Manchester United are gearing up for a potential run in European football next season with some shrewd summer signings
Cristian Orozco is set to join United(Image: Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United have already sorted an initial agreement to sign Cristian Orozco, with further arrivals planned for the summer transfer window. United have seen a turnaround in 2026 since Michael Carrick took the reins, securing seven victories out of 10 and suffering just one defeat during his tenure.
Impressive results against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have bolstered calls for the former club captain to take on the role permanently. However, with no official announcement yet made and summer fast approaching, United have shifted their focus towards future signings.
Orozco is set to join as a highly-rated defensive midfielder to enhance the academy ranks. United have reached a provisional agreement with the 17-year-old Colombian’s current club, Fortaleza CEIF, to secure his services.
However, the deal cannot be finalised until Orozco turns 18 and is eligible to make the move to Old Trafford.
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A fee of approximately £750,000 ($1million) has been agreed, highlighting his potential to develop into a future star rather than an immediate replacement for departing players. Orozco is unlikely to be United’s sole summer signing with the club poised to also bring in reinforcements for the first-team squad.
The Manchester Evening News reported that United will target a younger left-back, a left-winger and are in the market for at least two midfielders.
Elliot Anderson has caught the eye of United(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest has impressed of late, establishing himself as a key figure in Thomas Tuchel’s England setup and has attracted interest from both United and City. Forest have reportedly slapped an £80m valuation on the 23-year-old, and he admitted his primary focus for the summer is representing his country.
Anderson said: “We’ve obviously got the World Cup this summer, so all my eyes are on that and playing for England. I’ve obviously got the badge on now, so that’s what I’m thinking about at the moment.”
Despite Forest fighting relegation this season, the midfielder has received considerable acclaim for his displays at the City Ground.
United are also interested in the Magpies duo(Image: JOHN THYS / AFP via Getty Images)
As well as Anderson, Newcastle pair Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are two stars that United have been linked with. With Casemiro leaving in the summer and Manuel Ugarte facing an uncertain future in Manchester, the club are seeking solid reinforcements in the middle of the park alongside Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Tonali’s contract at Newcastle is set to run until 2029, with Chronicle Live suggesting that the club are relaxed about his future at St James’ Park. However, chief executive David Hopkinson conceded that the club will need to be open for business this summer “on our terms” as they strive for the “maximum price” for their star players.
The Italian’s representative, Giuseppe Riso, has candidly acknowledged the potential for a future move. United are among several clubs showing interest in Tonali and have also been linked with the 25-year-old’s teammate Guimaraes.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s struggles at Arsenal have grabbed attention as well(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly is reportedly another player on United’s summer wish list, according to Sky Sports News. The left-back has made a strong impression since making his senior debut in north London and could be viewed as a youthful successor to veteran Luke Shaw.
The 19-year-old only put pen to paper on a new five-year deal last year, but has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal. Loanee Piero Hincapie has emerged as the first choice this season, with Riccardo Calafiori also being preferred over the teenager.
With a host of intriguing transfers potentially in the pipeline, United have a tough task ahead if they’re to secure some savvy signings to entice a new manager into the hot seat at Old Trafford.
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