Manchester United have already been busy this summer, making multiple new signings as they look to give Michael Carrick plenty to work with ahead of a return to the Champions League. More are set to follow, with the World Cup putting plenty of stars in the shop window.
Youri Tielemans was well known to United long before he took a prominent role for Belgium in North America. He isn't the only new face to arrive, with Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and youngster Tynan Thompson all brought in. More players could be offloaded in order to free up space in Carrick's squad, with European football meaning more bodies are likely to be needed.
“Manchester United target World Cup standouts Bouaddi, Araujo, Nusa as Carrick rebuilds for Champions League.”
Among the World Cup standouts who could fit the bill is Ayyoub Bouaddi, one of the most sought-after youngsters in global football at present. The 18-year-old midfielder penned a fresh Lille contract last season - evidence that there was attention to fight off long before the World Cup. Judging by his standout display against Brazil, however, that new deal is unlikely to deter potential suitors. United have prioritised younger targets in recent years and Bouaddi certainly matches that profile. They also conducted recent business with Lille when they signed Leny Yoro in 2024. But there will be hurdles: Bouaddi's performances have attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom boast substantial financial muscle and may bid more than United can spare right now.
Maxi Araujo is another option. The 26-year-old Uruguayan is familiar to former United manager Ruben Amorim, having featured under him at Sporting CP. Premier League supporters may recall the other goalscorer when a Viktor Gyokeres hat-trick propelled Sporting to a memorable Champions League triumph over Manchester City in 2024. Araujo impressed despite his national team crashing out at the group stage, contributing to all three goals from Marcelo Bielsa's side: netting twice and laying on a goal for Agustin Canobbio. Capable of playing at left-back or on the left wing, his adaptability could appeal to United. However, they may be wary of spending too much on a Sporting star with Gyokeres blowing hot and cold for Arsenal and Manuel Ugarte - also once of the Portuguese side - struggling in United red.
Staying with wide options, Antonio Nusa has been linked with a Premier League switch for a number of years. At his first World Cup, the Norway winger demonstrated precisely why that's been the case. The 21-year-old was chiefly deployed on the left by Stale Solbakken, catching the eye with his dribbling and creativity.
With Carrick preparing for a return to Europe's top table, the transfer window is likely to bring both arrivals and departures as United reshape their squad for the challenges ahead.