Manchester United are gearing up for a huge summer in the transfer market, with the club on the verge of qualification for the Champions League.
Man United have enjoyed a strong start to 2026 and if they want to keep it going next season, INEOS will be well aware that Michael Carrick, or an alternative permanent manager, will need a stronger squad to work with in the 2026-27 campaign.
United have had to deal with no European football this term and you only have to look at Newcastle’s current 14th-placed position in the Premier League table to see how Champions League football can affect a squad in their domestic league.
The Red Devils are 11 points ahead of the top-five finish they need to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford for the first time since they were eliminated in the old format of the group stages in 2023, with four matches left to play.
Two key positions United director of football and the recruitment team are looking at ahead of the summer are in central midfield and on the left wing.
Man United Make Morgan Rogers Top Target
Manchester United are looking to go big in central midfield this summer, with the club eyeing moves to bring in at least two new players in the position ahead of next season.
One of the reasons for that is Casemiro leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be keen to sell Manuel Ugarte after he has failed to make a major impact in his two seasons at Old Trafford.
United have been boosted by the news that Kobbie Mainoo has signed his contract to extend his stay with the Red Devils, but now the club need to give him the right partner for next season.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is their top target, although there is a feeling that he currently prefers a move to Manchester City.
United are also being heavily linked with players who can play on the left wing right now, with the latest reports from Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting the club has made Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers their top target for the position, ahead of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
The bonus with Rogers is that he can play centrally as well as on the wing, but Sky Sports have reported previously that even though contact has been made and he is very open to joining if United qualify for the Champions League, he could cost £90m.
Rogers an Even Better Signing Than Anderson
Firstly, let’s not discount how good Anderson is. He has established himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League, and he is now a regular starter for England for a reason, even though Forest are struggling at the wrong end of the table.
If United can beat City to his signature this summer, it would be a huge coup and he would significantly improve the club’s midfield.
But Rogers is different, because he is capable of producing the magic and something out of nothing that can make the difference in matches.
We have seen countless times the ability that the 23-year-old offers from set-pieces and free-kicks, and he has 12 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for Villa this term.
United adding another player who can create and score to their frontline would be invaluable, and the fact he is someone who both Carrick and Wilcox have worked with before and admire would only help his integration at a huge club.
Like Anderson, United will want a lower price tag if they are to commit to a deal, especially with someone like Rafael Leao available at half the price.
But Rogers wants to join and if Anderson is angling more for a move to City, he is the smarter addition.