Manchester United and Liverpool could be set to lock horns over another transfer in the summer, with both clubs interested in a Premier League starlet.
Manchester United are in for a very important summer transfer window. Failure would put the new manager on the back foot going into the next season, which could be United’s first Champions League campaign since 2023/24 under Erik ten Hag. What success would look like is an entirely different conversation.
The first point of call is who will lead United into the new season? Michael Carrick has started his second stint as the head of the United dugout in impressive form, but the draw against West Ham United – who then were forced to extra time by Burton Albion in the FA Cup – could be reason enough for Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox to continue their managerial search.
Thomas Tuchel was among the favourites to take the job in the summer, following his World Cup campaign with England. But he has recently signed a contract extension with the national team until 2028, so prizing him away appears unlikely. Fellow managerial target Luis Enrique also looks set for a new deal at his side, Paris Saint-Germain.
The managers without a club (Thomas Frank, Enzo Maresca, and more) could be United’s best option, but their styles vary – making it harder for Wilcox to plan for the window. No matter the head coach, United need a new central midfielder with Casemiro set to leave.
Manuel Ugarte has also been linked with a move away, meaning United would need two new defensive midfielders. However, United will also look to continue their young transfers approach that has become commonplace since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in the club.
United and Liverpool to rival for Premier League talent
Manchester United faced Wolves at Old Trafford in the final game of 2025 on 30 December. Joshua Zirkzee scored United’s only goal of the game, despite being withdrawn at halftime, and Ladislav Krejci scored for Wolves just after the break. But it was another who caught the eye that day. Mateus Mane.
Mane made his debut in a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in November, before picking up his first assist against Arsenal at the start of December. His Old Trafford performance was the last before he broke his goal drought, with goals in back-to-back games against West Ham United and Everton to start 2026.
According to Fichajes, United are “monitoring” the Wolves starlet and haven’t ruled out making a formal approach if they deem is £50 million price tag worthwhile.
However, Fichajes also state that Liverpool have taken the “first step” in signing Mane, having held face-to-face talks with the player.
The battle for Mane could be one of the more “intense” of the summer window, especially if United step up their efforts to sign the young attacking midfielder.
£50 million may be too much for United
There’s no doubting Mane has talent. In fact, his talent is clear in abundance, and he would add a new dynamic to United’s frontline. But can United afford to spend £50 million on a somewhat unknown talent from a side set to be relegated?
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Casemiro’s exit means United must sign a high-profile defensive midfielder. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton have all been noted as targets and are all expected to cost at least £100 million.
United have also been linked with a central defensive signing, with a left-winger also of interest to Wilcox.
Spending £50 million on a young attacking midfielder doesn’t seem necessary, given the talent already at the club in similar positions. The money could be better spent elsewhere.
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