Reshaping Manchester United's Squad
A summer overhaul focused on midfield balance and right-sided threat could give Manchester United the structure and intensity they currently lack, with targeted sales funding a more coherent rebuild.
Players to Sell and Funds to Generate
Manuel Ugarte is one player who could be moved on. The defensive midfielder has struggled to consistently impose himself in games, and a sale could bring in a fee in the region of £25-30 m. Moving him on would help fund a midfield upgrade and free up a deeper role that better suits a controller rather than a disruptor.
Noussair Mazraoui is another option to sell. United already have several right-sided options, including Dalot and Amad, and Mazraoui could attract interest elsewhere. A fee of around £15-20 m looks realistic, and his departure would open space for a stronger right wing-back profile.
Diogo Dalot is solid but limited in attacking output compared to elite wing-back options. Selling him for around £10-15 m would add balance to the squad and further boost the available budget.
Taken together, estimated sales income sits around £50-65 m. Added to an existing £50 m budget, that leaves roughly £100-115 m available to spend.
The Need for a Proper No. 6
A defensive midfielder who can control tempo, provide defensive cover and link play is the priority. Carlos Baleba would be the ideal long-term upgrade for United's midfield engine room, but at around £100 m or more he is likely too expensive.
Adam Wharton offers a more affordable solution. He is a strong all-round runner and passer, and a fee in the £40-60 m range makes him a realistic target. Elliot Anderson is another option, bringing creativity and energy as a box-to-box midfielder.
Wharton stands out as the sensible choice, leaving funds available for strengthening other areas while addressing the midfield imbalance.
Upgrading the Right Wing-Back Role
United also need more threat and reliability from right wing-back. Geovany Quenda is a younger option with clear attacking upside and familiarity with Amorim's system, available for around £30-40 m. Vanderson offers versatility on the right side of defence and could be signed for roughly £20-25 m. Jeremie Frimpong is the most dynamic option, strong going forward and capable defensively, though his price is likely to be higher at around £35-45 m.
Quenda looks the best fit as the main signing, combining age, system suitability and attacking output.
Midfield Support and Depth
Even with Mount staying, another strong midfield partner is required. Conor Gallagher would add energy, defensive bite and versatility, and could be achievable on loan or for £25-35 m. Ruben Neves is another possibility, bringing experience and passing range, and he may be open to a return to Europe.
Gallagher appears the more practical option, with the potential to pair a younger midfielder like Wharton alongside a more seasoned presence if the budget allows.
Budget Plan and Squad Impact
A proposed spend could see Adam Wharton signed for £40-60 m, Geovany Quenda for £30-40 m, and Conor Gallagher either on loan or for £25-35 m. That places total expenditure in the £95-135 m range.
The strategy would be to use sales income plus the £50 m base budget to secure two major upgrades, with structured deals, loans or add-ons helping to manage costs depending on the window.
Before these changes, the midfield of Ugarte, Casemiro, Mainoo and Mount lacks defensive balance and tempo control, while the right wing-back options of Dalot and Mazraoui provide limited attacking support. Afterward, a midfield built around Wharton, Mount and Gallagher would offer stronger control, better defensive coverage and more creativity, with Quenda providing width, overlapping runs and improved offensive support from wing-back.
Summary
Selling Ugarte, Mazraoui and Dalot would fund a targeted rebuild. Bringing in a defensive controller such as Adam Wharton, upgrading right wing-back with Geovany Quenda, and adding midfield support through Conor Gallagher would leave United with a stronger midfield structure and far more dynamic wing-back play.
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