Manchester United are preparing for a summer of significant change, with manager Michael Carrick's future under review. After a resurgence under the club legend, attention now turns to potential transfer business, including the likely departure of Casemiro when his contract expires in June. Uncertainty also surrounds captain Bruno Fernandes, despite a Player of the Season-worthy campaign, and Marcus Rashford, whose loan to Barcelona may become permanent.
A key priority is reinforcing central midfield, and beating Manchester City to Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson would be a major coup. However, Anderson is reportedly favouring a move to the Etihad, and his price tag of £100 million or more would consume a large portion of United's summer budget. In an ideal scenario, United would secure the 23-year-old, whose calibre would be a massive boost, especially given City's interest.
Rashford's departure seems likely, with Barcelona holding a £26 million purchase option. United already have Matheus Cunha excelling on the left flank, but additional cover would be wise. RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old Ivorian winger, is a target, though his market value has risen to around £60 million since joining for £16 million last year. United are monitoring him, but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League clubs.
A more cost-effective midfield option is Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller, who could fill the gap left by Casemiro. The 25-year-old, a Bayern Munich academy graduate, has a release clause of £32.6 million and would allow Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes to operate further forward. Stiller helped Stuttgart win the DFB-Pokal last season and is on track for Champions League qualification.
Funds could be raised by selling Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, while preserving squad harmony is key to avoid frustrating Cunha. United's dream scenario involves securing Anderson, Diomande, and Stiller, though challenges remain in negotiations and competition.
