Baturina is the name on Carrick's list
United are tracking Como's Martin Baturina, a creative midfielder who fits exactly what Michael Carrick wants this summer (1). The price tag is around €50m. Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split have also shown interest, but United's scouting team have been watching him closely, Baturina is seen as the kind of ball-carrier your midfield has been missing.
Carreras buyback on the table at £43m
United are exploring a move to bring Alvaro Carreras back from Real Madrid (2). The left-back left Old Trafford for Benfica, then moved to Madrid, and now a return is being discussed at roughly £43m. Luke Shaw is the only senior left-back in the squad. Patrick Dorgu and Lewis Hall have also been linked, but Carreras is a known quantity at a known fee, and a player United let go once already.
Summerville talks open, agent says yes
United have opened talks with West Ham over Crysencio Summerville (3). The 24-year-old's agent has given the green light and personal terms are not expected to be an issue. Summerville has already scored at this World Cup. He plays wide, carries the ball, and would add depth behind Amad and Garnacho without breaking the wage structure.
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Barcelona still want Rashford, but no buy option left
Barcelona posted a social media hint on Wednesday that they want Marcus Rashford after his World Cup display for England (4). The problem for them: the €30m purchase option from his loan expired without being triggered. United have no plans to negotiate a new loan, according to Rob Dawson. Rashford scored an 85th-minute goal in England's 4–2 win over Croatia at the World Cup (5).
A commentator tipped a future teammate
During England's 4–2 win over Croatia, ITV commentator Sam Matterface dropped a line about Jude Bellingham and a United target potentially becoming club teammates after the tournament (5). No name was given, but the speculation has fans connecting dots. Bellingham, Rashford, and Kovacic were all on the pitch, Matterface's phrasing was careful but pointed.
Endrick on the radar, but so is half the league
Arsenal, Chelsea, and United are all monitoring Real Madrid forward Endrick this summer (6). The Brazilian teenager is highly rated but has found minutes hard to come by under Florentino Pérez's project. United have registered interest, though no formal bid yet, competition is stiff and Madrid are unlikely to let him go cheap.
Fan reactions
Fans are split on Rashford. The goal against Croatia has reignited the conversation, some want him back at Old Trafford, others point to the expired buy option and say it is time to move on. Amad's dribbling numbers from the Ivory Coast game are another big talking point: 35 minutes on the pitch and still the most completed dribbles of anyone. The Karl Darlow link has raised eyebrows too, with supporters debating whether a 35-year-old Leeds keeper is really the succession plan behind Onana. Read more on the Rashford debate.
