Manchester United is approaching a pivotal summer transfer window, but financial limitations mean the club must be strategic in its recruitment. Under Ruben Amorim’s leadership, the team has displayed noticeable improvement, securing consecutive victories with three-goal margins.
This recent run of form supports Amorim’s plea for patience, suggesting that the club has turned a corner. Now, with the worst seemingly behind them, United is focusing on the transfer market to reshape the squad into a serious top-four contender.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has highlighted four key positions that United is looking to strengthen, with right wing-back also identified as an area in need of reinforcement. However, given budget constraints, the club may need to look within its ranks for solutions. This could open opportunities for academy talents from Carrington to step up and fill essential roles, aside from those who were already signed or made their debuts at 18, such as Sekou Kone.
In central defense, United possesses a solid group of players, including Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt, at least until the summer of 2026. However, the impending departures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will create gaps in the squad.
Instead of investing heavily in external signings, Amorim may look toward Godwill Kukonki, a promising young defender whom he quickly integrated into first-team training. Kukonki was also included in the squad against Arsenal last December, signaling Amorim’s trust in his potential. With Heaven currently sidelined due to injury, Kukonki’s first-team breakthrough could happen sooner than expected, especially as another left-footed center-back is needed.
At right wing-back, United initially pursued Geovany Quenda, but negotiations for the player collapsed. Rather than searching for an alternative in the transfer market, the club may already have a viable option in Bendito Mantato. U21 manager Travis Binnion has spoken highly of Mantato’s abilities, hinting that he could be ready for a senior team role.
The midfield also requires reinforcements, particularly as United looks to phase out Casemiro. One of the academy’s brightest prospects, Tyler Fletcher, has been making waves with 11 assists and three goals across U21 and U18 levels this season. His playing style has drawn comparisons to Michael Carrick, given his exceptional ability to dictate play and provide accurate passes to attacking runners. This makes him a strong candidate for a promotion to the first team.
Further up the pitch, Amorim may also seek additional depth in attacking midfield. Jack Fletcher is one of the standout young talents in this area, having consistently demonstrated that he is ready for senior football. He has already become a familiar name on Amorim’s bench, and a move into the first-team setup seems inevitable.
In the striker position, United already has Chido Obi as a potential option. However, if additional attacking reinforcements are needed, Gabriele Biancheri could finally be given an opportunity. The young forward has been in sensational form at the academy level, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists across U21 and U18 competitions. His sharp finishing ability and contributions in build-up play set him apart from both Obi and Rasmus Hojlund, offering a fresh attacking dimension to the squad.
Despite budget restrictions, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has assured that Amorim will receive considerable support in the transfer market. The club is reportedly targeting reinforcements in crucial positions, with a potential swap deal involving Rasmus Hojlund and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen under discussion.
In midfield, United has shown interest in Sporting CP’s Geovany Quenda, with reports indicating that personal terms have already been agreed upon. Additionally, the club is considering defensive reinforcements and searching for both a left-back and a right wing-back to strengthen squad depth. These planned acquisitions are part of United’s broader strategy to enhance competitiveness for the upcoming season.
