What Man Utd’s team might look like next season as summer signings begin to come together
Manchester United has been busy over the past 24 hours as they prepare for the new season. But the big question is: what will Michael Carrick’s team look like once the transfer window closes?
On Monday afternoon, United announced they signed Andrey Santos for a reported £48 million, plus £2 million in add-ons. Santos played 43 games for Chelsea in the 2025-26 season and had the most progressive passes per 90 minutes among Premier League midfielders under 22.
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, called Santos an “outstanding midfielder with excellent technical skills” who can influence the game both offensively and defensively. Wilcox added, “He was a key target for us in an important position, so we’re excited to have him join Michael’s squad early in pre-season.”
Santos’ signing comes just hours after reports said United are close to finalizing a deal to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa by meeting his £35 million release clause. The Athletic says Tielemans prefers moving to Old Trafford despite interest from other clubs.
Adding Santos and Tielemans will strengthen United’s midfield, which needs replacements for Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, who faces a long recovery after an ACL injury at the World Cup. For now, a move for another Brazilian midfielder, Ederson, has been put on hold after medical tests, but the club might revisit this later. Another midfielder could still be signed this summer.
Away from midfield, United are also nearing a deal for goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The 35-year-old left Leeds this summer after his contract ended and started every game from January until the season’s end. Everton showed interest too, but The Athletic reports United are in advanced talks to bring him to Old Trafford. Darlow, with Premier League experience, would back up Senne Lammens following the loan departure of Andre Onana.
United are also exploring options at full-back. They see Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as their top choice to compete with Luke Shaw at left-back, according to TEAMtalk. The 21-year-old is reportedly keen to join and comfortable with challenging Shaw for a spot.
On the right side, Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson has caught their eye after a strong World Cup showing for Norway. Bild reports he may cost around €30 million (£25.6 million), but with 15 assists last season, United feel he would be worth it.
With Hall, Ryerson, and Santos, here’s how a possible United lineup could look for the 2026-27 season.
Another midfielder linked to United is Roma’s Manu Kone, who impressed at the World Cup with France. TEAMtalk says United are planning a move after learning Roma might sell him for about £50 million. Kone, who played 37 matches last season as Roma qualified for the Champions League, offers similar qualities to France teammate Aurelien Tchouameni but could be a cheaper option.
And lastly, while midfield has been the focus, United’s top target on the left wing remains Crysencio Summerville, according to Sky Sports, who report that initial talks with West Ham have taken place.
With the signings of Darlow, Tielemans, Kone, and Summerville — plus Marcus Rashford returning from his loan at Barcelona — here’s another look at how United could line up for the 2026-27 season.