Manchester United have work to do this summer, with the future of a number of stars beyond this season up in the air – and the MEN has broken down Michael Carrick’s dream scenario
Manchester United will seemingly make up for a largely uneventful January transfer window then the market reopens this summer, given a number of areas are in need of substantial reinforcement.
After a season of dismay under Ruben Amorim in 2024/25, in which, the Reds finished 15th in the Premier League standings and missed out on European qualification, it now appears as though the club are back to where they truly belong under Michael Carrick; back in the top five and displaying dominant performances home and away.
The 44-year-old has been a breath of fresh air since stepping in on an interim basis until season’s end back in January, with seven wins from his first nine matches in charge. As a result, United currently sit third in the Premier League standings, with just another eight games to go.
And while the league title looks all but destined to land in north London in May, Arsenal nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, United should qualify to play Champions League football once again next season, should they carry on in their remarkable run of form.
With that said, a number of changes are needed ahead of the fresh season both on and off the pitch. All things considered, the MEN breaks down a number of dream scenarios that the club may find themselves in this summer…
Carrick sees permanent tenure
Before the club start pondering potential transfers, they must tie down a permanent head coach for 2026/27. Carrick’s current deal only sees him through until season’s end, although there could be a potential for him to stay on permanently dependent on results.
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While the likes of Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel have been touted for the job this summer, United would be wise not to look past Carrick. After all, the club has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under the Englishman, despite limited top flight coaching experience.
Most impressively, Carrick has shown a wealth of adaptability in working with the squad he inherited from Amorim over the past couple of months, with the club making no permanent signings in the January window. So just imagine what the head coach could do with a full pre-season camp and a sizeable budget this summer.
Carrick, in my opinion, should most certainly have first refusal all things considered, given he has breathed a fresh lease of life into the club in a matter of months. But only time will tell whether the board agrees.
Bruno Guimaraes lands as Casemiro’s replacement
Given his flying form this season, Casemiro would stay on for one more season in an ideal world. The player ultimately has the option to extend his tenure by a year based on appearances this term, but made the shock announcement earlier this year that he will part ways with Old Trafford in the summer regardless.
Given his wealth of top flight experience and continued perfection on the pitch despite ageing legs at 34, the Brazilian will be a major miss when he moves on. The good news, however, is that United aren’t exactly short of options in terms of replacements this summer.
While the likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have all been linked with a move to Greater Manchester, it is Newcastle United captain, Bruno Guimaraes, who looks to be the most viable option at present.
As per Reuters, the club are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 28-year-old, who mirrors Casemiro in many ways. A defensive-minded midfielder who is hard in the tackle and equally as impressive going forward, the Brazilian has impressed at St James’ Park with his leadership in particular.
As per the report, a £69million summer move is on the cards. However, an interest from Real Madrid threatens complications. Los Blancos have held an interest in the talent since 2022, and he was likely to make his way to the Spanish capital before Newcastle submitted their own hefty bid to Lyon.
However, initial contact between United and Guimaraes’ camp suggests that both parties are eager for the move to Old Trafford.
Andre Onana, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho find new homes
Elsewhere in terms of outgoings, Manchester United will be keen to shift a number of first-team players who are not part of their long-term plans. Andre Onana is currently on loan with Trabzonspor after falling out of favour at the Theatre of Dreams due to numerous high-profile errors.
While there is no option or obligation to make the move permanent this summer, Trabzonspor may opt to broker a deal with the Reds, considering the key role he has played with the club this season. During his loan spell thus far, Onana has managed six clean sheets from 23 appearances, with just 28 concessions, with Trabzonspor sitting third in the Turkish Super Lig standings, just four points from a league leading Galatasaray.
Outfield, both Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho would also secure permanent moves to Barcelona and Aston Villa respectively this summer. Rashford has excelled with the Catalan giants despite stiff competition from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski for his place, with four goals and eight assists in La Liga from 23 appearances.
However, given he wasn’t afforded a chance to shine against Newcastle United in Barcelona’s 7-2 win on Wednesday evening, question marks loom as to whether the club will obligate their £26m option to buy this summer.
Sancho, meanwhile, has been afforded plenty of playing time under Unai Emery this season with 18 outings to his name. However, like Onana, no buy clause has been inserted in his loan agreement which could prove problematic for the Reds.
Sancho is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer, although the club do have the option to extend his tenure by another year to avoid losing him as a free agent. Whether they will choose to exercise that option remains to be seen.
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