Manchester United have been hit with an instant blow amid their possible pursuit of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers this summer.
Manchester United’s 2026 summer transfer plans are already coming into fruition as the club prepare to restart their push back into Europe’s elite.
While some of their plans will hinge on their possible return to the Champions League next campaign, for which they are currently in a strong position, the types of players they want are already clear.
The club’s main priority is signing multiple new midfielders this summer. Casemiro is leaving once the campaign ends, and Manuel Ugarte’s future is unclear, meaning multiple defensive midfielders will need to be added to the roster.
However, the side are also looking to sign a versatile left-winger and possibly a new left-back or centre-back, depending on their outgoing.
United will find it hard to sign Rogers
One attacker the club have been linked to in the last few months is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who has been a talisman in the Premier League over the last 18 months or so.
Reports earlier this year suggested that United were giving a move for the English talent ‘serious consideration’, particularly if Bruno Fernandes were to leave the club.
However, a fresh report from FootballInsider have dealt a blow to United’s possible move for Rogers, with Villa reportedly under no financial pressure to sell their star forward, even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Alongside United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all been credited with interest in the 23-year-old, but with Villa under no pressure to sell this summer, the fee to bring in the England starter could become borderline extortionate.
United need to focus funds elsewhere
If United qualify for next season’s Champions League spots, this could add as much as £100 million to their summer transfer budget, which will go a long way in securing the five or so incomings they desire.
Their No. 1 transfer target is Elliot Anderson, who could easily cost upwards of £70-100 million this summer, and it’s likely United would also want to bring in another midfielder alongside him to shore up their squad depth.
With an attacking player, new midfielders, and new defenders all on the shopping list, attempting to sign Rogers for a fee that could be one of the most expensive moves this summer may not be a smart idea for the Reds.
With Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Amad, Benjamin Šeško, Fernandes, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and young stars like Shea Lacey all attacking options already, United would be better off bringing in a better value-for-money forward and spending big elsewhere in the squad.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.