Seventeen World Cup players Manchester United and Michael Carrick are monitoring this summer

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will use the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico as a scouting opportunity, with 17 reported transfer targets set to feature across the tournament this summer.

Carrick, appointed on a permanent basis, is working alongside director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada as the club prepares for what is expected to be a significant summer of recruitment. United are already close to completing the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson for a reported fee of around £38 million, and have also been linked with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes — though none of that trio will be at the World Cup.

The 17 players United have been linked with who are expected to appear at the tournament span several positions and nationalities. Portugal and AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is among the most prominent names on the list, alongside France and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Argentina and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

France and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is also included, as is USA and Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams. England-eligible players on the list include Djed Spence of Tottenham, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest.

Germany provides a cluster of reported targets: Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt, Felix Nmecha, Waldemar Anton and Julian Ryerson — all three of Borussia Dortmund. Japan international Zion Suzuki of Parma and Belgium’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille are also mentioned.

Ivory Coast pair Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig and Bazoumana Toure of Hoffenheim complete the African contingent, while Brazil and Flamengo defender Danilo rounds out the list of 17 players United are said to be monitoring ahead of a potential move.