Man Utd transfer latest: Five key targets and all the others on the Old Trafford radar

Manchester United’s summer transfer window is set to be key for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS as they back Ruben Amorim over a squad overhaul.

With the Red Devils stuck in 15th place and a major clear-out on the horizon—six players reportedly heading out, including Jadon Sancho and Christian Eriksen—speculation is rife about who could arrive at Old Trafford.

Here’s a rundown of the top players currently linked with United, poised to ignite fan excitement and reshape the team.

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a prime target, with reports suggesting United could swoop for the £40m-rated striker. His 12 goals and five assists in the Premier League this season have scouts buzzing, particularly for his mobility and work rate—attributes tailor-made for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. “He’s a proper arrowhead, always pressing and linking play,” a source close to United’s recruitment team told The Sun. Mateta’s openness to a move, combined with United’s need to replace Rasmus Hojlund’s faltering form (19 games without a goal), makes this a tantalizing prospect. Could he be the answer to United’s scoring woes?

Sunderland’s 19-year-old star Jobe Bellingham is another name gaining traction, with United eyeing a move for the versatile midfielder. His seven goals and three assists in the Championship this term have drawn comparisons to his brother Jude, now dazzling at Real Madrid. TEAMtalk reports that United see him as a long-term investment, potentially reuniting him with Amorim’s high-pressing style. “Jobe’s got that raw energy and flair we’ve missed,” said former United striker Wes Brown, per Football League World. With Kobbie Mainoo’s future uncertain amid contract talks, Bellingham could bolster United’s youthful midfield core.

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan has surfaced as United’s top goalkeeper target, according to Fichajes, as doubts linger over Andre Onana’s consistency. The 29-year-old Frenchman, lauded for his commanding presence and distribution, could fetch £50m-plus, a hefty but potentially transformative investment. Posts on X have fans split, with some arguing, “Onana’s saves keep us in games,” while others insist, “Maignan’s world-class—time to upgrade.” With Altay Bayindir also linked with an exit, Amorim might prioritize a new No. 1 to anchor his backline.

TuttoJuve recently named Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman as a high-priority forward for United. The 27-year-old Nigerian, who scored a hat-trick in last year’s Europa League final, brings pace, trickery, and a knack for big moments—qualities United’s attack has lacked. With nine goals and five assists in Serie A this season, Lookman could thrive as a No. 10 or wide forward in Amorim’s setup. His £30m-£40m price tag fits INEOS’s strategy of targeting proven talents, though competition from Liverpool and Tottenham could complicate the chase.

Burnley’s James Trafford is on United’s radar as a potential backup goalkeeper, per CaughtOffside, amid uncertainty over Onana and Bayindir. The 22-year-old England U21 star, who kept a clean sheet in the 2023 European Championship final, offers homegrown appeal and long-term potential. At an estimated £15m-£20m, he’s a cost-effective option to bolster squad depth. “Trafford’s got the makings of a top keeper,” one United fan posted on X, reflecting growing buzz around the former Manchester City youth product.

United’s limited budget has them scouring the free-agent market, with TEAMtalk listing Lille’s Jonathan David, ex-United star Angel Gomes, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané, and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin as targets. David’s 11 goals in Ligue 1 this season make him a standout, while Gomes’ playmaking at Lille has fans dreaming of a homecoming. “Imagine Gomes back at Old Trafford pulling strings,” one supporter mused on X. These no-fee deals could stretch United’s funds, allowing splash signings elsewhere.

With two exits already locked in—Sancho to Chelsea and Eriksen’s contract expiry—and more sales planned (Casemiro, Antony, Rashford, Malacia), United are poised to raise significant funds.

Amorim’s wish list—right wing-back, No. 10, striker, and goalkeeper—aligns with these targets, promising a squad better suited to his vision. Yet, competition from rivals and Financial Fair Play constraints mean Ratcliffe must act decisively.