Manchester United want to get three deals wrapped up before the summer transfer window closes. United have made two significant additions so far this summer but still trail their Premier League rivals, who have been extremely busy.
The club have spent £133.5million to bring in Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, while young left-back Diego Leon has also arrived after signing in January. United have found it hard going in the market, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all completing more deals so far.
They have missed out on the signings of Liam Delap to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, with the lack of European football in the 2025/26 season putting them at an obvious disadvantage. Signing a striker remains the number one priority, with Mirror Football revealing that Ollie Watkins is the top target.
The Aston Villa striker is keen on a move to Old Trafford, but United won’t pay £60m for his services, hoping to shake hands at £40-45m. They have also held talks with Benjamin Sesko’s representatives and he is an alternative.
While a centre-forward is the top priority after a miserable 2024/25 season, Ruben Amorim still wants to strengthen elsewhere too. The Independent reports that they also want a new goalkeeper and a deep-lying midfielder.
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READ MORE: Man Utd transfer news: Ollie Watkins' feelings clear on move as another striker ruled out
United are looking for a new keeper after a difficult campaign for Andre Onana, while Altay Bayindir didn't convince when he got a chance either. Onana was dropped by Amorim during the 2024/25 campaign, only for Bayindir to fail to take his chance when it came, too.
They have been linked with ambitious interest in Aston Villa's Emi Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma, as well as Newcastle’s Nick Pope and Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens.
Meanwhile, an athletic holding midfielder is wanted by Amorim following a succession of issues last season in the position. Casemiro does not have the legs to cover the ground required, Kobbie Mainoo is better further forward and Manuel Ugarte is yet to convince following his £50m move from PSG last summer.

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Amorim has recently explained what he’s looking for in new signings. “They have to want to come here. I think what we can do to the fans is that we want players who have proved [themselves] already," he said.
“Sometimes you have a player with a lot of potential, you have to be aware of that, but all the players that are coming, we need to know the player. We need to talk to the player, we have to explain the project.
“And then one really important thing is that they want to come here. That is the key point. If during the market we can find someone that can help the team and have all that boxes with them, we are going to do it. If not, we cannot do it because it's an important time in our club.”
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