What do Manchester United need before the transfer window shuts?
It has already been a busy summer at Old Trafford
Will the final week and a half of the transfer window see more changes to Manchester United's squad?
Author | Josh D
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim underlined his priorities by investing £200m in a new-look attack featuring Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
The rebuild up front, however, has highlighted issues at the other end of the pitch. Andre Onana continues to look unconvincing, while Altay Bayindir’s costly mistake against Arsenal has only increased concerns over the goalkeeping position. Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but questions remain over whether such a major transfer could be concluded before the deadline.
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Midfield has also been under consideration. Amorim has shown interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but the south coast club remain firm that he will not be leaving. Any move appears more likely to be revisited next summer. Even so, potential departures could yet reshape United’s options. Alejandro Garnacho has been the subject of interest from Chelsea, while Rasmus Hojlund’s future is also uncertain. If either were to leave, it could create the space for further investment.
Fans’ views
Among United fans, opinion is divided but there is agreement that they must address weaknesses in key areas. Olivia T, a regular contributor to European Super Football and GM Super News, said: “A midfielder and a keeper would be ideal. However, I think sorting out one of those would give us a much better chance of having a better season.”
That view was echoed by Liam C, who added: “I’d love Baleba but I don’t think it will happen unless Hojlund, Garnacho, Antony and Sancho all leave before the window closes. We have to push for Gianluigi Donnarumma if he’s available as reported.”
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Wayne Rooney had already made his mark as a teenager at Everton before completing a £27m move to Manchester United on deadline day in 2004. What followed was a glittering 13-year career at Old Trafford, where he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 253 goals. Few would argue it was anything other than an inspired signing.
Daley Blind arrived a decade later, linking up once again with Louis van Gaal after the pair had worked together with the Netherlands. Signed on deadline day in 2014, he proved to be a reliable and versatile figure, operating across defence and midfield during his 141 appearances. Blind collected three trophies in his time at United but gradually slipped down the order under José Mourinho before returning to Ajax in 2018.
Anthony Martial’s arrival in 2015 was met with raised eyebrows, not least because United paid Monaco an initial £36m for a teenager who was relatively unproven. He quickly silenced doubts, however, with a stunning debut goal against Liverpool that remains one of his defining moments. His spell at Old Trafford has been uneven, but there were flashes of brilliance, including a dramatic winner in the 2016 FA Cup semi-final.
