A rival manager has reportedly reached out directly to Alejandro Garnacho in the hopes of giving the ex-Manchester United winger a route out of Chelsea in the summer transfer window

This summer could present a major crossroads for Alejandro Garnacho amid reports he’s been contacted directly by a rival manager. However, it’s not necessarily the kind of interest the Argentina international might have envisioned one year after leaving Manchester United to join Chelsea.

Garnacho, 21, was seemingly considered to be a disruptive presence in United’s changing room prior to his Old Trafford exit. The winger spoke out against Ruben Amorim after being dropped by his former boss towards the end of that chapter, joining the Blues last summer in a £40million switch.

And after struggling for success under Liam Rosenior, Argentinian broadcaster TyC has reported he’s now a target for River Plate. So much so that manager Eduardo Coudet is alleged to have reached out personally in the hopes of luring the player.

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It’s suggested River Plate are interested in recruiting Garnacho on a one-year loan, which Chelsea could be open to. A temporary deal would give Garnacho a chance to rediscover his best form away from the bright lights of the Premier League.

The youngster has earned eight caps for Argentina and was part of Lionel Scaloni’s squad as they lifted the 2024 Copa America. However, Garnacho has never lived in the country and qualifies through his mother, having been born and raised in Madrid.

It’s a disappointing illustration of where his prospects stand today. Enzo Maresca was in charge at Stamford Bridge when Garnacho moved to west London last year and the Italian appeared to be a big fan of the player.

However, Rosenior hasn’t proved as receptive and initially benched Garnacho in his Premier League commitments. Most of the winger’s greatest impacts this season have come in cup competitions, including a brace off the bench during their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the League Cup semi-finals.

His output in league play hasn’t been nearly as prolific, with one goal and four assists from 20 appearances this season. Garnacho is contracted at Chelsea until the summer of 2032, however, leaving plenty of time to resurrect his profile to its former heights.

The downside of that is the Blues yet again leave themselves at risk of paying a depreciating asset on incredibly long terms. Garnacho is among the more median earners at Stamford Bridge on a wage of £110,000 a week, though that would still present a major obstacle for River Plate.

As such, Chelsea would be expected to at least cover a significant portion of the player’s salary while he was on loan. Furthermore, Garnacho has previously commented on the fact his family supports Boca Juniors, River Plate’s fiercest nemeses.

There’s no chance Los Millonarios would be able to compete for Garnacho’s signature on any permanent terms unless Chelsea took a massive loss. United have a vested interest in the player increasing his value, too, given they’re entitled to 10 per cent of any future fee Chelsea receive.

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Marcus Rashford has made a subtle change to his game at Barcelona which has pleased head coach Hansi Flick following his loan move from Manchester United

Hansi Flick has revealed that Marcus Rashford has “adapted” to his Barcelona team as rumours continue to swirl around his future at Camp Nou.

The England international joined Barca on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer and he has impressed in his time at the club, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

And Rashford helped Barca extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table as he the netted the opener in a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Giuliano Simeone had put Atletico ahead, but Rashford soon equalised before Robert Lewandowski struck the winner three minutes from time.

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Barca have a £26million option to buy Rashford at the end of the season but it’s unclear whether the club are prepared to trigger that and make his loan move permanent.

Despite this, Flick praised Rashford in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday as Barca prepared to host Atletico in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Indeed, the ex-Bayern Munich boss hailed the fact Rashford has improved his defensive pressing and hinted that he could be handed another start.

“It’s not just about pressing with the ball, you also have to defend, but he’s (Rashford) doing things well and has adapted,” Flick said. “We’re going to play against Atletico and they’re good on the wings.”

It comes a matter of days after Flick said he was “very happy” with Rashford’s performances following his goal in the win at Atletico.

“I’m very happy with Marcus,” the German said. “He has shown his quality and he scored an important goal. I can’t say anything about his future, we have to focus on the matches until the end of the season.”

Rashford has not played for United since December 2024, and lost his No.10 shirt to Matheus Cunha under former head coach Ruben Amorim last summer.

Before that, Amorim said he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach as a substitute than a player who does not give his all, in response to a question about Rashford.

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He spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and was forced to train at a separate time from United’s first-team players in the summer before he joined Barca.

And speaking to ESPN at the end of 2025, Rashford made it clear he wants to join Barca on a permanent deal this summer. “Oh yeah, for sure,” the forward replied when asked if he wanted to stay at the Catalan club.

“I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson would prefer a move to Manchester City ahead of Manchester United, according to reports.

Anderson is one of the most in-demand players ahead of the summer transfer window having established himself as one the best midfielders in the Premier League with his impressive performances for Forest this season.

The 23-year-old is also on course to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer following his solid midfield displays under Thomas Tuchel.

Anderson, who joined Forest in a £35 million deal from Newcastle United in 2024, has attracted interest from City, United and Chelsea.

However, The Mirror reports that City believe they have won the race to sign Anderson this summer and are confident they can agree a £65m fee with Forest.

The report adds that City are well aware of United’s interest but Anderson has Anderson ‘has let it be known’ that his preferred choice is a move to Pep Guardiola’s side.

City are also keen to complete a deal for Anderson before the start of the World Cup in order to avoid a bidding war with rival Premier League clubs.

Speaking earlier this week, Rio Ferdinand insisted that United should make the signing of Anderson their priority for the summer window.

‘Guimaraes and Tonali wouldn’t be my first-choice midfield signings this summer,’ Ferdinand said on his Rio Presents YouTube channel.

‘It’s Elliot Anderson. His age, he’s 23 years old… Guimaraes is 28 and Tonali is 25, soon to be 26, so that counts for a lot for me. I want young, hungry players in my squad.

‘He complements Mainoo. I think Mainoo is going to be one of the main players in the team now, they’re going to build around him and I think Elliot Anderson absolutely complements him.’

‘Anderson has that ability, that energy to get around the park, he’s aggressive. We need those legs. And he wins the ball. He’s more combative than the other two.

‘Elliot Anderson is the only player to win over 150 duels, win possession more than 150 times, and win at least 50 fouls in the Premier League, the whole Premier League I must add, this season. They’re my reasons why, guys.’

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Manchester United could pick up some bargains in the summer transfer window depending on who is relegated from the Premier League.

04:00, 07 Apr 2026

Manchester United have another important summer transfer window ahead of them. After a dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League and defeat in the Europa League final, the Reds had their work cut out as they looked to sign players last summer. Fast forward 12 months and United are in a much stronger position.

United really should qualify for next season’s Champions League. That means the transfer budget should be increased and United know they need a larger squad to cope with the increased number of fixtures. The Reds will be expected to spend big.

However, there will always be room for cut-price deals and they could be found at the bottom of the Premier League. MEN Sport has taken a look at the six clubs who could be relegated to the Championship and picked out a player from each who could improve United.

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Tyrone Marshall

Leeds United: There is a temptation to say Dominic Calvert-Lewin but I don’t think that is a deal worth doing now. As a free transfer last year perhaps he was worth a look, but that ship has sailed. I’d actually consider Anton Stach. If Manuel Ugarte goes I think United need three midfielders this season and Stach, 27, would be a good option as the third-choice. He’s impressed for Leeds this season.

Nottingham Forest: It’s got to be Elliot Anderson, hasn’t it? He’s United’s top midfield target and I think he’s an excellent player. The data backs it up as to his all-round abilities. There are a few good players at Forest who could move; they shouldn’t really be in this position.

Tottenham Hotspur: The same is true of Spurs. How on Earth are they flirting with relegation? Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are tempting, as is Dejan Kulusevski, who has been a big miss for Tottenham. But on the theme of midfield, let’s go for Archie Gray. He looks an excellent player and is mature beyond his years.

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West Ham United: Not as many options here. United need a left-winger and Crysencio Summerville has had a good run, but the sample size is small. Back on the midfield theme, let’s go with 21-year-old Mateus Fernandes, who looks worthy of a place in the Premier League.

Burnley: Hmmm. Not a lot to go at here. Maxime Esteve has looked decent, but United don’t need another young centre-back. Zian Flemming has done a job up front, but he isn’t Old Trafford quality. I’d take a risk on Jaidon Anthony, who could offer some depth on the flanks.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wolves have had a pretty decent end to the season, and there are a few players in that squad unlikely to be hanging around in the Championship. Midfield pair Andre and Joao Gomes fit that bill and I’d opt for Gomes, who is Premier League-proven and capable of being a squad player at least at United.

Andy Dunn

Leeds United: After all these years, Calvert-Lewin is still a prolific striker waiting to happen. He would thrive in a team that creates plenty of chances, as United do. But James Justin is a hugely underrated defender who would be a value-for-money utility player

Nottingham Forest: Even if Forest do not go down, there will be a transfer melee over Anderson, who, you suspect, has a release clause in his City Ground deal. Gibbs-White would also be a very attractive target.

Tottenham Hotspur: In terms of profile and age, Lucas Bergvall ticks a lot of boxes. You cannot have too many options in the centre of midfield and Bergvall is a mobile, intelligent operator who would be gettable at around the £40million mark.

West Ham United: Again, there would be a serious scrap for his services, but should the Hammers go down, United should flex their muscles and go all out for Bowen.

Burnley: There will not be a scramble for Burnley players, that is for sure, but one or two might raise an interest. And with central midfield being an area which needs strengthening, United might want to run a check on Anthony.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Amidst their troubled season, one youngster to catch the eye at Molineux has been Mateus Mane. He is a confident young man with an eye for the unexpected and a decent hit on him.

Jack Flintham

Leeds United: United need a striker and Calvert-Lewin has done well but has not scored in the Premier League since the start of February. I expect Altay Bayindir will leave and if he does, Karl Darlow could be a back-up option. He’s experienced, knows the Premier League and could do a job in the cup games.

Nottingham Forest: It is one of two for me. Morgan Gibbs-White was unfortunate not to make the England squad and could definitely add value to United’s midfield. However, Anderson is a top target for a reason and the Reds should be going all out to sign him.

Tottenham Hotspur: There will be bargains galore if Spurs go down. A centre-back would be nice in the summer and I would lean towards Van de Ven over Romero. The Argentine proved at Old Trafford that he cannot be trusted, while his defensive partner is way too good to be battling it out at the wrong end of the table.

West Ham United: The Irons will do everything to keep him but Jarrod Bowen is the standout player in their squad. You know exactly what you get from him.

Burnley: It is slim pickings at Turf Moor for United. Flemming’s record of eight goals in 22 Premier League games is decent for a side who have struggled to find the net. Whether he has the quality to really push Benjamin Sesko is unclear.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: A lot of the Wolves squad have helped themselves by putting up a fight since Rob Edwards joined. Gomes would be the midfielder I lean towards to fill the gap left behind by Casemiro. Matheus Cunha could help persuade him to move to the north west.

Manchester United made the decision to sell academy graduate James Garner to Everton back in September 2022, and he has since become an England international

Nicky Butt has revealed why Manchester United allowed James Garner to leave the club and linked the midfielder to a ‘poorer man’s Steven Gerrard’. The 25-year-old joined United’s academy at the age of eight and rose through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team, making seven appearances.

Following an impressive spell at Nottingham Forest during the 2021/22 campaign, helping the Midlands outfit clinch promotion from the Sky Bet Championship, several United supporters were determined to see him given an opportunity at Old Trafford.

However, instead, Garner was allowed to leave the club and join Everton on a permanent basis for £15m on the final day of the summer transfer window.

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Garner has since gone on to become a mainstay for the Toffees and saw his impressive form rewarded when he was named in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad for the recent friendlies with Uruguay and Japan.

A place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad is now within reach for Garner, who was coached by Butt during his time at United’s academy.

And explaining why the now England international was allowed to leave, Butt, who held numerous coaching roles at the club until his departure in March 2021, has revealed it was down to Garner not having the ability at the time to play in the United’s first-team.

“I had him as a young kid at United, he’s a great lad,” he said, via Paddy Power. “He’s got it all, he can pass through the lines, he can defend, he can tackle, he can sprint.

“He’s like a poorer man’s version of Gerrard. Not as good as Gerrard, but he’s in that mould, he can do everything as a modern-day midfielder.

“He will definitely be going [to the World Cup] after that, he’s got his ticket on the plane. I don’t see why he couldn’t be back at United. He’s performing well, he’s playing for a big club with a big expectation with their crowd.

“Obviously they’re not expected to go and win the Premier League, but they’re expected to win and they’ve got passionate support.

“So he plays under pressure every week, he knows Man United and yeah, he’s doing amazingly well now. He’s got to do it again next season, it’s a bit soon to go and pay big money for him now, but I’m confident he can go and do it.

“At the time [Butt was in charge of the academy], Jimmy wasn’t at the level to burst into United and play regularly. It wasn’t working, so quite rightly, he moved on and kick-started his career.

“Jimmy is a bit like the player I was. Not the most talented, but his drive and desire to get to the top is up there with anybody I’ve seen.”

Gareth Barry has advised Manchester United to wrap up possibly their most important transfer of the summer before the World Cup starts.

United are yet to decide who will be Ruben Amorim’s long-term replacement but Michael Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner, impressing in his role as caretaker boss since January.

Both United’s performances and form were underwhelming under Amorim but Carrick has taken the Red Devils up to third in the Premier League, just six points behind title contenders Manchester City.

Manchester United were hailed for their transfer business last summer and will hope for another productive window this time around with several key areas requiring reinforcements.

United’s priority is to sign a new central midfielder to replace Casemiro, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Amorim in fact wanted to sign a midfielder last summer but United prioritised attacking additions, signing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, all of whom have impressed this season.

Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have been heavily linked with moves to Old Trafford over the past six months and Premier League legend Barry has heaped praise on the Nottingham Forest star.

Anderson is believed to be United’s first-choice option for the midfield position and Barry says it would benefit both him and the club if a deal was struck before the World Cup starts in June.

‘Manchester United are certainly going to be looking for a Casemiro replacement,’ Barry, who has made the second-most appearances in Premier League history, told BoyleSports.

‘Elliot Anderson is probably a slightly different player and a very different age, his skillset is a lot different. But I do like Anderson.

‘If you’re a Man Utd scout, you’ll mention him. He’s one of the best off-the-ball players. He presses to limit the attacking player’s space. He’s one of the best around, and he’s capable of going the other way as well.

‘That’s why Thomas Tuchel’s got him in his starting eleven over a lot of big-name players with England, and he’s a possible starter for the World Cup team.

‘So I’m sure he’s being discussed in the Old Trafford boardroom, as well as maybe other teams.

‘I think, from that sort of experience for a player and a club, if the deal is going to happen, try to get it done as soon as possible.

‘I think it just helps everyone. It helps both clubs and helps the player, especially going into a big tournament. 

‘He doesn’t want to be thinking about his club future while trying to win the World Cup for England. It’s not going to help anyone. Also, the price tag could be a bit steeper if he has a good tournament.

‘If something like that is going to happen and the player’s got his head around the fact that it’s time for a move, it’s certainly better to be done before the tournament than after.’

Anderson’s form for Nottingham Forest has put him in contention to start for England at this summer’s World Cup.

Before that the 23-year-old, who is valued at around £80m, will hope to help Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League, with Vitor Pereira’s side 16th – three points above the drop zone – with seven games left.

Forest’s first Premier League game back following the international break is against Aston Villa on Sunday, while Anderson’s potential future club Manchester United return to action a day later against Leeds United.

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has reportedly recommended who should replace him at Old Trafford

The winds of transfer speculation are sweeping through Old Trafford despite the absence of on-field activity at Manchester United. While supporters must be patient for the team’s return to competitive football, there’s no shortage of intrigue in the latest developments.

Michael Carrick’s squad are gearing up for their trip to Dublin ahead of the end-of-season run-in. United will undergo four days of rigorous training across the Irish Sea as a way of maximising their time during a break in fixtures.

United have seven matches remaining to leave their mark on this campaign and secure a top-four Premier League finish. Carrick’s charges return to competitive action at home to Leeds in a week’s time (April 13) and are presently just one point clear of Aston Villa in fourth.

Beyond this season, though, there are movements taking place that will determine how next term’s squad shakes out. Here, the Manchester Evening News explores the biggest stories surrounding Old Trafford.

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Rashford raises Barca hopes

Any concerns that Marcus Rashford’s potential permanent switch to Barcelona was under threat were eased on Saturday. That’s after the Englishman delivered a standout display against Atletico Madrid to help Barca maintain their place atop La Liga.

Los Cules found themselves trailing in Spain’s capital in what could have proved a catastrophic result for their title aspirations. However, Rashford then orchestrated a clever move down the left flank that saw his side level just a few minutes later.

Barca’s 2-1 victory over Atletico extends their advantage at the summit to seven points. The lead is all the more significant after Real Madrid stumbled at Mallorca in a 2-1 upset.

It was recently reported Barcelona had missed the deadline to secure Rashford for the £26m fee included in his loan agreement. However, it has since been suggested those claims may have been premature.

Regardless, things are looking up for Rashford after scoring his first league goal since January. And finding the net in a fixture of such importance is certain to have impressed those who will be determining his transfer future this summer.

It was described as a “statement of intent” by Mundo Deportivo. More crucial goals in the run-in could all but guarantee his permament move to Camp Nou.

Fernandes ‘picks his own replacement’

With captain Bruno Fernandes potentially departing this summer, uncertainty reigns regarding his successor. Speaking towards the end of 2025, Fernandes acknowledged the interest in his services last summer and that he could still depart in the near future if he didn’t feel valued by United.

Replacing such an influential figure will likely demand significant financial outlay. Yet Fernandes appears ready to assist United in that regard, reportedly putting forward a name to his current employers.

As it turns out, that name bears more than a passing resemblance to his own. The Sun has reported West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is the player Bruno has recommended as his preferred candidate to step into the role of United’s new No. 10.

Bruno was recently on international duty with Portugal, where he shared a dressing room with his very own namesake. Mateus even came on as a substitute for Bruno to earn his international debut in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.

That symbolic handover could prove to be far more meaningful should the United skipper have his way. His fellow Sporting CP graduate secured a £40m switch to West Ham last summer following an impressive spell at Southampton, completing the move to east London just before the transfer deadline.

Mateus is not yet matching Bruno’s output in the Premier League, registering four goals and four assists across 34 appearances this season. However, his reliability, tireless work rate and ability to operate virtually anywhere across midfield suggest the comparisons between the two may carry genuine merit.

Man Utd are closing in on a return to the Champions League next season and they will want to get over the line sooner rather than later.

Five wins would definitely do it for Manchester United and, according to Opta, Michael Carrick’s side now have an 86.33% chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. It’s been quite a turnaround in the last 10 games.

Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim when United’s return to the Champions League looked far from guaranteed. Two wins from a run of seven winnable games under Amorim left the Old Trafford hierarchy sweating on the possibility of a second successive season without any kind of European football.

That January switch in the dugout has transformed the season, and it now looks like a matter of time until United’s Champions League place is secured, but that 13% or so that they still, somehow, miss out will be enough to have recruitment chiefs working on a couple of different transfer window plans.

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There is a £100million or so difference to United’s bottom line between reaching the Champions League and missing out, so that will have a major knock-on effect on the transfer budget. Time is also of the essence, given the World Cup.

Those players heading to North America will be linking up with their international teams in early June and they could be there until July 19. Doing deals during the tournament will be more difficult, and United, like other clubs, will want to get as much done early in the window as possible.

United want at least a couple of midfielders this summer, as well as a couple of left-sided players. Signing the players they really want will depend not only on Champions League revenues but also on having a spot in that competition to attract top targets.

So the sooner a return to Europe’s top table is confirmed, the more concise United’s transfer planning can become. That makes extending this run of form under Carrick vital, not only to avoid nerves in the final couple of games, but to bring clarity to what can and can’t be achieved this summer.

Making a winning return to action against Leeds United at Old Trafford after a 24-day break will edge them closer to securing a top-five finish, especially with Chelsea facing a difficult task against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

United should be looking to continue their excellent Old Trafford form by beating Leeds and Brentford at home in April. Doing so will offer them a couple of free hits against their Champions League rivals and if they nail those, their Champions League return will be in the bag at the start of May.

Carrick’s side head to West London to face Chelsea on Saturday, April 18, with nobody quite sure what comes next from Liam Rosenior’s inconsistent side. Then Liverpool visit Old Trafford at the start of May in a game that United must surely be favourites for.

That gives them a target to aim for. United’s form under Carrick has put them within touching distance of the Champions League, now they just need to seal the deal, and the sooner the better.

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Radek Vitek has had an excellent season on loan at Bristol City and the young Man Utd goalkeeper wants to keep playing first-team football.

Two goalkeepers will return to Old Trafford this summer after loan spells away and they might well have contrasting views on what they see as their next steps with Manchester United.

Andre Onana has spent this season on loan with Trabzonspor in Turkey, but the deal has no option to make it permanent, and the 30-year-old hasn’t given up on his United career. But Senne Lammens is now firmly installed as No.1 and Onana is too expensive to be playing the role of back-up.

United’s recruitment bosses will be aiming to sell the former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper this summer, although that might be easier said than done. He doesn’t look to have a long-term future at the club, however.

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It’s a different story for Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old will return from a loan spell with Bristol City in the Championship with his reputation enhanced. He has been one of the second tier’s standout goalkeepers, and there will be plenty of interest in the Czech youth international.

United are yet to make a decision on Vitek’s future in what could be a summer of change in the goalkeeping department. While Lammens has established himself, Altay Bayindir could follow Onana out of the exit door as he seeks more first-team football. Veteran stopper Tom Heaton could sign a new deal to remain as third-choice.

That is likely to leave United in need of a new No.2, and Vitek could fit the bill. But having had first-team experience with the Robins this season, he now has the taste for playing regularly and is aware of what he needs for his development.

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“At this stage in my career, I want to play as many games as possible. I wouldn’t benefit from sitting on the bench,” he said last week in an interview with the BBC and The Sun.

Of his plans for next season, he added: “I will communicate with Manchester United closely, and we will see what’s going to be best for me next season.

“But I want to play football. I don’t want to just be somewhere sitting on the bench.”

United’s goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson has been in regular contact with Vitek this season, with this the third loan spell for a player who moved to Old Trafford at 16. He also excelled for Accrington Stanley in League Two and Blau-Weiss Linz in Austria.

Vitek is unlikely to challenge Lammens at the moment and it might tempt United to cash in while his stock is high. In the summer of 2023, they made £22.7million from selling academy goalkeepers Dean Henderson (£15m) and Matej Kovar (£7.7m). Selling Vitek now would surely take that tally to more than £30million.

But it wouldn’t solve the problem of finding a backup for Lammens, and there is an argument that United would be best off trying to convince Vitek to stay. With Michael Carrick’s side on course to return to Europe, Vitek could be told he will get to play in the domestic cup competitions and maybe an appearance in the league phase of the Champions League.

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That can still prove a valuable development path for a young goalkeeper. It kept Caoimhin Kelleher in the spotlight at Liverpool before he moved to Brentford last summer and has been enough to keep James Trafford in the England squad, even if he wants more than being No.2 to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

There will almost certainly come a time when United do have to sell Vitek, but if he gets another 10 to 12 games at Old Trafford next season and does well, his value will only rise. Performing for United will also give him a bigger profile than doing well for Bristol City.

That might be a solution that works for both parties. If United manage to sell Onana and Bayindir this summer, Vitek can step into that No.2 role, and if he does well, he could earn himself an even better move in 2027.

Manchester United are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window and there are some deals that could be easier to complete than others

As Manchester United look to consolidate their position in the top four and seal a Champions League return, focus has started to shift towards their summer transfer activity. While the club may harbour ambitious targets in the market, there are also some transactions which could prove far more straightforward to complete.

In recent windows, United have chosen to insert buy-back clauses when selling certain players. They haven’t always activated them – for instance, they permitted Real Madrid an uncontested move for Alvaro Carreras when the defender departed Benfica – but they have been keen to keep their options open, particularly when it comes to younger players who can kick on away from Old Trafford.

Should Michael Carrick finish what he’s started and seal European qualification, it could enhance the club’s appeal to prospective signings. It might also leave senior figures believing they have little alternative but to award the interim manager the position permanently in what already looks like being a busy summer.

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Former United midfielder Carrick might not be the only man to clinch a reunion, though. We’ve examined four players who could be brought back if the club opts to exercise one of those buy-back options.

Hannibal Mejbri

Academy product Hannibal made an impression when he progressed through the youth system and earned a first-team opportunity. His determination and combative nature drew praise but he didn’t manage to fulfil his potential at Old Trafford.

The Tunisian international netted his maiden United goal in a loss to Brighton under Erik ten Hag early in the 2023/24 campaign but didn’t add to it and saw a loan stint at Sevilla bring limited minutes. He departed on a permanent basis at the end of that term, signing for Burnley for a knock-down initial fee which could rise to £9.4million.

As previously reported by the MEN, United possess a buy-back clause worth an undisclosed sum and also hold matching rights. This means should Burnley accept an offer for Hannibal from another club, his previous employers are entitled to submit an identical offer to the Clarets.

United are also understood to have a 50 per-cent sell-on clause for the 23-year-old. Burnley are facing relegation from the Premier League this season, yet Hannibal – who featured in 37 league matches during last term’s promotion push – has caught the eye despite the side’s difficulties.

Mason Greenwood

United sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille for a little under £30m in 2024 and didn’t have any serious plans for a return at the time. Nevertheless, The Telegraph reported that a buy-back clause was incorporated into the agreement despite ‘no expectation or intention’ of any comeback.

The Premier League outfit had determined well before that point that Greenwood had no future at the club. However, those reports of a clause prompted some to question whether the door remained slightly open.

He had spent a season on loan at Getafe before completing a permanent switch to Marseille. He has an impressive record of 47 goals in 74 outings for the French club as they finished second in Ligue 1 last season and fell agonisingly short of the Champions League knockout stages this term.

Alongside the buy-back clause, United also inserted a sell-on clause into Greenwood’s Marseille transfer. Figures differ depending on the source, though it is understood to sit somewhere between 40-50 per-cent of any profits generated by the Ligue 1 side.

Facundo Pellistri

Uruguay prospect Pellistri arrived at United in 2020 but started more frequently for his country than for the Premier League club. After 25 outings – and a number of loans – he made a permanent move to Panathinaikos in a deal worth just over £5m plus potential add-ons in 2024.

MEN reports at the time indicated a three-year buy-back clause was written into the agreement. United are also believed to hold a 45 per-cent sell-on clause should the Greek side choose to offload the winger

Now 24, Pellistri played his 50th Panathinaikos match earlier this season. He scored against Chelsea in last season’s Conference League and has played in the Europa League this season.

Willy Kambwala

Kambwala was thrown into first-team action very suddenly during an injury crisis. Three of his 10 appearances were Premier League starts, including one against rivals Liverpool in April 2024.

His displays under Erik ten Hag attracted attention from clubs on the continent and United couldn’t keep hold of him. After the French youth international turned down a contract extension, Villarreal submitted a bid worth up to £9.6million.

According to The Guardian, United ensured a buy-back clause was included in that deal, as well as in the sale of left-back Carreras earlier in the same window. Carreras moved to Benfica for £5m before completing a switch to Real Madrid for close to £50m just 12 months later, after United chose not to activate their £25m option.

Kambwala featured in 19 league matches for Villarreal last season as they finished fifth in La Liga and secured Champions League qualification. He has yet to feature this season owing to a hamstring injury, though he recently returned to the matchday squad as he closes in on a comeback.