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The Athletic names three Manchester United first-team players who could still leave before the summer window shuts
Sameer Bhatia | August 26, 2026 2:15 AM CST

With less than a week remaining before the transfer deadline, Joshua Zirkzee and two other Manchester United players are still facing uncertain futures.

Last month, the Premier League heavyweights confirmed the arrivals of midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, along with back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow and teenage winger Tynan Thompson.

On Tuesday, United are expected to confirm the signing of Carlos Baleba after agreeing a £70 million deal with Brighton, while the club is still looking in the market for a new left-back.

While Manchester United have been only moderately active in terms of incomings, they are yet to sell a first-team player. The club also saw Casemiro leave as a free agent, with the out-of-favour Tyrell Malacia doing the same. Meanwhile, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir were sent out on loan to Trabzonspor and Celta Vigo respectively.

However, according to The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet, United could still bring in money from the sales of three players: Zirkzee, Harry Amass and Toby Collyer.

All three have been part of Michael Carrick’s squad, but none of them featured in the opening-day defeat at Hull.

Zirkzee, the biggest name among the trio, remained on the bench throughout the match, despite the side clearly needing more attacking spark.

The Dutchman is the only other recognised striker in the squad apart from Benjamin Sesko, yet Carrick has preferred to use Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo through the middle whenever the Slovenian is unavailable.

Fortunately for Zirkzee, he continues to be a sought-after name in Italy. As the report states, Juventus and Como are both interested in him, while he also has three admirers in the Premier League.

Amass and Collyer, meanwhile, are attracting interest from Championship clubs.

Given the current midfield pecking order, Collyer appears unlikely to get meaningful minutes, so his exit feels the most straightforward. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at West Brom and Hull City, but at this point in his career, a permanent move may be the best solution for him.

By contrast, Zirkzee and Amass are still needed in the squad, so they should only be allowed to leave if INEOS can find suitable replacements.

The Netherlands international could hardly be blamed for wanting a move, but United should not begin the season with only one natural centre-forward.

The same applies to Amass, who remains Luke Shaw’s only direct back-up. The 19-year-old may still be considered too inexperienced for Carrick’s preference, but his departure would leave the left side vulnerable if the club do not succeed in signing a new left-back.


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