Carrick's Man Utd overhaul: Johnstone return eyed as £48m goalkeeper duo set to leave

Manchester United are preparing for a sweeping summer rebuild under newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick, with the goalkeeper position at the centre of their transfer activity as both current reserve stoppers are expected to leave Old Trafford.

Andre Onana, who spent the past season on loan at Trabzonspor, is set to return to United but does not feature in Carrick’s long-term plans. Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has confirmed that talks over a permanent deal are underway. Altay Bayindir, who started the season before losing his place to Senne Lammens, has also been linked with a return to Turkey. Together, the pair are expected to generate around £48.3 million in transfer fees.

Lammens, who arrived last summer, has established himself as United’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. With Tom Heaton having signed a new one-year extension, the club are now reportedly weighing up a move to re-sign Sam Johnstone from relegated Wolves as a capable deputy. The 33-year-old, a former United academy graduate who never made a senior appearance for the club, has made just 27 appearances across all competitions in two seasons at Molineux. His experience and homegrown status make him an attractive option.

Carrick was handed the permanent head coach role through to June 2028 after steering United to a third-place Premier League finish — a result that secures Champions League football and significantly boosts the club’s transfer budget and appeal to potential signings.

With attacking reinforcements addressed last summer, midfield is expected to be the primary focus this window. Defensive changes are also anticipated, particularly at left-back, where United’s options are thin. Tyrell Malacia is confirmed to be leaving when his contract expires, while Patrick Dorgu has predominantly been used as a winger by Carrick. Luke Shaw, now 30 and with a significant injury history, cannot be relied upon to sustain a full league campaign, making left-back a pressing area of need.

Director of football Jason Wilcox will oversee the recruitment drive, with Champions League participation both funding and incentivising the club’s ambitions in the market.