If the release of the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures is not a kick up the backside for Manchester United’s transfer brokers, it is unclear what would be. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City await in the first five games of a season in which domestic results mean everything. United cannot afford a slow start.
Matheus Cunha has already arrived in a £62.5million transfer from Wolves, upgrading Ruben Amorim’s attack early in the summer window. However, the Red Devils have so much more business to complete if they are to improve to the extent they require after an abysmal last campaign.
After exploring United’s dream summer transfer window on Monday, it’s time to consider what Amorim’s nightmare would look like…
Bryan Mbeumo joins Tottenham
Bryan Mbeumo is the Old Trafford giants’ next priority target after Cunha, and he is believed to have chosen the Theatre of Dreams as his preferred destination.
The 25-year-old has already been the subject of a rejected bid worth £45million plus £10m, with Brentford demanding at least £60m.
United are expected to return with an improved offer despite tabling their opening approach two weeks ago. And now Tottenham Hotspur are in the frame.
Mbeumo is reportedly intrigued at the prospect of joining his old manager, Thomas Frank, at Spurs, who can offer Champions League football after beating United in the Europa League final.
Failing to strike a deal with Brentford and watching Mbeumo join rivals Spurs would be a cataclysmic blow to Amorim’s preparations.
Man Utd fail to sell crucial trio
It goes without saying that United have to improve other areas of the team as fans clamour for goalkeeper, wing-back and midfield reinforcements.
Yet, beyond Mbeumo, the Red Devils will rely on player sales to fund further deals due to financial limitations caused by missing out on European football.
United want to sell Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho after their loan spells away from the club last season. However, the trio’s salary demands are reportedly proving problematic.
If Amorim can’t shift the trio in the coming months, he may have to settle for their services rather than new players he wants to work with.
Ruben Amorim settles for Andre Onana
All signs currently point towards Andre Onana staying put at United despite uncertainty surrounding his future.
The 29-year-old has been unconvincing in his two years in Manchester, and the fanbase has seemingly lost all trust in him to come good.
United could do with upgrading their goalkeeper, but Amorim is reportedly ready to settle for Onana next season.
Given the importance of the position, that could prove costly if the Cameroon international continues his error-proneness.