By Josh Holland
Only Manchester City and Liverpool have been more active than Manchester United in the transfer window this summer. Following their worst season in 51 years, the spotlight is on United to get their business right.
At the start of the summer, the signing of Matheus Cunha sparked excitement among supporters. United activated his 拢62.5million release clause at Wolves to instantly make Ruben Amorim’s forward options better, on paper.
There were ambitions to add Bryan Mbeumo to that list but the Reds have failed with two bids for the Brentford star. As of July 1, however, the club’s new accounting period is live and transfer business for the 2025/26 financial year is expected to sky rocket.
Currently speaking, Mbeumo remains the priority. A third bid is expected to be submitted to Brentford, who want close to 拢65m for their topscorer, but United could walk away from the deal if they are priced out of a move.
Once the 25-year-old is official, or if attention is forced to turn elsewhere, United will look to strengthen their attack. Viktor Gyokeres has been the constant name tipped for a move to Old Trafford but Sporting CP’s attempt to squeeze every last penny, or euro, means alternatives have to be considered.
Many have turned their nose to Ollie Watkins after reports insisted that the Aston Villa centre-forward was on United’s shortlist of No.9s. The England international, who turns 30 in December, has scored 87 goals for Villa and has managed at least 15 Premier League goals in each of his last three seasons.
There’s a feeling that United are panicking in their hunt for a new striker after failing to get Gyokeres in. However, this time last year, neither Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui or Manuel Ugarte had been mentioned as possible signings, they all were signed in August and proved to be decent additions.
Jhon Duran, Hugo Ekitike, Moise Keane and Ivan Toney also have been mentioned as potential targets. However, the new financial year does leave United more leeway to spend big on a striker, making a move for Gyokeres more feasible. Sporting CP want around 拢80m for the Sweden international, Villa are believed to want around 拢20m less to consider a sale of Watkins.
Looking elsewhere, there is a real possibility that United will strengthen in midfield. Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation means the two behind the attacking three must be quality and it’s something that cost them last year.
Foot Mercato in Italy have claimed that United have entered the running for Paris Saint-Germain and Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz. The 29-year-old was paramount to PSG’s Champions League win last season but the report has claimed interest is growing.
Ruiz remains a key member of Luis Enrique’s squad and it would take a monumental effort to prise him away from Paris. Wilfred Ndidi, Felix Nmecha and Warren Zaire-Emery have also been mentioned but it’s understood that it’s not a position that United aren’t currently prioritising.
A position that could also be targeted now the new financial year is here is goalkeeper. Andre Onana’s future remains in doubt and reports have suggested a loan move could be sanctioned to allow Amorim the opportunity to bring in a new number one.
Just like Watkins, United reportedly like another Villa star in Emiliano Martinez. The World Cup winner is said to be open to a move with a fee believed to be in the region of 拢40m wanted by Unai Emery’s men.
If United were successful in their attempts to land their priority targets, it is likely that their spending will surpass an additional 拢200m on top of the 拢62.5m spent on Cunha. A new striker, forward, central midfielder and goalkeeper would put United in the best possible position to strike a line through their disappointing 2024/25 season.
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