David Ornstein has explained which story he believes could be the biggest of 2026 as he lays out Manchester United’s provisional summer transfer plans.
Manchester United’s 2026 winter transfer window was a very quiet one, with no major incomings or outgoings being concluded from Michael Carrick’s first-team squad.
The Old Trafford club sanctioned several Academy loan transfers on deadline day to help their young stars gain senior football experience, but for the men’s first team, it was decided that all major decisions should be left until the summer.
One major piece of news that broke during January is that midfielder Casemiro will be leaving once his contract expires at the end of the current campaign, signalling a need for United to sign a plethora of new midfielders in the coming summer window.
However, with there being questions surrounding who will lead the team into the 2026/27 campaign, United are still finalising their exact transfer plans for the summer window.
Ornstein lays out United’s early plans
With the January transfer window coming to a close, United are turning their attention to the summer recruitment process.
World-leading transfer journalist David Ornstein has reported that United see the midfield as their most important area for change, although both attacking and defensive transfers will likely be considered.
“There’s a lot that they want to do, most importantly, central midfield,” Ornstein told Sky Sports News’ Back Pages Tonight show on Monday evening.
“And so that’s why we are going to see continued links with the likes of Elliot Anderson, of Adam Wharton, of 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, but didn’t get him. They’ll have [Marcus] Rashford and [Jadon] Sancho departing. So 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, no news on a new contract, so central defence will be an area of focus.”
United’s head coach could be the biggest story of 2026
Speaking further, Ornstein also admitted that he believes one of the biggest stories of 2026 will not be a player transfer, but rather who United will appoint as their new head coach.
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While Carrick has taken charge of the team following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal last month, it’s currently expected that the former midfielder will step down at the end of the campaign, and a new permanent head coach will be appointed, with multiple names on the club’s current wishlist.
“So there’s a number of positions there that Manchester United and 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,” Ornstein said.
“And I think the early signs of 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, and actions speak louder than words.”
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