“One of the biggest stories of 2026”: David Ornstein drops bombshell on United’s summer transfer targets

Manchester United endured a topsy-turvy 2025/26 campaign under former head coach Ruben Amorim before caretaker manager Michael Carrick brought much-needed relief at the Theatre of Dreams. The Red Devils managed eight wins in their 20 games under the Portuguese, who departed at the start of the year after the 1-1 draw away to Leeds United. Following Darren Fletcher’s two-game interim spell, which included a 2-2 league draw against Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, Carrick arrived to steady the ship. The Englishman’s primary objective will be to secure Champions League qualification, and he has already won his first three games in charge. The Race to the Top Four – 2025/26 Season PosTeamGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostGoals ForGoals AgainstGoal DifferencePointsNext Opponent 1Arsenal24165346172953Sunderland 2Manchester City24145549232647Liverpool 3Aston Villa2414463526946Bournemouth 4Manchester United2411854436841Tottenham Hotspur 5Chelsea24117642271540Wolverhampton Wanderers 6Liverpool2411673933639Manchester City Source: Premier League website. United will be desperate to return to Europe’s premier club competition next season, as it could have a massive impact on their transfer activity this summer. Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils want to reinforce their midfield at the end of the season. Acclaimed journalist David Ornstein has provided an insight into the Premier League giants’ plans for the upcoming transfer window. United eyeing multiple additions Speaking to Sky Sports News, Ornstein stated that United are looking to strengthen three positions this summer. He said: “I do think there’s a lot that they want to do.” “Most importantly, centre midfield, so that’s why we are going to see continued links with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and there will be others in the frame because that is such a critical position, especially now Casemiro has confirmed his departure.” “There’s also intrigue around the left-sided attacking position because obviously they were in for Antoine Semenyo. Didn’t get him. They will have Sancho and Rashford departing. That’s an existing aim for that part of the pitch.” “Will Harry Maguire be leaving the club? He’s been so important but this is his option year and he’s due to leave, with no news on a new contract, so central defence will be an area of focus.” “There’s a number of positions there that Manchester United or whoever the new head coach is going to be, which is going to be one of the biggest stories of 2026. Whether it be Michael Carrick or a fresh appointment altogether.” “I think the early signs with Carrick have given Manchester United fans some hope and people around Manchester United despite it being very embryonic, that better times could be ahead. However, we have been here before. Actions speak louder than words.” Summer could see mass exodus While United will look to add more quality to their squad before the start of the new season, they are likely to part ways with several current players as well. Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who are all out on loan, are expected to leave Old Trafford permanently. Casemiro has already announced that he will depart once his contract expires at the end of this season, while Manuel Ugarte’s future hangs in the balance. Maguire and Tyrell Malacia are out of contract in less than five months, while Joshua Zirkzee could also be on the move. The outgoings are likely to help the Red Devils save millions in wages, and could stabilise their finances. Final Thoughts INEOS enjoyed tremendous success in the transfer market last summer, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens all hitting the ground running. Benjamin Sesko, meanwhile, is showing promising signs after a slow start, so fans will hope that United can repeat the trick this year. What areas will Manchester United look to strengthen this summer? 🔽 pic.twitter.com/WnMMFlBDyU — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 2, 2026 Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.