Manchester United consider summer clearout and new signings
Squad Adjustments Underway
Michael Carrick, the permanent head coach of Manchester United, has begun to reshape his squad for the upcoming season. Following his appointment at the end of last season, Carrick has been active in the transfer market, focusing on strengthening the midfield. The club has already secured the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with reports indicating an investment of approximately £80m for these additions.
Carrick is reportedly looking to bring in at least one more midfielder and also seeks defensive reinforcements. However, attention has now shifted to player departures, with four members of the squad informed they are no longer required for the season.
According to reports, goalkeeper Radek Vítek, along with players Harry Amass, Dan Gore, and Toby Collyer, have been told to seek new clubs. Vítek, who played 45 minutes in a friendly against Wrexham, had previously expressed his desire to leave, stating his readiness for either a loan or a permanent move. His prospects for a first-team role were further impacted by the arrival of Karl Darlow and Tom Heaton’s new contract.
Harry Amass, who spent part of last season on loan at Norwich and impressed in pre-season matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg, is also available for a loan or permanent transfer. Midfielder Dan Gore, 21, made 34 league appearances on loan at Rotherham last season, but has been advised that his best opportunity for minutes will be with the Under-21s. Similarly, Toby Collyer, 22, received the same message despite contributing to Hull City’s promotion last season.
Potential New Arrivals
Despite being active in the early stages of the summer transfer window, Manchester United are not expected to halt their recruitment efforts. There is a renewed sense of optimism at the club after Carrick guided them back to the UEFA Champions League following previous challenges. The club had a significant spending spree last summer, bringing in players like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, who were instrumental in the team’s third-place finish in the 2025/26 season.
Further investments are anticipated as the club aims to challenge for the Premier League title. The departure of Casemiro at the end of last season created a midfield void, which Santos and Tielemans have begun to address. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte could also be on his way out after two seasons at Old Trafford, potentially paving the way for the pursuit of Real Madrid players Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, with Camavinga’s arrival reportedly closer to fruition.
Beyond midfield, there are other areas the Red Devils are looking to strengthen. A new centre-back is considered a priority, despite Harry Maguire’s improved form under Carrick. Concerns remain over Maguire’s consistency and the injury issues affecting Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, highlighting the need for additional defensive depth. Leny Yoro’s performance has also raised questions, despite some promising signs.
The right-back position is another area of concern. While Luke Shaw’s strong performance last season, starting all 38 Premier League matches, has solidified the left-back spot, the opposite flank is less secure. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are considered useful squad players, but neither has fully convinced as a long-term solution. Mazraoui is reportedly attracting interest from clubs like AC Milan, and his potential departure would leave United short of quality on the right flank, especially with the return of Champions League football.
Finally, a backup striker is also on the agenda. While Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko are capable of playing as centre-forwards, Sesko is currently the only recognised out-and-out striker available to Carrick, especially with Joshua Zirkzee set to depart. The demanding schedule of competing on multiple fronts necessitates another robust striker, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Marcus Rashford’s long-term future at the club.
The club is actively working to address these squad needs before the transfer window closes.
Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
