Manchester United's Transfer Strategy: Three More Signings Expected

Manchester United are not done yet. Not by a long way.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, three more signings could still walk through the door at Old Trafford before the summer window slams shut, as Michael Carrick quietly pushes for a final upgrade of his squad.

United still hunting midfield, left-back and striker

United have already moved with intent. Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow headline a busy window that has given Carrick fresh options across the pitch. After that early burst, though, things have gone noticeably quieter.

Behind the calm, work continues.

United are still in the market for a third new midfielder to join Tielemans and Santos, with Carrick keen to deepen his options in the centre of the pitch. A new left-back is also on the agenda, someone who can properly cover – and, if needed, push – Luke Shaw.

Then comes the wildcard: a striker.

Romano says United are prepared to move for a new centre-forward if the right opportunity drops into their lap, a deal that makes sense financially and tactically rather than a panic buy.

“Michael Carrick said today that we can do something special this season, which shows the ambition inside Manchester United,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel, outlining the mood around the club.

Carrick, though, has been careful with his public message. He has stressed that he already likes the balance of his squad, but he has also admitted there are “one or two positions” United are actively working on. The search for a left-back and that third midfielder is no secret. The possibility of movement in attack is the extra twist.

Romano’s verdict is clear: “I still expect Manchester United to do more business before the window closes.”

Carrick’s faith in Rashford runs deep

Transfers are only half the story. Inside the dressing room, Carrick is leaning heavily on one of United’s biggest names.

Marcus Rashford is back at the club and, by all accounts, back in the right frame of mind.

“Carrick also spoke very positively about Marcus Rashford,” Romano said. The manager’s message was upbeat: Rashford has returned in “a very good mood”, he can offer the team “something different and something special”, and Carrick knows him “very well”.

That warmth is not just for the cameras. Romano reports that the same tone has been heard behind closed doors, describing Carrick’s “positive messages” about Rashford as consistent in private conversations too. The conclusion is simple: the United boss is “more than happy to continue with Marcus Rashford.”

For a player whose form and future are endlessly debated, that level of backing from his manager is significant. Rashford remains central to Carrick’s plans.

Mainoo’s World Cup frustration, reframed

Another key figure for United’s future, Kobbie Mainoo, comes at this from a different angle.

The young midfielder went to the World Cup with England but did not play a single minute. For many, that would look like a wasted tournament. Carrick refuses to see it that way.

“I spoke to him all the way through the World Cup, not loads, but little bits,” Carrick revealed. The conversations were measured, supportive, designed to keep Mainoo grounded while the spotlight blazed elsewhere.

Carrick did not sugar-coat the experience. “It’s challenging. From the outside we all see the glitz, the glamour and all the positive sides of football,” he said. “But players are human beings. We all have our ups and downs. It’s important we support each other.”

For Mainoo, the manager insists, it was still “a good experience.” Simply being at a World Cup, training at that level, living that pressure, is “a big step.”

“He’s still such a young man and he’s achieved so much, so quickly. To be at the stage he’s at is an achievement,” Carrick added, underlining just how highly he rates the midfielder’s progress.

So United head into the final stretch of the window with three clear priorities: a midfielder, a left-back, and a striker if the market opens the right door. All while Carrick doubles down on Rashford, protects Mainoo, and talks openly about doing “something special” this season.

If the club deliver on those last pieces of business, the squad he is quietly shaping will leave little room for excuses.