Manchester United are preparing for one of their most important transfer windows in recent years as they look to build on an impressive return to Champions League football.
The Red Devils made huge progress last season, comfortably finishing third in the Premier League and finally finding some stability under the management of Michael Carrick.
After six months in an interim role, the former Manchester United midfielder signed a two-year deal to lead the club into their Champions League campaign and continue the project of delivering consistent silverware.
What are Man United’s transfer plans?
The Manchester giants have all but confirmed the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson as they look to completely refresh their midfield this summer.
Following Ederson’s pending arrival, United turned their attention to adding another midfielder, with Germany and Borussia Dortmund ace Felix Nmecha widely reported as a target.
However, their primary transfer target has been West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
What’s the latest on Man Utd’s chase for Mateus Fernandes?
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has provided an update on Manchester United’s immediate transfer priority.
Ornstein revealed in a post on social media platform X:
“Man Utd midfield recruitment plans unaffected by Manuel Ugarte injury. Mateus Fernandes immediate priority + others also being considered. Might impact #MUFC signing left-sided forward though – raises likelihood of Marcus Rashford staying @TheAthleticFC”
The Red Devils are currently reported to be in formal talks with West Ham about agreeing a deal, though the Hammers standing firm on their £85m valuation.
Will Man United sign Mateus Fernandes?
Ugarte’s serious injury in the World Cup defeat to Spain last week has inevitably raised concerns among Manchester United supporters, with widespread reports suggesting his sale would be crucial to the club’s transfer plans.
However, Ornstein’s latest update will certainly ease some of those concerns, with United continuing their pursuit of a second midfield addition and showing no signs of slowing their interest in Fernandes.
Although the World Cup has complicated transfer business for many clubs, United hold one significant advantage.
Fernandes was not selected to represent Portugal in North America this summer, meaning negotiations can continue uninterrupted.
If the club improve their offer and make progress in talks with West Ham, there is no reason why a deal cannot be completed sooner rather than later.
Will Marcus Rashford stay at Man United?
One player whose future could now be directly impacted by United’s transfer plans is Marcus Rashford.
The future of the England international has been one of the hottest topics over the last few months following an impressive loan spell at Barcelona.
Scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists, the 28-year-old arrived in Spain determined to prove a point and certainly achieved that, averaging a goal contribution every 93 minutes.
The La Liga giants held a £26m option to make the move permanent but instead opted to spend an eye-watering £69m on Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
Despite his success in Spain, it has been widely reported that United remain keen to cash in on their academy graduate.
However, his involvement in England’s World Cup campaign is likely to delay any decision over his future for at least the next few weeks.
Bayern Munich were leading the race to sign Rashford earlier this month, while Chelsea and Arsenal have also been credited with interest.
While Fernandes remains Man United’s priority, the club’s summer business is unlikely to end there.
With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford and several key decisions still to be made, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether United will assemble a squad capable of challenging for major trophies once again.
