keeper, a squad option centre back, a squad option attacking midfielder and an experienced back up striker who are all PL proven and very experienced without spending a penny in transfer fees.

That would then allow us to spend big on three midfielders and a left back or left winger depending on where they think Dorgu plays positionally next season, next season we’re going to be juggling PL and CL games with both the domestic cups so we’re going to need a big squad where the drop off in quality isn’t as massive as it is now.
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Agreed, we need to be smarter. We don’t have the budget to go out and buy 12 players so we should buy the priorities with the budget and use the free market to fill out the squad until we hopefully get next seasons CL money to keep building a strong squad
 
golden_blunder said:
Agreed, we need to be smarter. We don’t have the budget to go out and buy 12 players so we should buy the priorities with the budget and use the free market to fill out the squad until we hopefully get next seasons CL money to keep building a strong squad
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Exactly as we’re likely to move on Onana, Bayindir, Malacia, Casemiro, Ugarte, Sancho, Rashford, Zirkzee and Hojlund and whilst only Casemiro and occasionally Zirkzee get game time with us that does leave us with a tiny squad.

I think you could most likely bring Pope, Sensei, Wilson and Jimenez in for not much more wages wise than Casemiro is on alone as I doubt any of them are on more than £50K a week at their current clubs and that’s not including the £1 million plus a week in wages with the others I named also leaving.

My only concern is Wilcox and Berrada trying to impress Ratcliffe with big statement buys due to their inexperience in their roles and neglecting the full squad needs so overlooking the obvious targets on free transfers this summer, years ago we had the likes of Nicky Butt or John O’Shea or Wes Brown or Sergio Romero that could all step in and were squad players.
 
davidmichael said:
Exactly as we’re likely to move on Onana, Bayindir, Malacia, Casemiro, Ugarte, Sancho, Rashford, Zirkzee and Hojlund and whilst only Casemiro and occasionally Zirkzee get game time with us that does leave us with a tiny squad.

I think you could most likely bring Pope, Sensei, Wilson and Jimenez in for not much more wages wise than Casemiro is on alone as I doubt any of them are on more than £50K a week at their current clubs and that’s not including the £1 million plus a week in wages with the others I named also leaving.

My only concern is Wilcox and Berrada trying to impress Ratcliffe with big statement buys due to their inexperience in their roles and neglecting the full squad needs so overlooking the obvious targets on free transfers this summer, years ago we had the likes of Nicky Butt or John O’Shea or Wes Brown or Sergio Romero that could all step in and were squad players.
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Right on, we have to exploit the PL and European free agent and loan markets after we are done with our essential signings. We must scour the German, Spanish and Italian leagues, Barcelona have become specialists at this kind of thing. The problem is we are not proactive, like how did we allow Spurs to steal the march on us on Sensei?
 
David Raum - 30 mill
Schlotterbeck - 50 mill - Signed new contract but has release clause for big clubs apparently
Van Hecke - 50 mill - 1 year left on his contract so I think 50m is about right
Óscar Mingueza - free
Touchemeni - 70 mill
Gomez - 40 mill
Mateta - 30 mill
Goretzka - free
Yan Sommer - free
Total - 270, leaves 30 mill to play with if players are slightly more expensive then I'm guessing. Or to get Anderson instead of Touchemeni.

I'd sell Martinez for 20/25 as well as the usual Rashford, Hojlubd etc if at all possible. Great player but a sick note.

That would get us a solid squad to compete in all comps. Next season we can hopefully target cherry on cake signings instead of needing 8 plus players.
 
We need to have players in the academy that can step up. We sign a lot of good players that never are going to make the first team.
 
I think that the list of positions in need of strengthening has changed recently, due to the news regarding de Ligt. First and foremost, let us all hope that he gets back his health. Should he return to the squad and regain his earlier form, great, that will be a bonus. It does, however, leave a gaping hole at CB.

Martinez is not even able to manage half the games in a PL season - he averages just 17 apps in the PL during each of his four years at United - so for all his talent, he simply cannot be relied upon. Maguire thankfully signed up for another year, so at the least, a dependable and very experienced campaigner is in place. Heaven is really starting to look the part. The lad has a way to go but is developing really well. Yoro, less so but he remains an important member of the squad and should be going forward provided he learns about life in the PL. Whilst Shaw and Mazraoui are both capable of filling in at CB, both are again, unfortunately prone to injury. Fredricsen and the untested unit Godwill Kukonki are coming through the ranks but at best, perhaps one of those lads can fill in as the 4h / 5th choice CB. United need to sign someone and they need to be good.

CB has been added to the list of needs, along with the obvious CMs, LB and likely depth for CF and a LW option.
 
We already have 5 CBs. I don't think we are in the market of CBs. If we sign CB, it would mean we sign CB that can be used as full backs.

3 midfields, 1 LB, and another attacker would be my priority list for the summer. I think CB would be next following summer or year.
 
JE-0801 said:
We already have 5 CBs. I don't think we are in the market of CBs. If we sign CB, it would mean we sign CB that can be used as full backs.

3 midfields, 1 LB, and another attacker would be my priority list for the summer. I think CB would be next following summer or year.
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I think the recent surgery for de Ligt probably alters that line of thinking - i.e. CB next summer. I thought along those lines before but now, I am not so sure. Especially when you consider the terrible fitness record of Martinez.
 
I’m no scout or financial expert but these are the positions I think we need to bolster using free transfers where possible to help. Some players could be switched with others, plenty of midfielders out there that would improve us I think.

In

CB - Senesi (Free)
LB - Hall (£60m)
DM - Tchouchameni (£70m)
DM - Baleba (£60m)
CM - Scott or Fernandes (£50/60m)
AM/LW - Wilson (Free)
CF - Lewandovski (Free)

Out

Onana (£10m)
Bayindir (£5m)
Martinez (£20m)
Ugarte (£20m)
Rashford (£30m)
Zirkzee (£20m)
Hojlund (38m)
 
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TRUE NUMBER 9 said:
I think that the list of positions in need of strengthening has changed recently, due to the news regarding de Ligt. First and foremost, let us all hope that he gets back his health. Should he return to the squad and regain his earlier form, great, that will be a bonus. It does, however, leave a gaping hole at CB.

Martinez is not even able to manage half the games in a PL season - he averages just 17 apps in the PL during each of his four years at United - so for all his talent, he simply cannot be relied upon. Maguire thankfully signed up for another year, so at the least, a dependable and very experienced campaigner is in place. Heaven is really starting to look the part. The lad has a way to go but is developing really well. Yoro, less so but he remains an important member of the squad and should be going forward provided he learns about life in the PL. Whilst Shaw and Mazraoui are both capable of filling in at CB, both are again, unfortunately prone to injury. Fredricsen and the untested unit Godwill Kukonki are coming through the ranks but at best, perhaps one of those lads can fill in as the 4h / 5th choice CB. United need to sign someone and they need to be good.

CB has been added to the list of needs, along with the obvious CMs, LB and likely depth for CF and a LW option.
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JE-0801 said:
We already have 5 CBs. I don't think we are in the market of CBs. If we sign CB, it would mean we sign CB that can be used as full backs.

3 midfields, 1 LB, and another attacker would be my priority list for the summer. I think CB would be next following summer or year.
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Pierre Kalulu as a RB / CB hybrid could be a shout who I see as a more capable back-up CB option than Mazraoui. I'd even be open to selling Mazraoui to fund it. I wouldn't want Kalulu to stop us going for Kayode long-term though, so ideallly he would be available next summer to replace Dalot.

Alternatively I would also be open to loaning out Yoro and signing a new first team CB. Van Heck and Senesi are the more obvious options in the Prem but I'm open to a Vivell special if he has a hidden gem up his sleeve. Appreciate that option doesn't solve the depth issues in the first 2-3 months of the season, but the start of the season isn't too intense due to international breaks and CL not starting until September, plus we could include a call back option on Yoro in January in case De Ligt is still having issues in his recovery.
 
Loaning Yoro is an interesting idea. I thought he had a good debut season but regressed a bit this season.

It would only be viable if we signed a CB this summer but Yoro would certainly benefit from playing every week for a midtable or lower level prem team.

Regards de ligt...I think the fact he has had surgery might actually be a positive. Previously we were hearing the club didn't even know what the problem was exactly.

If he has had an operation, then I presume they have identified the issue and he has a better chance of recovery long term.

No guarantees with a back injury of course but I don't see utd spend big on a replacement until its clearer what his recovery plan is. Think we have enough cover for now, especially if we sign a left back and Shaw can cover left center back.
 
Obviously list of dream players and big pl targets....fernandes seens high on many...not what we need, id love nicolas paz but again regardless of cost or availability...not what we need...in terms of sensible transfers value, age, suitability and potential wise...outside of a couple of big signings in midfield id like us to be considering...
Gk - yohan diouf
Lb - nathaniel brown
Rb - wesley, palestri, kayode
Dm - sangere, joao gomes, bouaddi
cm - manzambi, m kone, danilo, mouzakatis
Lw - mateus mane, jeremy monga
St - kevin filling

Think none will be far north of £40m and many a lot cheaper.
Personally only feel we need one big dm signing as am absolute priority and rb is the other big prority first eleven wise with probable remaining squad (tho with clubs apparent stance be lb and dorgu playing lw, think is a mistake)

Beyond that theres obviously a few positions we are bare in and need both comoetition/cover/different options. I feel adding 3-5 of the type of players above and a couple of additions from our youth is the best way forward.

My fear is we spend £150-180m on our midfield on 3 players a gk, lb, st additionally at most and effectively only improve one position in the first eleven...have good cm options...but that the other signings are actually weaker than options we already have
 
jesperjaap said:
Obviously list of dream players and big pl targets....fernandes seens high on many...not what we need, id love nicolas paz but again regardless of cost or availability...not what we need...in terms of sensible transfers value, age, suitability and potential wise...outside of a couple of big signings in midfield id like us to be considering...
Gk - yohan diouf
Lb - nathaniel brown
Rb - wesley, palestri, kayode
Dm - sangere, joao gomes, bouaddi
cm - manzambi, m kone, danilo, mouzakatis
Lw - mateus mane, jeremy monga
St - kevin filling

Think none will be far north of £40m and many a lot cheaper.
Personally only feel we need one big dm signing as am absolute priority and rb is the other big prority first eleven wise with probable remaining squad (tho with clubs apparent stance be lb and dorgu playing lw, think is a mistake)

Beyond that theres obviously a few positions we are bare in and need both comoetition/cover/different options. I feel adding 3-5 of the type of players above and a couple of additions from our youth is the best way forward.

My fear is we spend £150-180m on our midfield on 3 players a gk, lb, st additionally at most and effectively only improve one position in the first eleven...have good cm options...but that the other signings are actually weaker than options we already have
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How much top level experience have any of those got ? You only need to look at Chelsea to see how that idea translates to the PL
 
Definitely need a high-quality Right Back... I like Dalot but I think we can do a little better and he would benefit from the competition.

But, two names come to mind for me: Elliot Anderson for sure, we must do what we can to get that young man.. he wants to be a top player, you can see that. He makes a difference and he is impressive.

And I would buy Jarod Bowen. He would be a superb, reliable addition to our forward line and after being terrific for West Ham, he would enjoy a challenge of a top, top club and Champions League football, which he deserves.
 
I would really like to see us looking at Tchouameni and Stiller as midfield signings. I don't actually think the former will leave but if he does then he's the perfect Casemiro replacement.

Stiller will be one of those players who we're looking at in a few years when he's winning stuff for Madrid or similar and wishing we had signed when he had a £40m release clause if we don't go for him.
 
Von Mistelroum said:
I would really like to see us looking at Tchouameni and Stiller as midfield signings. I don't actually think the former will leave but if he does then he's the perfect Casemiro replacement.

Stiller will be one of those players who we're looking at in a few years when he's winning stuff for Madrid or similar and wishing we had signed when he had a £40m release clause if we don't go for him.
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why the feck are people still talking about tchouameni? That transfer is as realistic as Rice, Caicedo or Vitinha ffs.
 
jesperjaap said:
Obviously list of dream players and big pl targets....fernandes seens high on many...not what we need, id love nicolas paz but again regardless of cost or availability...not what we need...in terms of sensible transfers value, age, suitability and potential wise...outside of a couple of big signings in midfield id like us to be considering...
Gk - yohan diouf
Lb - nathaniel brown
Rb - wesley, palestri, kayode
Dm - sangere, joao gomes, bouaddi
cm - manzambi, m kone, danilo, mouzakatis
Lw - mateus mane, jeremy monga
St - kevin filling

Think none will be far north of £40m and many a lot cheaper.
Personally only feel we need one big dm signing as am absolute priority and rb is the other big prority first eleven wise with probable remaining squad (tho with clubs apparent stance be lb and dorgu playing lw, think is a mistake)

Beyond that theres obviously a few positions we are bare in and need both comoetition/cover/different options. I feel adding 3-5 of the type of players above and a couple of additions from our youth is the best way forward.

My fear is we spend £150-180m on our midfield on 3 players a gk, lb, st additionally at most and effectively only improve one position in the first eleven...have good cm options...but that the other signings are actually weaker than options we already have
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How can you say that we only need one big DM signing? The midfield as a whole needs to be the priority. After the summer we are left with Mainoo and Bruno. Collyer? Probably sold or loaned. Fletchers? Not gonna move the needle at this stage. Thwaites? Not ready. A loan would be helpful.

We need to spend on midfield. The club are planning 3 if they can. Which is probably right for a 60 game season.

After that, I think the club probably have the right priorities- LB, ST and rumours of a possible CB.

LB we should definitely spend money on. I feel like the others we could make use of the free market or those who are on expiring contracts, and those in Saudi who may want to return to European football. We need to get smarter.

We absolutely should not just flood the squad with young players, that doesn’t work. We need experienced players for them to learn off too.
 
Focus should be on adding attacking depth and revamping the midfield.

Mateus Fernandes - 60m
Baleba - 60m
Hackney - 25m
Ndiaye - 60m
Mateta- 30m

Total 235m

Sell Ugarte, Zirkzee and Rashford

Sesko
Cunha Bruno Mbeumo
Mainoo Fernandes
Shaw Heaven Maguire Dalot
Lammens

Mateta
Ndiaye Mount Amad
Hackney Baleba
Dorgu Martinez Yoro Mazraoui
Bayindir
​
The window after this should focus on the defense when Shaw, Martinez and Maguire are all out of contract
 
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My dream window; incoming transfers:

- Mateus Fernandes
- Carlos Baleba
- Lewis Hall
- Backup Striker (?)
 
I think it all depends on if Anderson is gettable or not - if he is then I think we have to get him.

I’d like
Anderson - 100m
Baleba / Sangare - 60 / 40m
Senesi - Free
Truffert - 40 m
Sarr - 60m
Jimenez - Free

I think we should be really looking at Sarr he can play either wing, rapid and can beat his man.

Hall for me is not gettable anymore as they are selling Gordon - can’t see them letting Hall go to.
 
golden_blunder said:
How can you say that we only need one big DM signing? The midfield as a whole needs to be the priority. After the summer we are left with Mainoo and Bruno. Collyer? Probably sold or loaned. Fletchers? Not gonna move the needle at this stage. Thwaites? Not ready. A loan would be helpful.

We need to spend on midfield. The club are planning 3 if they can. Which is probably right for a 60 game season.

After that, I think the club probably have the right priorities- LB, ST and rumours of a possible CB.

LB we should definitely spend money on. I feel like the others we could make use of the free market or those who are on expiring contracts, and those in Saudi who may want to return to European football. We need to get smarter.

We absolutely should not just flood the squad with young players, that doesn’t work. We need experienced players for them to learn off too.
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I mean in terms of the first eleven priorities not as a whole
 
davidmichael said:
How much top level experience have any of those got ? You only need to look at Chelsea to see how that idea translates to the PL
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Kadioglu, Baleba, Mateus Fernandes, Rayan, Krupi, Truffert, Sanesi, Diomande, Kayode…even Elliot ANderson.just off the top of my head, several players have made moves over the last 2/3seasons that I would put as similar as the ones I mentioned….virtually all be North of £50m and a fair amount. Chelsea comparison is pure lazy. They are buying and buying and buying, I was talking about making a couple of big signings and adding to them with shrewd seals….lots of the current targets getting mentioned are the players above
 
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