Manchester United’s summer transfer spending has been significant over the years. Last season, a whopping £205.9 million was spent to bolster the Red Devils squad.
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick’s men have registered a resurgent second half of the season after a poor start to the 2025/26 season.
The Red Devils are third in the Premier League standings, having gathered 55 points from 31 games.
A decent improvement, which could be attributed to a tactical change by the interim head coach, Michael Carrick.
However, Manchester United’s summer transfer budget needs to focus on some key areas as they look to contend for the Premier League title next season.
Manchester United are also looking to return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2023/24 season. Therefore, the Manchester giants will need to improve certain areas of their first-team squad, given the quality of their opponents next season.
Manchester United’s Summer Transfer Budget: A Brand New Left Winger
One key area that Manchester United’s summer transfer plans should be tailored to improve in the forthcoming summer transfer window is the left-wing forward position.
Surprisingly, there is presently no natural left-winger in Michael Carrick‘s squad at Old Trafford.
A situation that has slightly affected the flow of the attack in crucial games, as Matheus Cunha has been used as a makeshift left-winger.
Considering the prospect of Champions League football, Manchester United needs to sign a natural left-winger.
One who could create chances, deliver pinpoint crosses, and drive with the ball in quick succession. Thus, the presence of a natural left-winger could improve the strength of the attack and offer more opportunities for Benjamin Sesko to score goals.
The signing of a left-winger will likewise improve the level of competition in the attack, and this could improve the performance of several attackers.
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Manchester United’s Summer Transfer Budget: The Lookout For A New Right Back
Manchester United’s right-back position has barely improved despite the signing of €15 million Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich in 2024.
On the flip side, Diogo Dalot’s defensive performance has arguably been unconvincing in the last few seasons, a situation that has affected the defence and made them concede avoidable goals.
UEFA Champions League football could further expose the loopholes at right-back next season.
Thus, the Red Devils might have to sign a right-back who’s good in attack and defence, and one who could frequently deliver crosses in attack and win duels in defence.
Manchester United’s Summer Transfer Budget: Needing A Controlling Presence In Midfield
A crucial area that Manchester United has made efforts to strengthen is the central midfield position.
The Red Devils reportedly remain interested in signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, their bid for the highly rated midfielder was unsuccessful last summer. Meanwhile, Casemiro has announced that he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Considering the expected departure of Casemiro, Manchester United’s summer transfer plans will definitely include a formidable midfielder who will replace the Brazilian.
On the other hand, Kobbie Mainoo is the only natural centre midfield option in the current Red Devils squad.
Thus, there’s a need to sign a midfielder who could distribute the ball, win duels, and provide balance in the midfield.
Brighton’s Baleba could be a decent option considering his proficiency in blocking the little pockets of space in the midfield and his ability to help out defensively.
However, it remains to be seen if Manchester United will be willing to match Brighton’s valuation for the midfielder.
The likes of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes are also options that Manchester United’s summer transfer budget in the midfield could be tailored towards.
If the above areas are strengthened, the Red Devils could compete and win titles next term.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 20.03.2026
