If Michael Carrick’s first priority this summer was getting Champions League football back on the schedule, his second is ensuring Manchester United have a midfield capable of competing in it.
The scale of the rebuild required is significant. Casemiro’s departure on a free has already been confirmed while Manuel Ugarte is expected to follow him out the door, leaving United in the market for as many as three central midfielders before the window closes.
Kobbie Mainoo has committed his future to the club and Bruno Fernandes is set to stay, but beyond that pair the engine room looks thin.
The Ederson deal from Atalanta is close to done, but that feels like the start rather than the end of the business, with the Brazilian set to join for around £35m once his World Cup campaign is complete.
Elliot Anderson was initially reported as United’s primary target, with the club understood to be preparing to open talks with Nottingham Forest, but their enormous demands have forced INEOS to look elsewhere.
Indeed, rivals Manchester City have now agreed a fee of around £116m for the England star, and sources understand United dropped out of the race as soon as it became apparent a club record bid would be required.
Beyond Anderson, the list of names in play is extensive.
Felix Nmecha, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni and Mateus Fernandes have all been linked, with reports suggesting United are prepared to invest as much as £150m on the position in total.
Many of the club’s top targets are being chased by several clubs, and Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on “one of the most wanted midfielders on the market”.
Man Utd believe they can win race for Tottenham target
That man is West Ham midfielder Fernandes, who Tottenham have moved into pole position for this week.
Indeed, Romano confirms Spurs are “pushing” for the Portuguese star and want him alongside Sandro Tonali – not instead of.
However, United have not given up hope, and still believe they can hijack the North Londoners’ move with one of their own.
“Manchester United remain in contact with the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes.
“Manchester United are yet to give up, so the story is still open.”
Nuno’s special praise for Fernandes
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was full of praise for the 21 year-old ahead of his international debut this year, giving United fans a taste of what they can expect if they win the race for the now one-cap Portugal international.
“Hopefully, he can help the national team. I’m very, very happy for him. He deserves it,” he said.
“He’s having a fantastic season, he works hard, and he’s very talented and disciplined. I hope he comes back well because we have an important game on Sunday.”
Man Utd director now discussing personal terms with £104m World Cup star
He’s enjoyed an excellent World Cup…
Indeed, the youngster is so much more than a technically gifted midfielder who chips in with goals – his work rate off the ball is exceptional.
Fernandes’ 2.9 tackles per game in the Premier League last season was considerably more than any other West Ham player, and he also ranked third for interceptions and sixth for fouls.
INEOS also clearing the deadwood
United goalkeeper Andre Onana is close to securing a second loan move to Trabzonspor.
Trabzonspor had already made clear their desire to retain the services of Onana, who lost his starting place at Old Trafford last summer with the arrival of Senne Lammens.
Onana joined United from Inter Milan in a £47million deal in the summer of 2023 and has a contract until 2028, but the Cameroon keeper appears to have no future at the club.
Turkey international Altay Bayindir has also been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, which would leave United needing to bring in another experienced goalkeeper in order to provide competition for Lammens.
Veteran Tom Heaton, 40, has signed a one-year extension.
United’s players who are not taking part in the World Cup are due to report back for pre-season training on July 9.