Champions League qualification is in place for next season under the leadership of Michael Carrick.
Manchester United are far from done in the transfer window. With one month left in the summer, Michael Carrick can still realise his dream scenario – with a big signing in midfield, a new left-back and a striker for Benjamin Šeško.
United have already brought in several new players, but Carrick is still active in the market. The midfield remains a priority – despite the arrival of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. The club has been linked with several options, but the manager could make a statement purchase in midfield that underlines the club’s ambitions ahead of a new season of Champions League football.
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In front of the striker position, Benjamin Šeško needs competition, and Joshua Zirkzee is among several who could leave Old Trafford. At the same time, United could choose to go for the long term by testing Newcastle’s willingness to sell left-back Lewis Hall.
£85 million midfielder
Aurélien Tchouaméni from Real Madrid would be a nightmare for the opponents – and a dream signing for United. The Red Devils resisted the temptation to spend insane sums of money on Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window – but making a big bid for Tchouaméni would underline the club’s ambitions.
The 26-year-old would be a dream addition to Carrick’s new midfield – especially after Casemiro’s departure. Real Madrid are reportedly demanding around £85 million for the Frenchman, who recently extended his contract with Los Blancos.
But the Spanish giants are interested in Manchester City’s Rodri – which could tempt Tchouaméni to consider his future elsewhere. A transfer would give Carrick an impressive range of midfield options, with Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo all vying for space.
Lewis Hall in place
United are interested in Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall – and in a dream scenario, they would sign Luke Shaw’s long-term replacement as early as this summer.
The 21-year-old has impressed at Newcastle, who have already shown a willingness to sell key players through the sales of Anthony Gordon and Tonali.
United were dependent on Shaw throughout last season – but have concerns that the experienced full-back will stay injury-free in the upcoming campaign. Patrick Dorgu looked better in a more attacking role on the left wing, and signing Hall would allow United to start their succession plan early – even if it would cost a significant sum.
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New striker in
Benjamin Šeško’s absence from United’s early pre-season games has highlighted the club’s need for a new striker before the window closes. Joshua Zirkzee has led Carrick’s attack, but has struggled to make his mark since joining from Bologna in 2024 – leading to rumours of a £30m return to Serie A.
Šeško has thrived under Carrick – but it took time for the Slovenian to establish himself in the starting eleven. The 23-year-old is still developing and should not be the club’s only senior striker when United return to the Champions League and build on third place in the Premier League.
Dušan Vlahović is one of several strikers linked with United. The 26-year-old is available as a free agent after leaving Juventus this summer – where he scored 68 goals in 168 appearances.
An expensive signing could potentially hamper Šeško’s development under Carrick – but at the same time, competition from Vlahović could lift the Slovenian to new heights. Especially if Vlahović is given the opportunity as a rotation player.
One thing is for sure: United’s dream scenario is within reach – but it costs money, and it costs time. With one month left in the window, it remains to be seen if Carrick’s dream scenario comes true.
