Manchester United remain active in the summer transfer market as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his defensive options before deadline day
With less than a month left in the summer transfer window, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick still faces numerous major decisions.
Having already strengthened the midfield through the marquee signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, focus at Old Trafford has allegedly shifted towards reinforcing his defensive ranks. United have been connected to a vast array of additions at the back, and now a fresh name has surfaced in links with the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, several senior squad players have already departed this summer – including Radek Vitek’s apparently imminent move to Middlesbrough – and one additional exit could be secured in the forthcoming weeks.
Defensive target
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United maintain an interest in Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to The Telegraph. The 22-year-old has already clocked up 137 appearances for the Serie A side and would provide much-needed reinforcement to Carrick’s defensive line.
The Italy international is no stranger to the United hierarchy, having previously been monitored by the club. The Telegraph reports that Carrick is no longer making the signing of a third midfielder his top priority.
According to Transfermarkt, the defender carries a valuation of £32m (€38m), though his fitness history could provide the United boss with grounds for worry.
Joshua Zirkzee potential departure
United have yet to bolster their attacking options this summer, aside from Marcus Rashford’s return, yet that hasn’t stopped Carrick from considering the possibility of sanctioning Joshua Zirkzee’s exit, reports the Manchester Evening News.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus are eager to land the Dutch forward on a season-long loan deal. The 25-year-old has found it difficult to establish himself at the club following his £36.5million move in 2024, managing just nine strikes in 75 outings across all competitions.
The report indicates that Zirkzee has already approved the move to the Serie A giants, with opportunities at United becoming increasingly limited last year owing to the presence of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.