Man United transfer news is in full swing as Michael Carrick’s side step up preparations for the 2026/27 season. The Reds face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon in Stockholm. It will be the biggest test so far and Carrick will use it to assess new faces and squad depth before the Premier League gets underway.
United have already been busy in the market. The club have confirmed deals for goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Kit Margetson. In midfield, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have arrived, while young forward Tynan Thompson has also signed. That gives Carrick more options, but the manager is still targeting two more key areas before the window shuts.
The first is left-back. United are reportedly exploring a move for Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. Sky Sports reporter Danyal Khan says the club are working on potential deal structures for the 21-year-old.
Hall has been on United’s radar since March and is viewed internally as a long-term successor to Luke Shaw. With Eddie Howe leaving Newcastle and the Magpies already losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, United sense an opportunity.
Reports also suggest Hall is unsettled after missing out on England’s World Cup squad. Chelsea are watching too, with some outlets calling him a dream target for Stamford Bridge.
The second priority is central midfield. Italian media claim United are considering an approach for Roma’s Manu Kone. The France international is valued around £51m and fits Carrick’s high-energy system perfectly.
To help with the fee, United are reportedly open to including Marcus Rashford in the deal, either on loan or permanently. Roma are looking for a left winger and Rashford fits that profile, but his £300,000-a-week wages could make negotiations complicated. Aurelien Tchouameni has also been linked, but Kone looks the more realistic target right now.
Rashford’s own future remains one of the biggest talking points. He returned to Carrington this week after a successful loan spell at Barcelona where he scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists. His performances helped Barca win La Liga, but the Catalan club decided not to activate their £26m purchase option.
They have since moved for Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi instead. A separate £40m clause that was available to any club except Liverpool or Manchester City has also expired.
Two United legends have urged the club to keep Rashford, arguing his experience will be vital with Champions League football back on the schedule. Rashford posted an emotional goodbye to Barcelona on Instagram and received messages from teammates including Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
Up front, United are still exploring options. Dusan Vlahovic has been mentioned again in recent days. Brentford striker Igor Thiago is another name gaining traction after scoring 22 Premier League goals last season.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that United have made contact with Thiago’s representatives, though Brentford are determined to keep him. Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi is also being monitored.
The 21-year-old had 23 goals and 9 assists in his debut season and Belgian media say Premier League interest could force Brugge to consider offers.
There has been movement on outgoings as well. United confirmed that young defender Tyler Fredricson has joined Swiss side Lausanne-Sport on a permanent deal.
The 21-year-old came through the academy and made four senior appearances. He posted a farewell message saying “Once a red, always a red” and received replies from Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Kobbie Mainoo.
The club included both a sell-on clause and a buy-back option in the deal. Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill was linked but his agent confirmed United are no longer in the race. Danny Welbeck was also not considered this summer despite previous links.
Carrick has welcomed several players back to Carrington this week. Youri Tielemans and Senne Lammens have returned after Belgium’s World Cup exit, and Matheus Cunha is expected back soon following Brazil’s campaign.
The manager will want his full squad together before the season opener against newly-promoted Hull City on August 22. The Atletico match will give a clearer picture of where the team is at tactically and physically.
Other names continue to circulate. Carrick is said to be pushing for Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao, with Italian reports describing him as an ideal fit. Rafael Leao has also been offered to United according to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, with AC Milan reportedly wanting around €60m.
Jadon Sancho was spotted training at non-league Flixton FC as he looks to stay fit while searching for a new club. Tottenham beat United to both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali earlier in the window, with Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi saying he acts “like a shark” in the market.
The next few weeks will be decisive. United need to finalize a left-back and a midfielder to complete Carrick’s first full squad. Using Rashford as part of a deal for Kone could help balance the books, but it depends on wages and whether Roma agree. The club also need to decide on a striker to support Rasmus Hojlund across four competitions. Depth was a major issue last season and the manager will not want a repeat.
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Fans will get their first real look at this new-look United against Atletico. Expect rotations, new combinations, and a focus on pressing and transitions. Off the pitch, the club have planned fan events in Stockholm including community sessions and Q&As.
For now, all eyes are on the transfer market and on Stockholm. Lewis Hall and Manu Kone dominate the headlines, while Rashford’s situation adds another layer of drama. With the window open until September, things can change quickly, but Carrick will want clarity before Hull.
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