Man Utd summer transfer news: Rashford, Tonali and Ederson

Manchester United are heading into the summer transfer window with significant activity already planned on both incomings and outgoings, as Michael Carrick edges closer to being confirmed as permanent manager and the futures of several first-team players begin to take shape ahead of what promises to be a transformative off-season at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils close their Premier League campaign with a final day trip to Brighton, where Carrick’s side will be looking to sign off on a season that has been defined by the turnaround he orchestrated after taking charge of the club. Having guided Man United to third place in the table and secured Champions League football for next season, the former club captain is set to be rewarded with a permanent appointment. No official announcement has been made yet, with reports suggesting the process has stalled slightly due to the confirmation of his backroom staff. When it comes, Carrick is expected to sign a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

Frenkie de Jong backs permanent Barcelona deal for Marcus Rashford

The most significant piece of news to emerge from Old Trafford concerns the future of Marcus Rashford, who has spent the season on loan at Barcelona and impressed sufficiently to have earned the public backing of his teammates for a permanent stay at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona vice-captain Frenkie de Jong told Spanish outlet Sport: “Yes, he has earned the right to stay. In the minutes he’s played, he’s given us a lot: goals, assists, attacking runs. He’s a fast player who poses a real threat to opposing defences. I’d be delighted if he stays with us.”

De Jong was equally forthcoming about the impression Rashford made from the moment he arrived: “I saw him arrive full of enthusiasm. He was very happy to be here, and from the first moment, it was clear he wanted to stay. He’s tried to adapt as best he can, and I’ve seen him doing well.”

Rashford contributed 28 goal involvements across 48 appearances for Barcelona this season, helping Hansi Flick’s side win the La Liga title and the Supercopa. The United forward is himself keen to continue working under Flick, leaving his future as one of the most significant transfer decisions of the summer for both clubs to navigate.

Manchester United eye £110m midfield double deal for Tonali and Ederson

Away from the Rashford situation, Man United have identified Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Atalanta midfielder Ederson as their top two midfield targets this summer, with Sky Sports News reporting that the club are convinced they will land both players, who carry a combined valuation of £110 million.

The Ederson pursuit is the more advanced of the two. Manchester United are said to have already reached an agreement with the player himself, with a weekly salary of £100,000 on the table. The outstanding piece of the deal is a fee agreement with Atalanta, who are demanding £40 million for the Brazilian. United are reportedly fighting Atletico Madrid for his signature, though the personal terms agreement gives them a significant head start in that competition.

The Tonali situation is more straightforward in terms of the player’s situation but more complicated in terms of the price. Newcastle are expected to sanction a sale but will not accept anything below £70 million for the Italian midfielder, with United’s midfield having been identified as the position most in need of reinforcement heading into a season where they will be competing in the Champions League. Casemiro has already confirmed he will leave the club following the Brighton game, while Manuel Ugarte is also said to be exploring a transfer away from Old Trafford.

The combined pursuit of Tonali and Ederson would represent one of the most ambitious midfield rebuilds any Premier League club has undertaken in a single window, and the appetite to get both deals done before the start of pre-season reflects the scale of the project Carrick is being handed the keys to.