Manchester United have reportedly held a meeting with one of their possible summer transfer targets as the club ramps up their 2026 transfer plans.
Manchester United have been drawing up their plans for the 2026 summer transfer window for months, and since Rúben Amorim’s sacking, the club’s trajectory has become clear.
With Michael Carrick installing a 4-2-3-1 at Old Trafford since his takeover of the side last month, it is becoming clear that United are in need of major reinforcements in midfield, with Casemiro set to depart in the summer and Manuel Ugarte on the sale list.
At the same time, some have started to question whether a new left-back is needed, with Luke Shaw not getting any younger and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu becoming the club’s only real choice there.
On top of this, United are certinaly short of a left-winger. While Matheus Cunha has played there of late, he is a forward who prefers to drift inside and operate centrally, while United will also want an option who can hold their width.
United set ‘private meeting’ with Diomande
One player who is being increasingly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer is RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, with United reportedly in the mix for the Ivorian star.
According to a fresh report from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, United have already engaged in what was described as a ‘private meeting’ with the 19-year-old’s representatives.
It is worth noting that Diomande recently changed his agency to Roc Nation Sports since his move from CD Leganés to RB Leipzig last summer, signalling an intent to climb further up the football ladder in the coming months.
However, should United attempt to pursue the player, Liverpool, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona are all reportedly lining up as rivals for his signature.
Tuchel no longer an option for United
While United are carefully scouring the market for their preferred transfer choices for the summer, a lot will also hinge on who they will hire as their permanent head coach in the summer.
It was reported earlier this week that England boss Thomas Tuchel was emerging as their preferred candidate, but fresh news from The Times has put an end to any chance of the German taking over at United this summer.
According to the report, while Tuchel’s initial England contract had him out of work after the end of the World Cup, the former Chelsea boss is set to extend his stay with the Three Lions until 2028, ruling him out of the United job.
There have been suggestions that should Carrick wish to put himself forward for the job on a permanent basis, United would give their former player genuine consideration alongside their other candidates.
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