Manchester United eye Waldemar Anton as Maguire successor while youth scout Busby joins from Newcastle

Manchester United have moved to strengthen their recruitment infrastructure by signing Newcastle technical scout Harvey Busby, as Michael Carrick’s side also revive interest in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Waldemar Anton ahead of the summer transfer window.

Busby, 23, joins United as their new lead national scout, overseeing the club’s under-14 to under-18 age groups. The young recruiter is credited with playing a significant role in youth recruitment at Newcastle, helping the Magpies beat rivals to several prospects. United will hope he can replicate that work identifying emerging talent at Old Trafford.

On the senior transfer front, German publication Bild reports that speculation linking Anton with United is gathering pace ahead of a potential bid. The 29-year-old Germany international has been on United’s radar since March and is preparing to represent his country at World Cup 2026 in North America this summer. Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are also said to be heavily interested in the Dortmund defender, who is being lined up to take over from Julian Brandt as the club’s ‘third captain’. Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac may resist any approach, but a concrete offer from United could test the German club’s resolve.

Anton is viewed as a potential long-term successor to Harry Maguire, who signed a new one-year contract at United in April — a deal that includes an option for a further 12-month extension. The 33-year-old is one of several players to have enjoyed a revival under Carrick after appearing set to leave on a free transfer. Despite Maguire’s renewed importance to the squad, United’s defensive depth remains a concern. Matthijs de Ligt missed a large portion of last season through injury, while Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have both endured persistent fitness problems in recent years.

With the World Cup beginning in under a fortnight, transfer activity is expected to be complicated by international commitments, but United’s early moves suggest Carrick is determined to make progress on multiple fronts before the new campaign begins.