Manchester United are on course to secure Champions League football, having turned a corner since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager.
The Red Devils have opened an 11-point lead over sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, leaving them just one win away from confirming their spot in Europe’s premier tournament next season.
With a Champions League spot all but secured, United can start planning for a crucial transfer window and have already drawn up a summer wishlist.
Read on as Sports Central takes a look at four players who have been linked with a potential summer move to United.
El Hadji Malick Diouf – West Ham United
Manchester United have identified West Ham United left back El Hadji Malick Diouf as a potential summer target following an impressive breakthrough campaign with the Hammers.
The 21-year-old has been a revelation for the Hammers since joining from Slavia Prague last summer.
West Ham invested £19 million to bring Diouf to the Premier League, and he has proven to be a shrewd investment, playing a crucial role in the club’s relegation battle.
In addition to racking up five assists in 28 Premier League games, the Senegalese defender has also created five big chances and won 52% of his total duels.
Diouf still has a long-term contract with West Ham, but that could change if the Hammers fail to survive relegation.
United see him as a perfect long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, especially with Patrick Dorgu proving to be more effective when pushing further up the pitch.
Alejandro Balde – Barcelona
Still on their pursuit of reinforcements at left back, United are also considering launching a move for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde.
The 22-year-old was highly rated as one of the finest prodigies in the country when he first came through Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.
However, recurring injury problems have significantly impacted his development over the years.
While United have a long-standing interest in Balde, the Spaniard’s injury record could be a deal-breaker considering what they went through with Shaw.
Replacing the England international with another talented but injury-prone left-back is a recipe for disaster that could come back to haunt the decision-makers.
Interestingly, Barcelona are open to doing business for Balde, with the club already working on a deal to sign versatile Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo permanently.
Ayyoub Bouaddi – Lille
Ligue 1 has built a reputation for producing some of the best young talents in the world, and Ayyoub Bouaddi is the latest name turning heads in the French top flight.
Unsurprisingly, United aren’t the only ones interested in Lille’s prized asset, but they’re prepared to do whatever it takes to secure his signature.
United are planning for life after Casemiro, whose departure at the end of the 2025/26 campaign has been confirmed both by the club and the player.
The Red Devils are stepping up their effort to sign Bouaddi, who has been identified as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
They’re even prepared to use club legend Sir Alex Ferguson to convince Bouaddi to join the club.
Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid
In addition to Bouaddi, United have also been linked with a blockbuster deal to sign Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid.
With Manuel Ugarte likely to follow Casemiro through the Old Trafford exit, United are preparing for a complete midfield rebuild this summer.
Camavinga would be a dream signing if the Red Devils can pull it off. While Madrid will likely demand a hefty transfer fee, they won’t stand in the way of the French midfielder.
Camavinga’s future at Madrid is reportedly hanging by a thread, and United could capitalise by testing the resolve of the Spanish giants with a formal offer.
The 23-year-old has played in multiple positions since joining Madrid. That versatility would come in handy for United, although his midfield capabilities cannot be denied.
