Manchester United aims to sell Amrabat's close associate for £60 million! Next year's transfer plans revealed, with two positions being top priorities

As reported by "Jingji Net," Manchester United's 2026 transfer plans are starting to emerge. Although they invested £250 million in six players this year, Rúben Amorim still needs key reinforcements to fit his 3-4-3 formation and aim for the championship.

The midfield is the priority area for Manchester United to reinforce. Amorim desires young midfielders with high stamina, a vital trait for his 3-4-3 tactics. Midfielders must be able to win possession and then launch attacks. Currently, he only has Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, both with their own issues. Ideally, Amorim wants to sign both a number 6 and a number 8 midfielder.

Manchester United might bring in a new midfielder as early as January, but this will likely be a low-cost, short-term deal rather than a long-term contract. Jingji Net states that United probably won’t pursue Wolves’ João Gomes in the winter window because he is too expensive, costing at least £44 million.

Additionally, Amorim hopes to sign a wing-back, preferably a right-footed player for the left wing-back position. He may also request adding a central defender, especially a left-footed one, since injuries to Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martínez are unpredictable. If possible, signing a forward would also be appealing.

Manchester United’s recent financial reports show heavy losses, with an estimated £141 million loss from 2024 to 2025, though still compliant with regulations. Moreover, this year United borrowed another £105 million for transfers, increasing their revolving credit facility to a maximum of £350 million.

Therefore, it is crucial to raise funds by selling players. This summer, United earned over £100 million from player sales, but it’s still not enough. Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe expects higher revenue next year.

It is reported that if the price is right, Manchester United also considers selling the out-of-form Ugarte. The 24-year-old joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for €60 million on a five-year deal, but his performance has been declining.

In the away match at Crystal Palace, Ugarte once again did not play, having been left out for two consecutive games after the international break. Amorim previously stated that this Uruguayan international, his close ally from Sporting Lisbon, needs to improve his training standards. Therefore, if selling Ugarte can bring in satisfactory funds, United would be willing to let him go.

The situation of 20-year-old academy star Kobe Meno is not much better than Ugarte’s; he may also transfer as early as January. The young English midfielder hopes to gain playing time through a loan to return to the England squad for the World Cup. United will consider this, and if he performs well on loan, they could sell him for a higher price next year. Striker Zirkzee is also among the potential sales.

Manchester United will also decide the futures of several players whose contracts are expiring. The club will definitely not use Casemiro’s one-year extension option, despite him being a key player this season, due to his £350,000 weekly wage being too high. Maguire’s contract will also end without a renewal clause; United plans to negotiate in the second half of the season, and he is more likely than "Fat Tiger" to accept a pay cut to stay.

Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Tom Heaton will not have their contracts renewed. The 39-year-old Heaton may remain at Manchester United in a different role, such as goalkeeping coach.

Jingji Net revealed that within Manchester United, Sporting Director Jason Wilcox oversees development direction, CEO Omar Berrada also has decision-making power, and as head coach, Amorim can propose needs. Wilcox and Amorim communicate daily.

In practice, Transfer Director Christopher Viveil manages scouting operations and is another key figure influencing target acquisitions. Manchester United needs ongoing scouting reports to understand target players’ conditions, probe potential prices, and assess player mentality.

Sir Ratcliffe has the final say on transfers, receiving briefings and offering opinions, with Joel and Avram Glazer involved in the process. Negotiations are led by Matt Hargreaves, who deals with agents and other clubs’ officials.