Manchester United's £116m miss highlights a summer transfer deadlock

On 25 June, Manchester City set a club record by agreeing a £116 million deal with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, a midfielder United had targeted. The £116 million fee underscores United’s difficulty in securing summer signings, as they have yet to add any new players to Old Trafford. Two days later, Tottenham confirmed an £85 million payment to West Ham for midfielder Mateus Fernandes, another player United had pursued. United’s failure to match the fee left them without the desired midfield reinforcement. Out‑of‑contract stars Casemiro and Jadon Sancho have already departed, while Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana remain at United. Additionally, Rasmus Hojlund’s £38 million departure was confirmed in May after Napoli secured Champions League qualification. United have secured a £35 million agreement with Serie A side Atalanta for Ederson, but his medical is postponed until Brazil call‑up ends and Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which faces Norway in the last‑16 on 5 July, exit the competition.

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The club still seeks at least one, possibly two, additional midfielders and have been linked with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Arsenal have been told the 22‑year‑old is not for sale, and Bournemouth aim to secure him on a long‑term deal. Other names mentioned include Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Former Manchester City academy graduate Felix Nmecha, known to United’s director of football Jason Wilcox, is also under consideration.

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Real Madrid’s French international Aurelien Tchouameni remains on United’s radar, though the expectation is he will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. United sources insist their recruitment approach is sound, pointing to the relative success of last summer’s signings as evidence.