Manchester Evening News: Manchester United May Prioritize Defensive Reinforcements Next Summer

According to the Manchester Evening News, after Manchester United spent more than £415 million across the last two summer transfer windows, the club may make defense a priority area for reinforcement next summer.

Manchester United have invested heavily over the past two summer windows. INEOS hope to rebuild the first-team squad and make the team capable of competing in the Premier League and European competitions, but further strengthening is still required.

Manchester United spent more than £415 million over the past two summer windows. If they want to restore the glory of Old Trafford, they will still need to continue investing next summer. The club has undergone major changes over the past two seasons: after Amorim's tenure ended unsuccessfully, Carrick took charge and led the team to a third-place Premier League finish last season.

In Amorim's first season in charge, Manchester United finished only 15th in the Premier League. However, considering that Amorim could only use the first-team squad left by Ten Hag when he took over last November, the club's hierarchy still chose to continue trusting the Portuguese coach.

But after receiving a substantial transfer budget and completing a full pre-season preparation period, Amorim was still dismissed by the club in January this year. Carrick then took over, and although he did not have decision-making authority over recruitment during the winter transfer window, the Manchester United legend still guided the team to third place in the Premier League.

After strengthening the attack and midfield, Manchester United could focus on improving their defense in the summer of 2027 based on their current recruitment approach. Given the current squad strength and depth, the defense may be the team's weakest area, and many people were surprised that United did not prioritize defensive reinforcements in recent months.

The 31-year-old Luke Shaw needs a long-term successor and direct competition, because in Carrick's tactical system, Dorgu is being considered for a role as a winger. Several players were linked with Manchester United this summer, but none of the moves were completed.

Lewis Hall is one of Manchester United's main defensive targets. Since joining Newcastle from Chelsea in 2023, the 21-year-old left-back has performed well. However, Newcastle have refused to sell Lewis Hall, and it is understood that if a club makes a serious approach, Newcastle would demand a high fee.

Manchester United were also linked with Alejandro Balde, Jorge Salinas and Rayan Ait-Nouri, but none of those transfers came to fruition. In the new season, United will still mainly rely on Luke Shaw. However, the situation could change in 12 months, when the team may need more than just a successor for the left-back position.

De Ligt missed nearly a year due to a back injury, creating uncertainty over his future at Manchester United. After such a long absence, the club cannot yet determine whether he can return to his previous level.

The future of 33-year-old Maguire also needs to be planned ahead. If Manchester United want to continue improving the squad, they must consider an update at centre-back. Maguire remains one of the club's most trusted players, but his form could decline as he gets older.

Lisandro Martinez's future is also uncertain. His contract expires next summer, and Manchester United have an option to extend it by one year, but they have not yet decided whether to exercise it. Since joining United, Lisandro Martinez has been troubled by injuries, including a cruciate ligament injury in 2025 that caused him to miss 44 matches for club and country.

Whether Lisandro Martinez can stay fit and remain part of Manchester United's long-term plans remains to be seen. What is clear is that in less than 12 months, United will reshape their defense in the same way they strengthened the attack and midfield over the past two seasons.