Manchester United are closing in on their first summer signing and plans are already well underway to add to that tally
Marcus Rashford is set to be the subject of talks at Manchester United this week(Image: Laurence Griffiths, Getty Images)
Manchester United’s summer is set to intensify significantly as the club moves to finalise its opening deal of the transfer window. Yet there will be little time for rest, with numerous other potential signings on the horizon.
There’s a growing sense of urgency at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick seeks to persuade Bruno Fernandes to commit to a new contract with United. The club has reportedly drawn up plans to prove its credentials as genuine title challengers and a wave of transfer business could achieve precisely that.
One lingering uncertainty amid the transfer activity concerns Marcus Rashford, whose situation could be resolved following discussions this week. Here’s a look at all of that and more as the latest developments surrounding Old Trafford emerge.
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Transfer plan outlined
Rashford’s departure is said to be just one of seven transfers United have lined up as part of a comprehensive rebuild this summer. Another is the capture of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is thought to be close to joining in a deal valued at approximately £40million.
The i Paper has reported United have compiled a shortlist of midfield targets they’re pursuing this summer. The plan would involve signing any two from Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba or Sandro Tonali alongside Ederson, who has allegedly already reached an agreement on personal terms.
Carrick’s team seem to have limited interest in pursuing the likes of Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton despite speculation in recent months. Instead, a player such as Fernandes would be far more accessible given West Ham’s relegation, while Tonali could be within grasp as Newcastle urgently require funds after missing out on European qualification.
Baleba was connected with United last summer before the club were put off by Brighton’s reported £100m asking price for the player. That valuation is understood to have dropped significantly since then, though it’s unclear whether United retain the same level of interest after an inconsistent campaign on the south coast.
Regarding which players might be sold to fund those acquisitions, The i Paper highlighted Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana as three assets who could generate substantial income. That’s alongside the potential sale of Rashford, which would account for the seven-transfer swing that could transform the squad.
United are reportedly prepared to offload Ugarte before his value drops any further, having failed to come close to justifying his £50m transfer fee. Zirkzee was supposedly considering his future earlier in the campaign when Roma expressed interest, although he has since pledged his commitment to the Old Trafford project.
Casemiro’s departure alone will release approximately £16m annually as United seek to replace his midfield contributions. But more than a single midfield acquisition may be required to adequately fill the gap he’s poised to leave this summer.
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Rashford talks scheduled
In what appears to be an endless stream of developments surrounding Rashford, United are also preparing for discussions about the forward’s fate. The Daily Mail reported a meeting is scheduled for this week between the England winger and his club, with the objective of establishing some clarity over his future.
All involved parties appear fully aware of the current situation. Both Rashford and Barcelona boss Hansi Flick are keen for him to remain at the Camp Nou after a productive loan spell, during which he netted 14 goals and provided 14 assists for the club.
Barca must pay £26m to secure the England international on a permanent basis. Earlier this year, it was claimed the Catalans tried to reduce that sum, but United have no intention of accepting a lower offer.
It was also recently suggested Barcelona would prefer a second season-long loan before completing a permanent deal next summer. United, however, have no appetite for another loan and are focused on an outright sale should Rashford depart.
The 28-year-old was previously a cherished figure at United before losing favour with Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Carrick is believed to be receptive to the player’s return, although Rashford’s ideal outcome is securing a long-term contract at the Camp Nou.
This week’s talks should bring greater clarity to the situation, including whether Rashford might move elsewhere beyond Catalonia. Former United boss Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on a reunion if he assumes the Real Madrid role, though the club’s current elections are holding up that rumoured appointment.
2026-05-28 04:30:00
