Manchester United are yet to complete adding to their squad this summer
With under a month remaining in the summer transfer window, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick still has plenty of big decisions to make.
Having already reinforced the midfield with the high-profile arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, attention at Old Trafford has reportedly changed to bolstering his defensive options. United have been linked to a whole host of additions at the back, and now a new name has emerged in connections with the Reds.
Meanwhile, several senior squad members have already moved on this summer – including Radek Vitek’s seemingly imminent transfer to Middlesbrough – and one further outgoing could be clinched in the coming weeks.
Defensive target
United retain an interest in Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to The Telegraph. The 22-year-old has already accumulated 137 appearances for the Serie A outfit and would offer much-needed reinforcement to Carrick’s defensive line, given the fitness concerns surrounding Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt last season.
The Italy international is no stranger to the United hierarchy, having previously been watched by the club. The centre-back can also operate as a defensive midfielder on occasion and completed an impressive 88% of his passes last term.
The Telegraph reports that Carrick is no longer prioritising the acquisition of a third midfielder, with the remaining transfer budget potentially being redirected towards a defensive signing. According to Transfermarkt, the defender is valued at £32m (€38m), though his injury record could give the United manager cause for concern.
He has missed 81 matches over the past three years, including 14 games last season, owing to four separate fitness complaints.
Zirkzee potential exit
United are yet to strengthen their attack this summer, beyond the return of Marcus Rashford, yet that hasn’t prevented Carrick from entertaining the prospect of allowing Joshua Zirkzee to depart.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus are keen on securing the Dutch striker on a season-long loan. The 25-year-old has struggled to cement his place at the club since his £36.5million arrival in 2024, netting just nine goals in 75 appearances across all competitions.
The report suggests that Zirkzee has already given the green light to the Serie A heavyweights, with openings at United becoming increasingly scarce last year due to the presence of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
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