Manchester United’s first summer signing for 2026 is…

Manchester United have officially reclaimed Champions League football for next season after securing third place in the 2025/26 Premier League.

After an abysmal 15th place finish last season, United needed to bounce back to have any hopes of restoring themself at the top of world football.

So, in a bid to reclaim European football, The Red Devils signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens last summer.

With the season now at an end, there’s no denying that each and every one of the four have played their part in United’s success.

While Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha have transformed the United attack, Lammens has brought some reliability and consistency in goal, something not seen at Old Trafford for some time.

However, with the summer transfer window nearly upon us, United are already planning how to further strengthen their squad for next season.

We already know that £150 million has been put aside to sign three midfielders, with Casemiro now departing and Manuel Ugarte also being shown the door.

Alongside this though, The Red Devils are also looking at signing a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw in left-back, and another left-winger.

As such, CentreDevils is taking a look at who the first signing of the Michael Carrick era is likely to be, now that United have officially appointed the interim manager to lead them through next season.

Ederson – Atalanta

The first name on our list is Atalanta’s Ederson, for several reasons.

Firstly, we know that midfield signings are a priority, with up to three new recruitments being planned. So, on the basis of probability, the first signing is going to be to partner up with Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the pitch.

Ederson has been a name on the shortlist at Old Trafford for three years now, being liked under Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and now Michael Carrick.

Recent reports have suggested that everything is already in place, with an agreement for £43 million (€50 million) to see the Brazilian midfielder move to Manchester.

As far as we can see, there are only two real  risks for the deal taking place.

Firstly is Atletico Madrid’s interest, with the LaLiga side also having reportedly agreed personal terms with him earlier this year.

Secondly is the fact that he doesn’t have an Premier League experience.

While this isn’t a deal breaker, especially after the success of Sesko and Lammens, it does reinforce the idea that another of United’s midfield signings will come from the Premier League to remain in line with their strategy.

Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United

As such, we turn to Newcastle Untied star Sandro Tonali who has been the front runner on United’s shortlist since Manchester City took the lead in the race for Elliot Anderson.

The Italy international was reportedly interested in returning to Serie A, however, the Red Devils are now confident they can lure him from St James’ Park.

Juventus were understood to be in the race for him, however couldn’t compete with United’s financial offers, especially since The Red Devils have received a boost from returning to the Champions League.

Tonali has been vital for The Magpies this season, however with Casemiro now leaving Old Trafford, the Italy international is viewed as a strong successor for the veteran midfielder.

With a deal understood to be nearly completed, it feels like the question isn’t will Manchester United sign Tonali or Ederson, but which will they sign first.

Lewis Hall – Newcastle United

Now, we turn our attention to a different position, but remaining at St James Park, as left-back Lewis Hall has been identified by United as an option to succeed Luke Shaw.

The England international has been thriving at Newcastle since joining from Chelsea, however could be set to move this summer.

It’s understood that should he move, he wants to remain in the Premier League, however doesn’t want to return to London.

As such, it’s given United a major boost in their pursuit of him, especially given they are known to have approached his agents.

CentreDevils revealed the contact recently, as sources close to the defender’s situation confirmed the approach and the interest from The Red Devils.

A key reason we think he could be signed early on in the transfer window is that United are lacking left back options.

While Shaw has returned to form, Patrick Dorgu is continuously showing that he’s more of a winger than a left-back.

So, with Tyrell Malacia now having left the club at the end of his contract, there’s a real urgency to sign a back up option for Shaw, otherwise they’ll be relying on youngsters Harry Amass and Diego Leon.

Alex Scott – Bournemouth

Another name who could be an early signing for United, returning to the midfield recruitment, is Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

There’s been consistent links with Bournemouth and Manchester United’s targets this season, with Antoine Semenyo (before moving to Manchester City), Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott, Eli Junior Kroupi, and Tyler Adams all being looked at by United.

However, CentreDevils recently revealed that Manchester United have been in contact with Bournemouth recently, with this being understood to be for Alex Scott.

Scott fits in with United’s recruitment strategy of being a proven Premier League player and having youth on his side to not just be a short term solution.

As such, he could be another contender for an imminent signing, especially with the uncertain future at Bournemouth given Andoni Iraola’s departure as manager.