Man Utd call off transfer as INEOS decide new transfer plan one week before season starts

Manchester United have shifted their transfer priorities and ended the pursuit of a proven Premier League star.

Many expected United to invest heavily this summer after a third-place finish under Michael Carrick last season. Casemiro's exit and Manuel Ugarte's knee injury at the World Cup meant United were forced to revamp their midfield.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively, but United's first-team transfer business since then has been limited to Karl Darlow on a free transfer.

There is growing restlessness from the Red Devils fanbase regarding their lack of transfer activity. A recent statistic showing promoted Coventry City and Ipswich Town have spent more than United did little to calm supporters down.

Carrick recently told Sky Sports News he wants more recruits before the transfer window slams shut.

"We've improved the group. We've improved the squad in different ways. Balance, quality and the direction we want to go in," Carrick said.

"So the players that we've brought in, I think we've done really good business and we've got some top, top, top players. So we're delighted with that. We always want to improve.

"We want more, we need more. We keep looking forward to how we can do that. So that never stops. We're conscious of that and we've got to keep pushing."

READ MORE: 'I disagree' - Paul Scholes divides Man Utd fans with controversial comments about Youri Tielemans

Man Utd reach verdict on left-back target

Per the Manchester Evening News, United have decided to take stock of their squad and believe signing a third midfielder is not a priority.

Rather than sign a third midfielder, the club will now shift towards signing a left-back. Luke Shaw played in every Premier League game during the most recent campaign, although previous injury issues mean he likely won't be able to cope with the physical demands of a more rigorous fixture schedule. Patrick Dorgu, signed from Lecce in 2025 with the plan to play at left wingback under Ruben Amorim, is now viewed as a left-wing option by Carrick.

Newcastle United star Lewis Hall remains their preferred option. However, a deal to pry him out of St James' Park will be tough, given Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in the last two months.

One man who won't be making his way to United is Fulham defender Antonee Robinson. After starring for the USMNT at the World Cup, reports claimed Robinson had shot up United's shortlist as they look for alternative cover to Shaw.

Despite that, the 29-year-old's age has ultimately seen United's hierarchy decide against a transfer. They'd prefer a younger player, such as Hall or Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas, to deputise for Shaw.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was offered to United earlier this week, but the teenager is keen to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place.