Man Utd could spend big this summer but to achieve the overhaul of the squad they want they will need everything to go their way.

“A big summer,” is how Harry Maguire described it this week. An expensive summer might be another way of looking at it. Manchester United have plenty to be busy with between the end of this season and the start of the next one.

Even leaving aside the obvious question of who will be in the dugout for 2026/27, the transfer window alone will be occupying plenty of bandwidth around Carrington at the moment. We might still be more than two months from it opening, but plans are well underway to reshape the squad.

Central midfield has been a focus this summer. If 2025 was all about overhauling the attack, then 2026 will be the year of the midfield at Old Trafford. United want at least two new signings and if Manuel Ugarte is sold, it’s not impossible that it becomes three.

But there are other areas of the squad to look at. Luke Shaw has started every Premier League game this season, but his fitness can’t be relied on, especially in a season with closer to 60 games than 40. He has little competition at the moment and is closer to the end than the start of his United career, so signing a left-back is a target for the summer.

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The same is true on the left wing. United sold Alejandro Garnacho last summer, Jadon Sancho will be released when his contract expires in June, and Marcus Rashford is also likely to depart. That is three left-wingers out the door in 12 months.

The dilemma for United is that even those four or five recruits alone are likely to see transfer fees run to £250million, maybe more if top-level targets are secured, such as Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson or Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.

Along the way, some compromise might be needed, but there are also factors within United’s control that can significantly boost their summer budget.

Firstly, returning to the Champions League would be worth more than £100 million to the club’s revenues. Under Michael Carrick, they are on track to do just that, with a cushion of seven-points to Chelsea in sixth. Returning to Europe’s top table would allow United to be considerably more aggressive in the transfer window.

Then there is the savings they are set to make on wages next season. It is clear that the direction under Ineos has been to sign younger players, and recent additions have been on lower basic salaries.

This summer will see Casemiro and Sancho both leave, with Rashford likely to follow. That would be a saving of more than £750,000-a-week, or around £40m a year. Not only would that create significant room in the budget for wages, but it would also mean some of it could be reinvested in fees.

Finally, there is the money United can raise from player sales. They are set to collect £38m from Napoli for Rasmus Hojlund, with the reigning Serie A champions on course to qualify for the Champions League themselves.

United also want to bank at least £26m for Rashford. That is the fee that Barcelona must pay to make the 28-year-old’s move to the Nou Camp permanent and although there have been reports in Spain that the Catalan club are keen to renegotiate, United officials insist that is a non-starter.

If Barcelona turn their backs on that deal, Rashford will return to United, but having had a good season in La Liga, there is confidence that other clubs would be willing to match that asking price to sign the attacker.

There is no option to buy in Andre Onana’s loan deal with Turkish side Trabzonspor, but equally, no chance that the 29-year-old resurrects his Old Trafford career. Senne Lammens is now firmly installed as the club’s No. 1 and Onana being back-up is unlikely to appeal to him, or to United, given he is paid at the level of a first-choice.

Finding a buyer for the goalkeeper might be more difficult, and there are other players who could look to move on. Joshua Zirkzee is set to push for an exit, having struggled for first-team football, while Ugarte might also be keen to strengthen his own playing time elsewhere.

The deals United can do for those fringe players will influence how they go about replacing them and the budget they will be working with this summer. It goes without saying, but bigger will be better in what will be a crucial window.

The Brazilian midfielder has impressed fans in his final season at United, and some are calling for him to stay

Casemiro’s future at Manchester United has become clearer after a contract decision was made that all but seals his departure at the end of the season – but some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section say that his form speaks for itself as they call for the club to let him stay for one more year.

United have agreed to waive a clause that would trigger an automatic contract extension if the Brazilian midfielder started 35 Premier League games in his final season. This is to allow the 34-year-old to start for the remainder of the season without both parties committing to a fifth season in red.

Casemiro has already announced his departure at the end of the season back in January, and is thought to be lining up a new club for the summer. He has emerged as a key part of this United team for Michael Carrick, but the club are highly unlikely to reverse course and will be planning to spend money on a replacement in the summer transfer window, when they will be hoping to use the lure of Champions League football to lure in a top talent again.

Some fans would resist calls to re-sign Casemiro based on his short-term performances. Reader Redajax says: “He has been very good in some games but his age and fitness are starting to cause problems. He should be released at the end of the season as we need to completely rebuild the midfield and a couple of other positions, particularly left-back. Shaw is slow and injury-prone but when fully fit was a great player.”

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MattBusbysAces writes: “Not that many players over the years that become a real fave of mine. That type of player who is just exceptional at what he does. Casi is one. Etched in my mind is against Chelsea, and Garnacho losing the ball and making no effort to win it back. Casi busts a gut to stop the attack and then pulverises the ex-Red. Shades of Keano. Just wish he was 24.”

Maledictustrump says: “I think it wouldn’t be wise to give him another year, except on the basis he would be no more than backup. That said, a contract of £350k a week for a squad player is a waste of money. Utd exited both cup competitions early & no European football, plenty of rest between matches has benefited him.

“Next season, if Utd do qualify for Europe would be a different ball game, would Casemero have the legs to deal with the intensity & frequency of the matches? I doubt it. I think alot of fans are getting too carried away with this. Utd need strengthening in a number of positions and it’s going to cost. What we need is the ready made article, players with a proven track record who can handle playing at the highest level.

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“The squad as it is now would not be competitive in Europe, arguably they are still some distance from challenging for the PL title. Casemero has probably had his best season for Utd, but we have to stop being so emotionally attached, he’s had his day, many thanks, but Utd have to move forward, it’s that simple.”

Others would still consider keeping on the ageing Brazilian. Kamu2355 writes: “It may be a big surprise if Casemiro and Manchester United have a rethink and decide on a 1-year extension with reduced wages of £200,000 weekly!

“It could be a win-win situation for the club and player. There will still be a savings of ~£7.5m, if that happens. With more Brazilian players and other new recruits, he could prove to be a good mentor to guide them along.”

On our Facebook page, Okereke Cyprian says: “Casemiro still has a lot to offer Man Utd. The board should rather sell one of the flops that Ten Hag bought and extend Casemiro’s contract for another year. He is a huge asset to United.”

Fumen David writes: “We love him, renew his contract please.” Tolu Lopez adds: “Sell Ugarte instead and keep Casemiro.”

Using the comments section below, tell us what an acceptable wage packet would be, if any, for you to consider letting Casemiro stay at United.

Manchester United will utilise the international break to work with non-international players at Carrington

Manchester United will use the upcoming international break to integrate some of their lesser-played stars as key players depart. A total of 18 players, including Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and on-loan Marcus Rashford, are set to represent England.

Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro will also be away representing their countries in friendlies. Therefore, those not selected will continue their training at Carrington in preparation for the Leeds United clash in April.

United won’t return to action until April 13, with the weekend of April 4 and 5 set aside for FA Cup fixtures. Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have both withdrawn from international duty to recover from minor fitness concerns.

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Michael Carrick will work closely with the remaining United stars over the next few weeks to ensure they’re ready for the Premier League’s return next month. Here, Manchester Evening News provides all the latest updates from Old Trafford.

Casemiro agreement reached

Casemiro will be able to savour every remaining game with United this season after the club and player agreed to remove a clause in his contract. The Brazil international announced his departure from Old Trafford in January, with his tenure set to conclude at the end of the season.

However, it’s understood that a clause in his contract could have triggered a 12-month extension. This would come into effect if he started 35 Premier League matches during the final year of his contract.

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Currently on 29 starts, it’s a milestone Casemiro would likely have achieved. However, now that United have agreed with the midfielder to waive this clause, he can savour his remaining weeks at Old Trafford without the activation of a one-year extension.

United to break 24-year tradition

With the World Cup looming, United are organising their pre-season plans with the players’ welfare as a priority. This means that the club appears set to break a 24-year tradition by not embarking on an intercontinental warm-up tour ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Given that the major tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, many of United’s key players will be undertaking long-haul journeys to represent their countries.

Due to the club’s global commercial appeal, United have been venturing outside of Europe for pre-season training for years. In fact, the only instances since 2002, when United remained in Europe, were during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

Therefore, 2026 will mark the first time in 24 years that United will break with tradition and stay in Europe for their pre-season preparations. Discussions are underway to arrange a tour of Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.

Historically, United have begun their training at Carrington in the first week of July. However, with the World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19, the club’s management will need to organise the tour accordingly.

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Casemiro announced his departure from Man Utd in January but there has been a push from supporters for him to stay recently.

Casemiro will be able to start every remaining game for Manchester United this season after a clause in his contract that would have led to an extension was ripped up.

It is understood that the 34-year-old had a clause in his deal that would have led to a one-year extension if he started 35 Premier League fixtures in his final season at the club, a tally that he remains on course to reach.

But the Manchester Evening News understands that the club and Casemiro reached an agreement in January to waive the clause during talks to formally announce that he would be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season.

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The Brazilian midfielder was told by United officials earlier in the season that his contract wouldn’t be renewed, but in early 2026, he decided to make the news public, a request to which United agreed.

That came soon after news around the clause that would see his £350,000-a-week extended for a fifth season had come out, but the two parties agreed that it wouldn’t be activated, even if the target was hit.

At the time, that looked unlikely. Casemiro would have needed to start all of the final 21 Premier League games of the season to hit the target of 35 after missing the December trip to Aston Villa through suspension.

But the former Real Madrid midfielder has emerged as an integral part of the side, especially since Michael Carrick was appointed in January, and he is now up to 14 successive starts in the Premier League.

Had the clause remained in place, it would have meant United would have had to drop him from the starting line-up for a game, potentially bringing him on early in a fixture just to avoid the total of 35 starts being hit. Both parties agreed that it was unnecessary, leaving Carrick free to pick him in the starting line-up for all remaining Premier League games.

Casemiro’s recent form has led to calls for United’s decision not to renew his contract to be reversed, but that stance at Old Trafford isn’t going to change and plans are already afoot to sign a replacement.

Indeed, it is thought that Casemiro is actually close to agreeing terms over a move to a new club when his contract expires at the end of June.

Casemiro has already shown that money isn’t the most important thing to him

Casemiro’s previous willingness to take a pay cut shows the focus of the Manchester United midfielder isn’t purely centred on money.

The 34-year-old is one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation and with 19 career club trophies to his name, he’s left a lasting legacy of what he’s achieved in his 16 years as a professional footballer.

Currently in his fourth season at Old Trafford, the Brazilian is set to leave the club at the end of the season after the club opted not to trigger the one-year extension on his reported £350,000-a-week deal.

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With the club deciding to shift Casemiro’s hefty pay packet off their wage bill, despite his impressive performances, some have questioned whether the midfielder could continue his stay in Manchester on a reduced deal.

Should a deal be made on those terms, it won’t be the first time the five-time Champions League winner has sacrificed his pay for the greater good. During his tenure with Real Madrid, the club’s board reportedly attempted to get the squad to agree to a wage reduction during the Covid-19 lockdown.

According to popular Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, host Eduardo Inda claimed Real had requested a 10% cut of their wages with Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Marcelo and Raphael Varane breaking the news to the rest of the team.

Inda added that every member of the squad, bar one, rejected the wage decrease, citing the salary having been lowered the year before. The sole player willing to accept the pay cut was in fact Casemiro, says the pundit.

With seven goals for the season, including two in United’s last three games, his absence will be sorely felt by the club who Casemiro said he will “carry” with him for the rest of his life. Speaking in a video that confirmed his impending exit, Casemiro explained: “It means so much, not just for me, but for all my family.

“It is so special and I will always carry this club with me for all my life. I will always be a Manchester United fan, my whole family too. In England, I am red, I am Manchester United until death. So all I want to say is: thank you for everything.”

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Manchester United could look to complete new additions in the summer as the club continues to reshape the squad under its long‑term rebuild

Manchester United’s attention will soon shift to the summer transfer window as they look for opportunities to strengthen the squad. The Reds made four signings last summer but opted against entering the market for reinforcements in January.

With United well‑placed to secure European football next season, that will work in their favour when it comes to attracting new players. After Friday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, United sit third on 55 points, while Aston Villa, who face West Ham on Sunday, are four points behind.

There is also ongoing discussion around Michael Carrick, who was appointed interim head coach until the end of the season. Having impressed so far and overseen United’s rise up the table, the board must now decide whether to appoint him as permanent manager.

Here, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest headlines from in and around Old Trafford.

Casemiro ‘new contract’ claim

According to reports in Brazil, RTI Esporte say that Casemiro has recently been viewed as an important part of the squad again, which has ‘opened the door for discussions’ over a possible contract renewal. The 34‑year‑old, who is out of contract in the summer and had already announced he would be leaving at the end of the season, could now see United ‘considering’ extending his stay at Old Trafford.

However, it’s claimed that for any new deal to progress, United would demand a significant wage reduction as part of their financial restructuring and to ensure his salary aligns with their plans for next season.

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The report also notes that Inter Miami and Al‑Nassr have both expressed interest in the midfielder and are monitoring his situation, while a return to Brazil is not believed to be in Casemiro’s plans at this stage.

MEN Sport says: Even with Casemiro’s latest resurgence, the question remains whether it’s enough to justify a renewal on anything close to his current terms.

At 34, and with United pushing for a younger, more sustainable squad profile, any extension would have to make sense both financially and strategically. His recent performances strengthen his case, but the club’s long‑term planning may still point in a different direction.

Sandro Tonali ‘push’

German outlet Absolutfussball.de (via Four Four Two) claim that United are ‘seriously working on a move’ for Tonali. The Newcastle midfielder has impressed since joining the Magpies in 2023, but recent comments from his agent about his future on Tyneside have sparked links with several clubs – including United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has fuelled the speculation. When asked about the possibility of a summer move, Riso said: “I don’t know, but it’s very likely. Everyone is waiting for the summer; then a thousand scenarios will unfold.”

However, reports claim that Newcastle will demand in excess of £100million.

MEN Sport says: Tonali’s Premier League experience would help him settle quickly at Old Trafford if a move were to materialise. However, the reported fee of more than £100million would be a major test of whether United are willing to meet such a valuation.

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As Manchester United look ahead to life without midfield lynchpin Casemiro, a potential replacement has reportedly been recommended by the Brazilian and Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United have been given Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes’ seal of approval to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Andre. The Wolves ace has been a bright light in an otherwise gloomy campaign for the Midlanders.

He recently scored the winning goal in a dramatic victory over Liverpool and has impressed at the heart of Rob Edwards’ side’s midfield. United will be in the hunt for two central midfielders in the summer, with Casemiro announcing he is leaving Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.

Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United, England and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba have all been linked to Old Trafford, while Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest is also believed to be a target. However, Fernandes and Casemiro reportedly believe Andre could be an ideal replacement.

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According to the Sun, Casemiro has seemingly hand picked Andre to take his place at Old Trafford. Fernandes is also believed to be an admirer of the South American, who joined Wolves from Brazilian side Fluminese for £21m in the summer.

A £35m transfer deal may be enough to convince Wolves, who look set for relegation, to part with the box-to-box midfielder. Considering Guimaraes, Wharton and Baleba are all valued between £60m and £70m, Andre would be a cheaper alternative.

Andre boasts 13 international caps for Brazil, although he was not called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. He will certainly be knocking on the five-time World Champions’ door for this summer’s World Cup.

One big challenge for United may be purported interest in Andre from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. However, with United currently third in the Premier League, it’s likely the Reds will be able to offer Champions League football to the midfielder.

United look set to overhaul their midfield in the summer. When Casemiro leaves, only Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte will remain as United’s natural deep-lying midfielders.

It’s believed the Reds will be after two midfielders in this summer’s transfer window. Last year, United bulked up their frontline by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in a huge £200m summer transfer outlay.

After a slow start, all three players have settled in at Old Trafford and have been providing the goals, particularly under Michael Carrick’s guidance. Recently, Reuters stated United were in advanced talks to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle.

It was also claimed he may be available for around £69m, which is slightly less than Wharton and Baleba’s purported transfer valuations. With eight league matches to go, Carrick has dragged United up to third in the table.

With the Premier League also topping the UEFA co-efficient rankings, fifth place looks set to be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

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Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.

All the latest news from Manchester United

Manchester United will be looking on enviously this midweek as the Champions League knockout stages progress. United have been missing from Europe’s elite competition for two seasons – but that appears poised to change in the next campaign thanks to Michael Carrick.

The former Middlesbrough manager has orchestrated a remarkable transformation in the club’s trajectory since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January. Carrick has steered United to seven victories from his nine matches at the helm, including a 3-1 triumph over Aston Villa last Sunday.

That impressive run has propelled the 13-time Premier League winners into the top four, where they now hold a five-point advantage over Liverpool in fifth. Success against Bournemouth on Friday evening would strengthen that standing further before their closest challengers – Chelsea, Villa and Arne Slot’s side – play catch-up over the weekend.

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Ahead of all that, the MEN delivers the latest developments from Old Trafford, including reports surrounding summer transfer strategies and a pair of United players facing uncertain futures.

Summer plans

There’s seldom a quiet summer at Old Trafford. That pattern looks set to persist once the window opens with whomever United opt for in the dugout next season.

According to The Sun, Manchester United have plans to overhaul their midfield once the current season concludes, with the addition of two new central midfielders. United already appear thin in the middle of the pitch, even without considering the impending departure of Casemiro, whose contract is due to expire.

His exit will leave Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte as the squad’s only dedicated central midfielders, which won’t suffice for a campaign that will involve European football in some capacity, barring a disastrous end to the season. Over the past year, United have been linked with numerous players, including Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba.

Only time will tell who the decision-makers at Old Trafford choose to focus on. However, it seems almost certain that United’s midfield will sport a fresh look by the start of the next season.

Double plea

Football fans always have an opinion on who should stay or go, and it appears United’s players are no different. Two members of Carrick’s team have made appeals to the board in recent days, although at least one seems likely to be ignored.

Matheus Cunha, has confessed that he’s persistently urging Casemiro to reconsider his decision to leave the club. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, he said: “I’m always asking him, ‘Come on, stay at Manchester United! Just one year with me, let’s go for a second year.'”

Leny Yoro echoed this sentiment, stating: “I think everyone wanted him [Casemiro] to stay. He’s a really important player for us. He showed it again [vs Aston Villa at the weekend].”

Yoro also hopes that one other player, in particular, will remain at Old Trafford. He is particularly fond of Harry Maguire and has encouraged the England international to renew his contract.

Maguire’s current deal expires in the summer, and whilst discussions about a new contract have taken place, it would likely necessitate a reduction in his salary.

Yoro added: “If he can stay next season, it’s really good for us. So I hope he’s going to extend his contract and he can stay with us. We’ll see. We’ll see anyway.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has broken with recent tradition and made the right decision when it comes to letting Casemiro leave – despite most supporters wanting him to stay

It feels like a crime against football to disagree with Bryan Robson. He is a Manchester United legend after all. One of the greatest midfielder of his generation, a thoroughly decent bloke whose opinions deserve the utmost respect.

But when it comes to his feelings towards Casemiro, Robson is wrong. Robson has called on Michael Carrick to ensure the club does not allow Casemiro to leave.

“I would encourage Casemiro to stay,” he said, “he’s had a really good season this year. He’s a top player. He’s got a great football brain. He’s a really good passer of the ball. He heads the ball well and when he goes in to tackle, he means it.

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“You don’t stay at Real Madrid for the amount of years he did and win Champions League titles if you’re not an absolute top player and people see what you’re really good at.”

Ever since announcing he would be leaving Old Trafford in the summer, Casemiro has indulged in a long goodbye with United supporters. During United’s crucial 3-1 home win over Aston Villa, the Brazilian was serenaded with pleas to do “one more year”. But what Robson & Co are overlooking, is the fact Casemiro is not the future.

He is 34 and costing United a small fortune. And it’s the precise reason co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided to cut ties with him. When Ratcliffe and his INEOS group purchased a stake in United, one of the first things he did was order an interval review of the squad, including each player’s contract.

And what jumped out at Ratcliffe was the fact Casemiro was earning close to £400,000-a-week. Ratcliffe knew Casemiro was a world class footballer. What he couldn’t get his head around was why United had chosen to invest £70m plus wages in someone who was 30, and had had fitness issues in Madrid.

In short, there was a reason Real were prepared to sell Casemiro. He was costing them too much money and was considered past his best. So Real’s indulgence became United’s. Casemiro has served his purpose at United. He’s been a short term fix, not a long-term solution.

Questioning the decision to let him leave shows a lack of vision and foresight. Two issues which have haunted the club in recent times. For once, Ratcliffe has got a decision right. United need fresh legs in midfield next season, and have to sign someone who the manager can build his team around.

Someone who will add value to the team for a long time to come. United need to look forward – not back.