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Manchester United continue to remain active in the transfer market as the club looks to secure a third midfielder in the coming weeks. The arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have strengthened the squad, with Santos expected to feature this Saturday against Wrexham. Tielemans, meanwhile, will join the team later as he recovers from Belgium’s World Cup campaign.

When it comes to the club’s pursuit of another midfield recruit, Manu Kone and Eduardo Camavinga are among those being closely monitored. However, sources suggest that INEOS also have several undisclosed targets, preferring to keep negotiations confidential.

The unexpected signing of Tielemans was widely praised, and United’s management may be hoping to finalise their third midfield addition with similar discretion.

Elsewhere within the squad, another signing is anticipated before the window closes. Yet, there remains uncertainty over which position will be prioritised, largely depending on Marcus Rashford’s future. Rashford’s situation appears to be approaching resolution following England’s World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina. The forward played only the final three minutes of stoppage time, despite being one of England’s few goal scorers in the tournament.

Michael Carrick is reportedly open to bringing Rashford back into the fold, having shared the dressing room with him during his playing days. The main obstacle remains Rashford’s weekly wage of around £325,000. INEOS are eager to reduce the wage burden, making a permanent transfer for the 28-year-old an ideal outcome. Barcelona are understood to have declined an opportunity to sign him for £40 million, and no other clubs have shown serious interest so far.

If Rashford is sold, Manchester United’s next transfer priorities would become clearer. Should the academy product depart, the club would likely focus on signing a left-winger. Crysencio Summerville, who is admired within Old Trafford, is valued at approximately £35 million by West Ham United. However, a move for Summerville will only materialise if Rashford leaves.

If Rashford stays, the focus could shift towards acquiring a left-back. United are aware of their limited options in that position and remain cautious about Luke Shaw’s fitness. Although Shaw managed to stay fit throughout last season, his injury history raises concerns about maintaining that consistency.

Lewis Hall from Newcastle United is viewed as the primary target for the left-back role, though a deal appears unlikely at present. El Hadji Malick Diouf is another option the club could explore, while players such as Bradley Locko — who had previously attracted United’s interest before suffering an Achilles injury in 2024 — are open to a move.

Any move for a left-back will depend on the club’s spending on a new midfielder. Manu Kone is valued at around £60 million, whereas Eduardo Camavinga’s price remains unclear. Camavinga is not keen on leaving Real Madrid, making a transfer for the former Stade Rennais player challenging. United could be used as leverage, similar to how Aurelien Tchouameni’s representatives utilised the club’s name to secure a new deal at Los Blancos.

Kone currently seems the most attainable target, despite Chelsea’s reported interest and concerns over his injury record. Another option is Carlos Baleba from Brighton, who is open to moving to Old Trafford. However, negotiations with Brighton could prove difficult, given Tony Bloom’s reputation for being a tough negotiator. The only player United have signed from Brighton since their Premier League return is Toby Collyer.

United’s plans are expected to become clearer soon. With three arrivals already secured, it is anticipated that two more additions will follow at most. Whether the final signing is a left-back or a left-winger will largely depend on Marcus Rashford’s future.

If no new left-back is signed, promoting Harry Amass to the senior squad permanently could be an alternative. Amass featured briefly under Ruben Amorim during his first season in charge and impressed during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last year. The 19-year-old has visibly developed in pre-season and gained valuable experience in the Championship.

Amass appears more likely to break through into the first team next season than Diego Leon, who has been progressing well with the U21s since joining from Cerro Porteno last July. Patrick Dorgu could also be an option at left-back, despite suggestions that the club views him primarily as a left-winger.

United signed Amass from Watford in June 2023, and there has long been internal belief that he could rise into the senior setup. This season may finally see that prediction come true.