Manchester United are gearing up for a crucial summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim looks to overhaul his squad following a disappointing campaign that has left them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. With significant changes anticipated at Old Trafford, the club is expected to be active in both incoming and outgoing transfers.
Despite heavy investment in the previous transfer window, which saw over £200 million spent on players like Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte, the results have not met expectations. Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties after these struggles, paving the way for Amorim’s arrival. Since taking charge, only two permanent signings have been made—young defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce. United CEO Omar Berrada has assured fans that the club will back Amorim with new signings this summer, but financial regulations mean player sales will also be necessary.
While goalkeeper Andre Onana has delivered inconsistent performances, Amorim reportedly remains confident in him as the team’s first choice. However, defensive reinforcements are a priority, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite emerging as a key target. If secured, he would likely partner Yoro and De Ligt in a three-man defense. The squad also includes Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, and Heaven, while Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are expected to depart once their contracts expire. Wing-backs Mazraoui and Dorgu are likely to retain their places, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw providing cover.
In midfield, Amorim is set to build around Ugarte, a player he previously coached at Sporting. However, the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen remain uncertain. Eriksen is widely expected to leave, while Mainoo’s contract situation could force United into a difficult decision regarding his long-term stay. Fernandes, who has reportedly attracted Real Madrid’s interest with a £90 million valuation, could be sold to generate funds. Should that happen, Amorim may pursue Morten Hjulmand, whom United value at £50 million, as a potential replacement.
In attack, Amad Diallo had been one of United’s standout performers before suffering an ankle injury in February, but he is expected to reclaim his place once fit. The club has also been linked with Oscar Gloukh as a possible successor to Fernandes in the attacking midfield role. Up front, Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled for consistency, managing only six league goals between them. As a result, Victor Osimhen has emerged as a priority target. The Nigerian striker, who has been loaned to Galatasaray after falling out of favor at Napoli, could be involved in a swap deal that sees Hojlund heading the other way.
If these transfer plans materialize, United’s potential lineup for the 2025-26 season could feature Onana in goal, a back three of Yoro, De Ligt, and Branthwaite, Mazraoui and Dorgu as wing-backs, Ugarte and Hjulmand anchoring the midfield, Amad and Gloukh operating behind Osimhen in attack.
