United bank £38m from Hojlund sale as Carrick plots Ederson and Fernandes moves

Manchester United have already generated £38m in transfer income this summer after completing the permanent sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli, with manager Michael Carrick understood to be targeting multiple additions as the club prepares to return to the Champions League next season.

Hojlund, who spent last season on loan at the Serie A club, has now joined Napoli on a full transfer for a fee of €44m (£38m), a deal triggered by the Italian side’s qualification for the Champions League. The Norwegian striker’s departure is one of several confirmed exits from Old Trafford this summer.

Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, and Tyrell Malacia have also left the club, all three departing as free agents following the expiry of their contracts. The removal of those wage commitments, combined with the Hojlund fee, gives United considerably more financial flexibility heading into the window.

On the incoming side, United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson in a deal worth £35m, with a further £3.8m in potential add-ons, though the transfer is yet to be officially confirmed by the club.

Carrick is also believed to be pursuing further midfield reinforcements. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, though the Hammers are said to have placed an £80m price tag on the Portuguese playmaker. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in Fernandes, meaning United face competition if they decide to pursue a deal.

The future of Marcus Rashford also remains unresolved. Barcelona did not exercise their option to sign the England international for £26m, leaving his long-term status at United unclear as the summer progresses.

With Champions League football confirmed for next season and a number of high-earners off the wage bill, United appear to be in a stronger position to act decisively in the market than they were 12 months ago.