Manchester United need to spend this summer as they prepare for a return to the Champions League, and there is a chance to wrap up some business early.
The summer transfer window opens this Monday and Manchester United are likely to be very busy. Michael Carrick has led his side back into the Champions League, and United will need a squad to cope with the added demands that come with it.
We already know that United will lose members of the squad, which finished third in the 2025/26 season. Casemiro is one of three senior stars leaving on a free, along with Tyrrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, when their contracts expire on June 30.
Brazilian midfielder Ederson appears to be the first newcomer. The initial cost of Atlanta Star will be £35m. ESPN: There are indications that a deal has been agreed to bring him to Old Trafford and Corriere dello Sport reports that the player will undergo a medical while in the United States for the World Cup.
Ederson’s arrival could be confirmed as soon as this week, but it is not the only United deal in the pipeline. Here, we’ve taken a closer look at what might be in store.
Ederson – I
A new midfielder has been a clear priority for Carrick since Casemiro’s summer exit was confirmed. Now, it turns out that the man who played back-up to the veteran in Brazil’s World Cup squad will become his long-term replacement at Old Trafford.
For a time, it seemed that Atletico Madrid were the frontrunners to sign the Atalanta man. United have moved ahead, though, after renewing their interest in a player they have been linked with before.
Ederson has established himself in Serie A with Atalanta. (Photo: Marco Caneiro/Shutterstock)
Ederson is expected to arrive as one of at least two new central midfielders, boosting an area that was noticeably lacking in depth last term. The 26-year-old arrives on the back of a World Cup campaign with Brazil, having been called up as a replacement for the injured Wesley just days before the tournament.
Mattis Fernandes – I
A sub-£40m fee for Ederson could benefit United when it comes to finding funds for their second midfield addition. West Ham reportedly want £85m for Portugal international Matías Fernandes, although that amount could be lower.
Fernandes was a key player for the Hammers in their relegation battle, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season. The London side are hoping to double their fee for the 21-year-old, but the initial bid is likely to be slightly lower.
West Ham face battle for Matisse Fernandes after relegation (Photo: MI News/Noor Photo/Shutterstock)
Ugarte has three years left on his contract, so there is no need to sell him, although United will likely be keen to sell someone whose wages don’t match his price. Atletico Madrid could be potential suitors after losing Ederson, but any sale would be a loss.
Andre Onana – Out
Andre Onana could return to Turbinespor on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell. (Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Andre Onana is another top earner who seems to have no future at the club. The Cameroonian international goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Trabzonspor but looks set to return to his parent club once the next steps are decided.
Sean Lemmons’ fine form in his first United season means there is little incentive to link up again for Onana, who has largely seen the bad outweigh the good during his time as first choice. The challenge is to find a buyer for the player costing around £47m from Inter Milan.
He may yet join Trabzonspor on a permanent basis, with Turkish club president Ertugrul Dogan hopeful. “I think Andre Ona will stay with the team. We have met his financial demands,” Dugan said.
Antony Robinson – I
Another area where United will need investment is on the left wing. Luke Shaw was fit for almost all of last season, playing more minutes than in any other Premier League campaign, although it remains to be seen whether he can repeat the feat with the added pressure of eight or more matches in the Champions League.
Last season’s back-up, Malasia, has moved on, while Patrik Dorgo – signed as a wing-back option under Ruben Amorim – seems a better fit in a more advanced role. If United are to target Premier League experience in their search for new blood. Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall are among the leading contenders.
United States international Robinson, 28, could be a cheaper option as he enters the final two years of his contract. After manager Marco Silva left Craven Cottage, he may decide now is a good time to give himself a clean break.
