Manchester United have been one of the most active teams in the summer transfer window despite making just one signing. Following their worst season in 51 years, United have multiple issues to fix before the 2025/26 campaign kicks-off in two months.
Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves after his £62.5million release clause was triggered, bolstering Ruben Amorim's attacking midfielder options. The Brazilian is expected to play in one of the two positions behind the centre-forward after scoring 17 goals and assisting six last season.
However, United have actively been pursuing moves elsewhere and have prioritised Bryan Mbeumo in the last two weeks. After failing with a first bid for the Brentford star, they now face stiff competition from Tottenham.
There's also been a catalogue of twists and turns in the sagas containing Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres, Emiliano Martinez and others. Between now and the start of the new season, further reinforcements remain a priority.
But, already, things could have been so different. So with that in mind, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at how an alternate transfer window may have transpired.
Signed
As mentioned above, United have purposely pushed to sign new attackers after a rather disappointing season in front of goal. Cunha is the first step in improving that but more players need to come on.
One of Gyokeres or Osimhen have both been strongly tipped to come in but complications have left United with neither. The list of attackers linked with a move to Old Trafford is growing by the day but there are two players who could have come in to fill two key positions.
Xavi Simons is similar to Cunha in the way he can fit perfectly behind the striker. The RB Leipzig star is reportedly available for around £67.3m and has the likes of Chelsea keeping tabs on his situation in Germany.
Mbeumo's saga with Spurs is something United do not want to entertain and missing out on the Cameroon international would leave them scrambling for alternatives.
The other is Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Crystal Palace striker has been on United's radar since the end of the season and countless reports have claimed they have opened talks over a possible move.
United wanted to sign Liam Delap, mainly due to his £30m release clause. Mateta, who outscored Delap last term, is said to cost around £40m. Unlike Osimhen and Gyokeres, the Frenchman comes with Premier League experience.
At the other end of the pitch, a new goalkeeper has been tipped to come in to replace Andre Onana. It's believed that Amorim isn't sold on the current goalkeeper and a statement signing in that position could be the difference between Champions League and nothing.
Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Donnarumma are yet to agree on a new contract sparking concerns over his future at the Champions League winners. ESPN have claimed that United have enquired to his agent Enzo Raiola over a potential move to replace Onana.
At only 26, the Italy international has been around for years and is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Emiliano Martinez, another elite goalkeeper, is also a player who seems to be available.
The final signings would have been the missing piece to United's jigsaw and unfortunately, they are now Manchester City players. Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri both signed for United's city rivals ahead of the Club World Cup having been on Amorim's radar.
Cherki impressed against United in Europa League while Ait-Nouri's attacking wing-back ability would transform the 3-4-3 implemented at Old Trafford.
Sold
Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans have all left the club upon the expiry of their contracts. For all associated with United, the hope is that many more will follow them once the second transfer window opens.
Using a mixture of reports and what we have seen, five or six players will leave United. The priority is selling the players returning from their loan spells - Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho - but there are players part of Amorim's current squad that have attracted interest.
Rasmus Hojlund's future is unclear and after failing to score the goals needed, is tipped to return to Italy. United's pursuit for a new centre-forward, or two, means cashing-in as much money as possible for the Denmark international could be sturdy business.
Alejandro Garnacho's ongoing saga is a worrying sign. After seemingly conceding his time at Old Trafford is over at the end of the season, two weeks have passed and there doesn't seem to be any movement. In an alternative universe, United would have received a much-welcomed fee for the winger by now.
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