Manchester United’s Transfer Interests

By Megan Sinclair — 5 August 2026 — 3 min read

Manchester United’s Transfer Interests

Manchester United are actively pursuing several players as they prepare for the upcoming season, including potential midfield and defensive reinforcements. The club has already confirmed the arrival of five players, while 12 have departed, indicating a significant summer of change for Michael Carrick’s side.

Among the players linked to Old Trafford are midfielder Manu Kone and left-back Lewis Hall. Reports also suggest an interest in Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Internally, discussions have reportedly taken place regarding Brentford striker Igor Thiago, with club officials looking to sign him as competition for Benjamin Sesko.

Thiago scored goals in his second full campaign. His performances contributed to Brentford finishing ninth in the Premier League.

Key Defensive Targets and Challenges

The pursuit of Lewis Hall from Newcastle United is a significant focus for Manchester United. Carrick is reportedly keen to strengthen his left-back options, with Luke Shaw currently being the primary choice in that position. Patrick Dorgu is expected to play in a more advanced role, and youngster Harry Amass has been informed he can leave the club.

Hall had a breakthrough season in the Premier League for Newcastle, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 30 appearances. He also played 10 times in the Champions League and made an additional six appearances in domestic cup competitions. Despite United’s reported willingness to pay a bid, Newcastle are said to be taking a firm stance, insisting that Hall is not for sale.

Newcastle’s position is reportedly influenced by the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, as well as interest in Bruno Guimaraes from Arsenal. Sources indicate that Hall is regarded as crucial to Newcastle’s future plans under new boss Matthias Jaissle. United are reportedly aware of the difficulty in securing a deal for Hall and are considering other candidates, including Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal.

Midfield and Forward Speculation

In midfield, Manuel Ugarte faces a significant period on the sidelines after being stretchered off during Uruguay’s defeat in the recent FIFA World Cup. This injury occurred after an inadvertent clash with a teammate during a challenge for possession. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined United, with a potential third midfield signing still possible this summer.

Manu Kone, a French international, has been tipped by some to shine at Arsenal rather than Manchester United, despite United’s reported interest. Kone impressed during the World Cup, helping France to a fourth-place finish. Former United full-back Patrice Evra has suggested that a move to Arsenal might be more suitable for the midfielder.

Forward Marcus Rashford is another player whose future is uncertain. Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in signing Rashford, who is said to be on a three-man shortlist that also includes AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr. Fenerbahce have reportedly held talks with Leao and contacted the representatives of Sarr and Rashford regarding prospective moves. Jadon Sancho is also preparing for his next move after a tenure at Manchester United, with verbal agreements reportedly reached with several suitors in Europe and the Middle East, including a potential return to Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich are reportedly pursuing Benjamin Sesko, but United consider the Slovenian striker central to Michael Carrick’s long-term project. Sesko excelled as a substitute last term but found goals harder to come by when starting for the team. Morgan Gibbs-White of Forest is reportedly being lined up as a replacement for Bruno Fernandes should he leave, with Tottenham and Bayern Munich also showing interest in Gibbs-White, who scored goals and provided assists across the Premier League and Europa League last season.

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk