BREAKING NEWS: Man United lineup seven players for sale by the summer with big replacements named
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to test Villarreal’s resolve with a summer bid for midfielder Pape Gueye as they look to reshape their squad once again. After splashing more than £200 million on reinforcements last summer — bringing in Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Senne Lammens — the club had hoped for a smoother campaign. Instead, inconsistency lingered, mirroring the struggles that plagued the previous season.
The turbulent run ultimately cost Ruben Amorim his job, with the club turning to Michael Carrick as interim boss until the end of the campaign while they deliberate over a permanent appointment. Carrick has steadied the ship impressively, guiding the side to four victories and a draw in his opening five matches, prompting sections of the fanbase to suggest he deserves the role beyond this season.
Regardless of who takes charge long-term, United’s hierarchy are already mapping out their summer strategy, with midfield reinforcement high on the agenda. At least one, possibly two, additions are expected in that department as the club aim to add balance and steel to the centre of the pitch.
Spanish outlet Fichajes claims United are prepared to table an offer worth around €60 million (£52 million) for Villarreal’s Gueye. The Senegal international is viewed as a player capable of adding defensive stability, ball-winning ability and tactical discipline — qualities the team have lacked at key moments. Reports suggest United’s technical staff admire his adaptability and composure under pressure, seeing him as a calculated, structural signing rather than a marquee headline-grabber.
However, not all transfer chatter aligns. Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, while discussing United’s midfield shortlist, did not include Gueye among the primary targets. He reiterated that central midfield will be a top priority, particularly with Casemiro expected to depart and uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte’s future.
O’Rourke instead pointed to names such as Amadou Onana of Aston Villa, along with Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, as players currently rated higher on United’s radar. He also suggested prising Onana away from Villa could prove difficult, given their reluctance to part with key assets.
With significant changes looming in the engine room, United’s summer business could once again define the direction of the club — and whether their next rebuild finally delivers the consistency supporters crave.
