Three areas Manchester United need to improve before transfer window closes

Manchester United have rebuilt their midfield under Michael Carrick, but there are clear signs that the squad still needs work. The two-goal defeat to newly promoted Hull City highlighted United's defensive issues. 

The defeat also showed Carrick's side lacks a potent striker, although the usual starter, Benjamin Sesko, made an appearance from the bench as he continues to recover from injury. Here are three positions that Manchester United must strengthen before transfer deadline day. 

Left-back

Carrick and the ownership group, INEOS, are keen to sign a new left-back before the window closes. The typical starter is 31-year-old Luke Shaw, who has struggled with injuries since a leg break in 2015. 

Second-string left-back is the youngster Harry Amass, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot also occasionally filling in that role. New signing Carlos Baleba could also step in as left-back, although he was signed as part of the midfield rebuild. 

United have been linked with several left-backs, including Barcelona's Alejandro Balde. Interest in Balde has cooled, with the English side seeing a permanent deal as too expensive. The club has also been linked with Brighton's Ferdi Kadioglu, who has the Premier League experience that United prefer in a player. 

Center-back

It's no secret that Manchester United have struggled with injuries for years, and the center-back position is no exception. Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez has suffered several injuries since joining United in 2022. Matthijs de Ligt has also been plagued by injuries, last playing in November 2025. 

Harry Maguire has had his fair share of problems on the field, with many fans not believing the Englishman is up to United's standards. His poor display against Hull in the opening weekend was just one example of his lackluster performances. Youngsters Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have looked promising at times, but experience seems to be key for Carrick. 

United have recently been linked to Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo, who is on the fringes of the squad with Maxence Lacroix's recent arrival. Adarabioyo has more Premier League experience than Heaven and Yoro, which could make him an appealing option for the club. 

Striker

Benjamin Sesko looked promising in his first season with United, scoring 11 goals for the club in his debut season. Sesko did face two spells on the sidelines, first with a knee injury and second with a shin injury. 

His current backup is Joshua Zirkzee, who has underwhelmed the club since his arrival. Zirkzee looks close to a move to Fiorentina, leaving United with little time to find a new backup striker. 

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have filled in the position at times, but several other strikers have been linked with late moves to the club. Veteran striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has years of Premier League experience and could be seen as an option, with the striker reportedly wanting a move away from Crystal Palace. 

Bundesliga striker Igor Matanovic has also been linked with a late move to United. Matanovic scored 15 goals for Freiburg last season, and the Croatian is already off to a hot start this season, with three goals and two assists in three appearances. United will face competition for the 6-foot-4 striker, with league rivals Tottenham also interested.