Michael Carrick is targeting Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton as a potential Harry Maguire successor at Manchester United, while the club has already secured one new addition ahead of the new season
Change is brewing at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick sets about introducing his own philosophy as Manchester United manager. The club is poised to wrap up its maiden transfer acquisition under the new boss, but there’s another fresh arrival catching attention at the Theatre of Dreams.
With fewer than two weeks remaining before World Cup 2026 kicks off, several United stars are gearing up to don their national colours this summer. The tournament’s scheduling threatens to disrupt transfer activity, though, as players turn their focus away from their club prospects.
Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped United from bringing one new recruit through the doors ahead of the upcoming campaign. Mirror Football examines the latest developments emerging from Old Trafford as Carrick gets to work in what looks set to be a frantic off-season spell, reports the Mirror.
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Harry Maguire is amongst those players in Carrick’s squad who won’t be heading to North America this month. The same cannot be said, however, for Germany centre-back Waldemar Anton, who is once more being touted for a switch to United.
The Borussia Dortmund defender has been on United’s wishlist since March. But German outlet Bild has reported that rumours are again building momentum ahead of a possible approach from the English giants. Maguire, 33, signed a fresh one-year deal at United in April, which contains the option of a 12-month extension. The veteran is among several stars at United to experience a revival under Carrick’s stewardship, just when it appeared he was destined to depart on a free transfer this summer.
Nevertheless, 29 year old Anton could still prove a valuable acquisition in a defence that was hampered by its share of injury setbacks this season. Matthijs de Ligt was sidelined for a substantial portion of the campaign through injury, while Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have battled persistent fitness issues in recent times.
It is understood that Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are also showing strong interest in Anton, who is being earmarked to succeed Julian Brandt as Dortmund’s ‘third captain’. That said, manager Niko Kovac may face pressure to retain his star centre-half should United lodge a firm bid for the player.
Away from the pitch, United have moved to secure Newcastle technical scout Harvey Busby. The 23 year old is expected to oversee the club’s under-14 to under-18 age categories as their new chief national scout.
Busby is believed to have fulfilled a key function in youth recruitment for the Magpies and assisted them in beating their competitors to certain targets. United will be hoping he can replicate that success by helping them uncover the next generation of top talent. It was back in December that United reportedly tried to poach Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment, Paul Midgley. Having been unsuccessful in luring him away from the north-east, it seems their decision to bring Busby on board is seen as the second-best option.
Busby will replace Connor Hunter, who has been elevated to the position of head of academy recruitment. These changes follow criticism from club part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has demanded United’s academy deliver more prospects capable of breaking into the first team.
There might be some apprehension amongst supporters given United’s previous appointment from Newcastle, Dan Ashworth, proved to be a costly failure. The short-lived sporting director joined Old Trafford in July 2024 but was dismissed by December of that year, a decision that set United back just over £4million.
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