Five players Manchester United could sign ahead of transfer deadline

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United have had a mixed summer window so far, with some key and credible signings not being followed up by further additions to Michael Carrick's squad.

Carrick managed to take United up to third last season, putting together a series of impressive results in the second half of the season, leading to many fans to be filled with optimism ahead of the new campaign. However, that optimism has quickly faded with this summer's business.

The additions of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow are all astute signings. United needed to replace Casemiro and the injured Manuel Ugarte, and they also needed a reshuffle at backup goalkeeper. They did all of those moves, however, they still need much more.

It has been over a month since United last announced a senior signing, and with the Premier League season set to commence this weekend, there is increasing pressure to get deals done so that Carrick has a good squad to work with, particularly given the increase from the strange 40-game season United had last time out.

There are just a few days left of the summer transfer window, and the rumours have seemingly all died down, with talks of a move for Lewis Hall fading, and a surprise move for Myles Lewis-Skelly looking farfetched, particularly given United's budget constraints due to lack of sales.

So, who should United be targeting going into the final days of the summer window?

Chema Andres - VfB Stuttgart

One player who could be a class signing is Chema Andres. The Spaniard currently plays for Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart and has proven to be a top class signing from Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old is a mobile midfielder who is quite tall in stature, and has been likened to Rodri in recent years. He is brilliant on and off the ball, being capable of playing both as a traditional No.6 and also as a box-to-box players.

During the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, he averaged 3.2 clearances, 2.3 interceptions, and 5.6 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. These are more than Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro who started regularly for United last season. Andres also secured higher stats in these areas than Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been a long-standing target for United.

Andres is still relatively young and would not be the superstar signing many would want, but he is a player that United desperately need, especially as a third midfield signing. He is reportedly valued at just €20 million on transfermarkt, so he could be a decent signing for a modest fee.

Jorge Salinas - Racing Santander

Another area that badly needs strengthening is left-back.

A target United have been linked to is Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas, who would represent a low-cost option given moves for Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly are looking unlikely.

Photo: Real Racing Santander

Salinas is a highly-rated full-back who has made a name for himself in Spain. The 19-year-old is a dynamic left-back who was vital to his club's promotion to the top flight last season.

He featured in 34 matches last season, and while he is still relatively raw and needs to develop, having a season as second-choice rotating with Luke Shaw could be perfect for him.

A move for him will ultimately depend on what happens with Harry Amass, and what Racing Santander's price would be.

Sander Berge - Fulham

One name who has been repeatedly linked with United is Sander Berge from Fulham.

The Norwegian had an excellent FIFA World Cup campaign with his country, looking sharp in a midfield with Martin Odegaard. This was off the back of another impressive season with Fulham, where he was a steady and crucial part in Marco Silva's side.

Photo: Fulham FC

Berge would represent a totally different option from those that United currently have in midfield. While he is tidy on the ball, he he is also an aerial presence and a great runner in and out of possession.

The 28-year-old also provides plenty of Premier League experience and would immediately slot into Carrick's midfield.

United were heavily linked with Berge prior to his move to West London, yet they have reportedly maintained their interest in the Norwegian. A deal would go up to around €50 million, which is quite a hefty fee given his age, but he would represent an instant upgrade to the current midfield.

Nicolo Tresoldi - Club Brugge

Aside from at left-back and midfield, United also need to strengthen their options up front, especially given their over-reliance on Benjamin Sesko, who has had fitness issues in recent months.

An option that has been linked is Club Brugge's young prospect Nicolo Tresoldi.

The Germany forward had a very impressive campaign in Belgium last season, scoring 23 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions, making a name for himself as one of the most promising strikers in Europe.

This season, Tresoldi has already scored three goals in three games, and is poised to become the next big sale from Belgium.

He is a young forward with a proven track record of getting on the scoresheet, who would command a cheaper fee than other options. Tresoldi would also help push Sesko and ease the goalscoring burden from off him, while also not demanding to start week in, week out.

A €50 million fee could be enough to secure Tresoldi's signature, but a move will ultimately depend on what happens with Joshua Zirkzee.

Leon Avdullahu - TSG Hoffenheim

A relatively rogue shout, but Leon Avdullahu from TSG Hoffenheim could end up being a top signing for United.

The Kosovo international joined Hoffenheim from FC Basel in 2025 and he enjoyed an excellent debut campaign, becoming a key component in Christian Ilzer's midfield.

Photo: TSG Hoffenheim

The 22-year-old made 33 Bundesliga appearances last season and was particularly a standout for his dynamism and work rate. He was vital to Hoffenheim's build-up play last season, looking very comfortable in possession.

Avdullahu has excellent vision, and also has a knack for being able to sniff out danger, being in the right place at the right time. He has attracted interest from AC Milan and Atalanta, and a move for him could be possible for United. However, Hoffenheim signed him for €10 million last summer, and will not want to let him go for cheap. A move for Avdullahu could end up going for over €40 million, especially since his deal at the German club runs until 2031.

Five very different options, but all covering key areas and providing important attributes that United need ahead of the new season.