The summer of 2026 marks a pivotal moment for Manchester United. With the Premier League transfer window officially open until 1 September, and the club back in the Champions League, the Red Devils are embarking on a significant squad rebuild under new head coach Michael Carrick. After a productive 2025 window that brought Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon to Old Trafford, United are looking to build on that foundation with a clear, disciplined approach.

The First Signing: Ederson Arrives from Atalanta

United have wasted no time in the 2026 window, securing their first signing before the market even officially opened. The club has agreed a deal with Serie A side Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who will become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era.

The 26-year-old will arrive in a deal worth an initial £35 million, plus £3.8 million in performance-related add-ons. Ederson has confirmed that the move is “practically almost all sorted,” speaking after Brazil’s World Cup victory over Haiti. He will sign a contract until 2030, with the option of a further year.

Ederson’s arrival addresses a critical need in United’s midfield, particularly with the departure of Casemiro. The Brazilian brings energy, defensive discipline and technical quality—qualities Carrick will be counting on as he reshapes the centre of the pitch.

Midfield Overhaul: The Priority Position

Addressing the midfield is Carrick’s primary objective this summer. With Casemiro officially leaving at the end of the month and Manuel Ugarte potentially following him out the door, United are targeting multiple reinforcements in the centre of the park.

Mateus Fernandes: The Next Target

United are accelerating towards a deal for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old Portugal international impressed for West Ham despite the club’s relegation to the Championship. The Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the player and are making progress towards a full transfer agreement.

However, negotiations with West Ham are proving challenging. The Hammers are holding out for over £80 million, with an initial valuation of £85 million. United are hoping to conclude a deal worth £65 million plus add-ons. Adding further complexity, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as serious contenders for Fernandes’ signature.

The Tonali Saga Ends

United had been linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, but the club has reportedly walked away from the negotiation table. With Newcastle’s asking price set at around £100 million and Tonali’s wage demands considered too high, United made the prudent decision to pursue other targets. Tottenham have since registered their interest, but their £80 million bid has been rejected by Newcastle—vindication for United’s decision to withdraw.

Other Midfield Options

Beyond Fernandes, United retain an interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The club has also been linked with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, valued at £87 million, and could explore a move for Dani Ceballos, who is available on a free transfer from Real Madrid. The former Arsenal midfielder represents a potentially affordable, high-quality option.

Departures: The End of an Era

United have confirmed a significant exodus of players this summer, with six first-team and academy players leaving when their contracts expire on 30 June.

Jadon Sancho

The most high-profile departure is Jadon Sancho. Signed from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in July 2021, the England international made just 83 appearances for the club. United have decided against triggering the one-year option on his contract, bringing an end to a difficult chapter that saw Sancho spend the past three seasons on loan at Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Casemiro

Veteran midfielder Casemiro also departs after four seasons at Old Trafford, during which he made 160 appearances and scored 26 goals. The Brazilian is currently at the World Cup with his national team and will be remembered as a key figure in United’s recent history.

Tyrrell Malacia

Full-back Tyrrell Malacia also leaves after making 50 appearances following his move from Feyenoord in 2022. Injuries hampered the 26-year-old’s progress at the club.

Academy Departures

Youngsters Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe will also leave when their deals expire. However, defenders Albert Mills and Dante Plunkett are expected to sign their first professional terms with the club in July.

Further Departures Looming

The summer exodus may not be complete. United are facing a tricky task of negotiating departures for some of their highest earners.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s situation is particularly complex. The forward is one of the highest earners at the club on £325,000 a week, and United are not planning to reintegrate him into the squad. However, any deal will require plenty of negotiation and compromise given his substantial salary. Bayern Munich are among those interested, while Premier League clubs are also monitoring the situation. Former United forward Louis Saha has warned the club against selling Rashford to Arsenal, stating: “For me, selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal is a complete no-go. I wouldn’t give any strength to the reigning Premier League champion”.

Andre Onana

Goalkeeper Andre Onana will return from a loan at Trabzonspor but has no future at the club, with Senne Lammens now established as the No. 1. Altay Bayindir is also keen to leave to play first-team football.

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte, signed from PSG for £55.7 million in 2024, could also depart. Galatasaray are among the clubs interested, with United preferring a sale but potentially open to a loan with an obligation to buy.

Transfer Strategy: Disciplined and Clear

United CEO Omar Berrada has outlined the club’s transfer strategy, emphasising discipline and long-term planning. “You have to have a clear plan, you have to know exactly what positions you’re looking to strengthen and you also have to be prepared for any eventuality,” Berrada said.

The template from last summer will be replicated: a mix of experience and youth, players who have demonstrated they can perform in the Premier League alongside those excelling elsewhere. Crucially, United will not overpay for signings.

Other Targets and Priorities

Left-Back

A left-back is a priority as cover for Luke Shaw. United are keen on Lewis Hall at Newcastle and would prefer to sign a younger left-back as a successor to Shaw.

Attack

An experienced striker to assist Benjamin Sesko is on the agenda, particularly if Joshua Zirkzee leaves. Victor Osimhen has been identified as one of United’s leading targets. The club has also been linked with Brentford’s Igor Thiago, though Arsenal have stepped up their interest in the Brazilian.

Wide Options

United have Iliman Ndiaye and Crysencio Summerville on their list of options out wide.

Looking Ahead

This is a defining summer for Manchester United. With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, Michael Carrick has the opportunity to shape the squad in his image. The departures of high-profile players like Sancho and Casemiro mark the end of an era, while the arrivals—beginning with Ederson—signal the start of a new one.

The club’s disciplined approach to recruitment, emphasised by Omar Berrada, suggests United are learning from past mistakes. They have clear targets, a defined strategy, and the financial flexibility to execute their plan—provided they can navigate the complex negotiations and fierce competition for their top targets.

As the window progresses, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see whether this summer of change can propel Manchester United back to the summit of English and European football.