Man Utd’s five-step summer plan emerges with massive overhaul in transfer window

Manchester United look primed for another transformational summer in 2026. After Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, the Red Devils will enter a transfer window with a new manager yet again.

But they look set to do so from a position of real strength. Michael Carrick has calmed the storm over Old Trafford since being named interim boss. And they are now in the box seat to secure a top-four place and a return to the Champions League .

However, the gap to the top two in Arsenal and Manchester City is still a vast one and there is plenty of work to do if United are going to close it in one summer.

It is expected that the playing squad could look vastly different by the time the 2026/27 season kicks off, while there is also the looming decision over which manager will guide them.

INEOS are also desperate to show they have the club moving in the right direction under their stewardship. So to help them out, Mirror Football have devised a fool proof (?) five-step plan to get Manchester United quickly on the right tracks back to the top.

Carrick is deservedly the frontrunner for this and it would take a bold decision to not give him a crack at the permanent job, if United secure Champions League football.

But there will be other options to consider, even if the Old Trafford hierarchy have opted to speak to no other candidates thus far.

Whether it’s Carrick or not, the decision has to be an early one. United can’t waste valuable time in the summer deliberating over the best course of action.

The dressing room clearly wants Carrick, they’ve made that clear. So let’s give them what they want.

If there was ever a no-brainer decision, this is it. Yes, he’s now 31 and yes, United could fetch a pretty penny, but there is no way there should even be the faintest question mark over Fernandes’ future.

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The Portuguese is the beating heart of this United side and has arguably been the best individual player in the Premier League this season.

The Red Devils hold all the cards considering his contract runs until 2027 with an option for a further 12 months. But let’s not mess about here…give him a new long-term contract and make sure he knows just how important he is.

And while we’re at it, give Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo new deals. They’ve deserved it, and replacing them would be adding another headache where it isn’t required.

This will take some work, but it’s a job Manchester United simply have to get right. It is understood that a return to Europe’s top competition will see players get the 25 per cent back on their wages that were slashed when they missed out.

That even includes players like Andre Onana, who have spent the season thousands of miles away from Manchester.

So United need to counter that by moving on players surplus to requirements. The club’s highest earner, Casemiro, has already confirmed he will be leaving at the end of his contract as Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho almost certainly will as well.

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Marcus Rashford wants a permanent move to Barcelona , who will no doubt prove tricky negotiating partners. Rasmus Hojlund is also set to move to Napoli.

Onana fancies another crack at getting the No.1 shirt back, but if they could get some of their outlay back, that’s a move worth doing.

Recent reports suggested Jim Ratcliffe wanted eight players to leave this summer, which could also see exits for Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee.

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If 2025 was all about overhauling the forward areas, 2026 is about doing the same to the midfield. Casemiro deciding to leave has meant that refreshing the options in the middle of the park is a non-negotiable.

Mainoo remains a building block, but Ugarte hasn’t really worked out, which means United could probably do with two starting level midfielders.

They won’t come cheap, but United need players ready to lead immediately. Like Arsenal got when they spent big to get Declan Rice .

Elliot Anderson is that player. They will face fierce competition, but a marker could be laid down if the England star swaps the red of Nottingham Forest for the red of United.

Carlos Baleba remains on the radar as well. And after a below-par season, he could probably be signed with a significant discount on the prices quoted last year. Joao Gomes from Wolves is another option, who may accept a discount considering their relegation to the Championship.

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With our plan seeing a number of - underperforming - squad players leave, United will need to replenish their depth with quality players.

United have thrived in the league in recent months, but it comes with the caveat of a fixture list significantly smaller than their rivals. United were dumped out of both domestic cups early and have had no European football to contend with.

It could be a different story when they go back to playing three games a week. So the strength in depth has to improve.

This could end up being the most costly part of the entire summer and perhaps unrealistic to do in one window alone. But it can’t be overlooked if United really want to compete on multiple fronts.