Manchester United's Transfer Plans: Three Key Positions to Fill

Manchester United are not done yet. Not by a long way.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has outlined three more positions Manchester United are actively exploring before the summer window shuts, as Michael Carrick looks to turn an already busy window into a defining one.

United have moved early, adding Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow to a squad Carrick insists is “very good and well balanced.” The noise around Old Trafford has dipped slightly in recent weeks, but behind the scenes, the work has not stopped.

Three more deals on the table

Carrick wants one more midfielder. That has been clear since Tielemans and Santos walked through the door. United have been scouring the market for a third option in the middle of the pitch, a player to deepen competition and give the manager more flexibility across a long season.

On top of that, the club are pushing for a left-back to support and cover Luke Shaw. The need is obvious: Shaw’s importance is huge, his injury record less reassuring. United do not want to be caught short in a key position again.

Then comes the wildcard. Romano says a new striker is also on the agenda, but only if the right opportunity presents itself. No panic buy, no vanity signing. If the numbers and profile align, United are ready to move.

“Michael Carrick said today that we can do something special this season, which shows the ambition inside Manchester United,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel. Carrick, though, has been careful to stress that any additions must enhance a group he already likes.

“He made it clear the squad is very good and well balanced, but it can still improve. He said there are one or two positions the club are working on,” Romano reported.

The message is simple: United are not finished. “We already know about the search for a left-back and a third midfielder, while something could also happen in attack if the right opportunity appears. I still expect Manchester United to do more business before the window closes.”

Rashford at the heart of Carrick’s plan

If there were any lingering doubts over Marcus Rashford’s place in Carrick’s project, Romano has moved to shut them down.

“Carrick also spoke very positively about Marcus Rashford,” he said. The forward has returned to United in what has been described as a “very good mood,” and Carrick believes Rashford can offer “something different and something special” to his attack.

Romano added that this isn’t just public diplomacy from the manager. “I am told those positive messages have also been consistent in private, so Carrick is more than happy to continue with Marcus Rashford.”

No transfer hints. No veiled messages. Just backing for a player Carrick knows well and clearly trusts.

Mainoo’s World Cup lesson

Carrick has also taken a close interest in Kobbie Mainoo’s development after the midfielder endured a frustrating World Cup with England, failing to play a single minute.

From the outside, that might look like a missed opportunity. Carrick sees it differently.

“I spoke to him all the way through the World Cup, not loads, but little bits,” he said. The conversations were measured, supportive, and grounded in reality.

“It’s challenging. From the outside we all see the glitz, the glamour and all the positive sides of football. But players are human beings. We all have our ups and downs. It’s important we support each other.”

For Mainoo, the experience still matters. “It was a good experience for Kobbie. It’s a World Cup and that is a big step. He’s still such a young man and he’s achieved so much, so quickly. To be at the stage he’s at is an achievement.”

Carrick’s stance is clear: the World Cup was not a waste, it was a lesson. And as United prepare late moves in the market, they are doing so with a core of players – Rashford, Mainoo and others – who sit at the heart of what Carrick believes really can be “something special” this season.