Manchester United's pursuit of midfield reinforcements has been complicated by missing out on targets Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, alongside a significant injury to Manuel Ugarte. The club's transfer strategy is now being re-evaluated.
United failed to secure Fernandes, with Tottenham Hotspur agreeing to a club-record £85 million bid. While United were unable to match City's £116 million offer for Anderson, the Fernandes deal reportedly fell through due to United's reluctance to meet Spurs' valuation and Fernandes' own perceived ambivalence towards joining.
Midfield Targets and Defensive Overhaul
The club had identified midfield as a primary focus for the summer transfer window following Casemiro's departure. Bournemouth's Alex Scott is a known admirer at Old Trafford, though Arsenal, City, Chelsea, and Tottenham also have interest. Bournemouth is reportedly seeking a higher fee for Scott than initially anticipated, potentially exceeding £60 million.
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid remains a target, but his departure from the Spanish club is uncertain, especially with Jose Mourinho's return as coach. Other midfielders on United's shortlist include Scott's Bournemouth teammate Tyler Adams and Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha. Interest in Sandro Tonali is said to have cooled.
The serious knee injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte while playing for Uruguay is expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period. While the club had been open to his departure, his injury means he is likely to remain at Old Trafford for his rehabilitation. However, sources indicate this will not significantly alter United's transfer plans, as his salary may be covered under FIFA's club protection program due to the international duty injury, potentially leaving room for further signings.
Player Futures and Squad Adjustments
The club is also seeking a left-sided attacker, a left-back, a backup goalkeeper, and potentially a striker. The future of Marcus Rashford is a point of discussion. Under contract for two more years, Rashford is preparing for pre-season training after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Despite his high wages, United may look to sell him for around £40 million to restructure their wage bill, though they are prepared for his return if no buyer is found.
Potential departures include goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, which would allow for the signing of a new backup keeper for Andre Onana. The prospect of signing another striker hinges on offloading Joshua Zirkzee. The defense is not expected to see major changes this summer, with next year earmarked for reshaping that area. Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez are entering the final year of their contracts, with options to extend for Maguire and Martinez. A decision on Shaw's future is anticipated before the end of the year. Matthijs De Ligt is under contract until 2029 but has been sidelined with a back injury.
Bruno Fernandes is also entering the final year of his contract, but United holds an option to extend it by another 12 months and is likely to initiate talks for a new deal in the coming months.