United face pressure to complete their squad rebuild as the summer transfer market approaches its conclusion, with several potential signings potentially materialising in the coming days.
The club’s defensive options at centre-back have attracted considerable attention, with Leverkusen having placed a £43million valuation on Burkina Faso international Edmond Tapsoba. The 27-year-old, who arrived at the German club from Portuguese side Vitoria in 2020, has accumulated 237 appearances and helped the side achieve a domestic league and cup double in 2024. As well as United, both Newcastle and Tottenham are believed to harbour interest in the defender. Reports suggest Leverkusen would consider selling should any club meet their asking price, although Tapsoba committed to a five-year extension only recently, highlighting how valued he remains at the BayArena.
At Old Trafford, central defence appears adequately stocked, though maintaining availability across all defenders has proven difficult in recent years. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez offer experience alongside Harry Maguire, while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven represent promising alternatives and Luke Shaw can provide additional cover. With this in mind, prioritising other areas of the pitch may prove more logical, though the suggested fee could prove appealing given United’s already shrewd recruitment this window.
Meanwhile, discussions are reportedly taking place regarding a new contract for club captain Bruno Fernandes following Galatasaray’s reported £43million approach on Monday. The Turkish side are understood to be willing to double his current £300,000 weekly wages should he move to the Super Lig. United are working to ensure their captain remains at the club.
The 31-year-old is coming off a campaign where he set a new Premier League record for assists in a single season with 21, and Carrick is expected to build his plans around the playmaker once again. Fernandes has 12 months remaining on his existing deal, which contains an option for a further year, yet United appear keen to act quickly to ward off any speculation in the months ahead.
Reports emerged on Monday that United maintain their captain is not for sale regardless of any offer. The club could now propose fresh terms to demonstrate how essential he remains to their plans. Despite turning 32 in September, Fernandes shows no signs of declining, and he will prove crucial as United pursue domestic honours and prepare for their Champions League return.
With the league campaign beginning against Hull City on Saturday, the clock is ticking for any further additions as other transfer opportunities narrow. Carrick’s first pre-season in charge offered plenty of optimism despite the final warm-up defeat to Amorim’s AC Milan side, though supporters will likely expect at least a couple more significant arrivals before the window shuts.