Man Utd’s summer season switch plans uncovered together with Osimhen hyperlinks and Fernandes newest

The World Cup is grabbing attention across North America but nearer to home the transfer window has opened and Manchester United are looking to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad.

A move for Brazil midfielder Ederson has been secured, after a £35m agreement was reached with Atalanta. But so far United have encountered setbacks in their bid to build upon it. Daily Star Sport’s sister title the Manchester Evening News have been exploring the lack of progress and here, their Red Devils expert Tyrone Marshall looks at exactly what is on the agenda.

The key figure when it comes to transfers at the Premier League giants is director of football Jason Wilcox, who often leads negotiations with agents and helps to sell the project at Old Trafford to players. Wilcox is also the person quoted when deals are confirmed. He is supported by the director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, whose power base has grown at Old Trafford over the last 18 months or so.

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The former RB Leipzig and Chelsea transfer guru pushed for the signing of Benjamin Sesko last summer and heads up a recruitment department that has pivoted towards data over the last two years. Vivell oversees United’s scouting operation, both in-person and data-led, and can be another key contact for agents. He also has a strong say in identifying targets to strengthen the squad.

Another key figure is director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves, who leads negotiations on player sales and departures with other clubs, aiming to secure the best possible deal for United. But what are the tasks at hand for these figures?

United continue to pursue a deal for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and are targeting a left-sided player, a reserve goalkeeper, and an additional striker.

Exits are also being considered, though Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford are currently concentrating on the World Cup. Joshua Zirkzee might depart this summer, alongside a trio of shot-stoppers.

I believe there’s a strong possibility United will bring in another midfielder even if they land Fernandes, but it hinges on securing a buyer for Manuel Ugarte. He hasn’t enjoyed a stellar World Cup, has now suffered an injury, and that will complicate efforts to generate interest in him.

United have no desire to force him through the exit and they recognise he’s two years into a five-year deal, meaning he still carries a book value of roughly £30million. That appears optimistic at present.

However, if they can offload him, or arrange a loan with an obligation to purchase, then there’s a plan to bring in a third midfielder this summer.

I think of all the players mentioned, Carlos Baleba is the perfect player for United. It’s relatively quiet around the 22-year-old but he remains on the radar.

Unlike some of the other midfielders United have been chasing this summer, he is one they don’t appear to face much rivalry for.

The scouting team still rate him highly, as they did last summer, but the stumbling block remains the price tag. Brighton demanded £100million in 2025 and that asking price doesn’t seem to have budged.

But the longer United go without landing a top-tier midfielder, the more probable it becomes that Baleba re-enters their considerations.

United might bring in a new left-back, though that isn’t certain, but I can’t envisage a situation where they recruit a centre-back. There is an appetite to sign a left-sided player this summer, but it could be a winger instead of a left-back, with Patrick Dorgu dropping deeper.

Regarding the heart of defence, United boast five senior centre-backs in Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. It’s difficult to justify financially keeping six players in that role.

The worry is clearly around fitness, with Maguire, Martinez and De Ligt all having endured their struggles. Martinez requires a campaign where he remains injury-free to secure a fresh deal, but there is optimism that the operation De Ligt underwent on his back means that problem is now resolved.

Looking to the attack, United have been associated with Nigerian goal machine Victor Osimhen numerous times, but that boat has now sailed.

The 27-year-old has been scoring goals aplenty for Galatasaray in Turkey, but it would require a hefty fee to secure him and he is on substantial wages, given the tax breaks for high earners in that country.

I’m not convinced any club will strike a deal for Osimhen considering the financial implications in the current climate. Certainly not United, who view Benjamin Sesko as their future No. 9.

Reports from Spain suggest Sesko is on their shortlist to replace Robert Lewandowski, although it’s evident their prime target for that role is Julian Alvarez.

United haven’t received any offer or indication of interest from Barcelona for Sesko and aren’t taking those links too seriously at present.

There was considerable frustration over how Barca handled the Marcus Rashford deal, and United will be hesitant to engage in transactions with them for some time, even if they were inclined to sell Sesko. Which they’re not.

How many players United will purchase hinges on how the market evolves, who gets sold, what fees are generated and any opportunities that arise.

But I would predict at least a second midfielder, and a third if Ugarte departs. A left-sided player, likely a left-back or left-winger, and at this point, it’s improbable to be both.

Then there will be a goalkeeper to provide cover for Senne Lammens and a striker to offer assistance to Sesko, though the latter may hinge somewhat on Zirkzee’s future.