Manchester United close in on Orozco signing as Fernandes emerges as midfield priority

Manchester United are poised to finalise two midfield additions this summer as manager Michael Carrick begins a significant squad rebuild ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League. Teenage midfielder Cristian Orozco, 17, will formally complete his move to Old Trafford next month when he turns 18, triggering a preliminary agreement that was put in place last year.

Alongside the Orozco deal, West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes has become a key long-term target for the club. The 21-year-old reportedly favours a move to Old Trafford over Paris Saint-Germain, with West Ham looking to raise funds following their relegation from the Premier League.

Carrick is aiming to sign at least two or three central midfielders this window, with the expected departure of Casemiro creating an urgent need for reinforcement in the engine room. United have drawn up a broad shortlist of alternatives that includes Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouameni.

However, United’s pursuit of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United has been complicated by Barcelona’s separate £69 million signing of Anthony Gordon from the same club. That deal eases financial pressure on Newcastle, reducing their urgency to sell and making negotiations for Tonali more difficult.

The Marcus Rashford situation adds further complexity to United’s summer planning. The forward’s loan spell at Barcelona has concluded, and the club are reluctant to sanction another temporary arrangement, leaving his long-term future unresolved.

Beyond midfield, United’s leadership are actively targeting a new winger, a full-back, and a centre-back before the new season begins. The club have reportedly agreed a deal worth approximately £38 million for one unnamed player, though full details of that transfer have yet to be confirmed.