Manchester United fans have endured a two-year drought without Champions League football at Old Trafford, but that record will end next term.
Michael Carrick’s impressive performance as interim manager has allowed the Red Devils to secure a place in the Premier League’s top five – a prospect that was unthinkable under Ruben Amorim.
Europe’s elite will once again step out from the Theater of Dreams, which could see loyal fans in Manchester provide many memories that will last a lifetime.
It is still unclear whether Carrick will be given a permanent managerial position, and that decision will be made in the coming weeks.
One thing is certain, the management is expected to be busy in the transfer market so that the team is ready to push again for top flight title glory.
Man Utd have opened talks to sign the £69m star this summer
Although the window doesn’t open until early June, United are already being linked with a number of players who could boost the squad at Old Trafford.
AFC Bournemouth star Eli Kroupi Junior is just one player who has appeared on his radar, after netting 12 Premier League goals during his debut campaign with the Cherries.
A huge sum will be needed to land the Frenchman, with Andoni Iraola’s men said to be demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his signing.
Kroupi is not the only player who has emerged as a potential target, Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo has also been tipped to move to England this summer.
According to A Bola via Sport Witness, the Red Devils have already held exploratory talks with the left back’s agents regarding summer transfer opportunities.
The report also says that other teams in England, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, have also emerged as possible candidates for the 26-year-old player before the window.
Any deal would be expensive for any interested party, with the Portuguese outfit seeking €80m (£69m) to sell the Uruguayan international.
Why Araujo will be United’s next Bruno Fernandes
A big part of United’s success in recent months has been captain Bruno Fernandes, who has once again led by example at the heart of the club.
The Portuguese international, who joined from Sporting CP back in January 2020, has registered 19 assists in the Premier League this season – the most of any player in the division.
He is now two assists away from breaking the league’s season record, which also highlights the success he has endured in the final third this season.
|
Most Premier League assists (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Mathematics |
|
Bruno Fernandes |
19 |
|
Ryan Cherki |
11 |
|
Jarrod Bowen |
10 |
|
Erling Haaland |
8 |
|
James Garner |
7 |
|
Harry Wilson |
6 |
|
Mohamed Salah |
6 |
|
Jack Grealish |
6 |
Fernandes has registered a combined nine goals in as many league outings, with the Portuguese playing a key role in the club’s Champions League defense.
The 31-year-old has developed into a world-class talent and is the player many teams wish they had all along.
However, the management have a great opportunity to find their next type of midfielder with a move for Araujo when the window opens in early June.
Although the defender operates in a different role than United’s number eight, he will emulate the Portuguese star by moving to Old Trafford direct from Sporting CP.
His defensive role hasn’t stopped him from producing impressive attacking numbers this campaign – as evidenced by his combined 11 goals and assists across all competitions.
Like Fernandes, Araujo caught the eye for his brilliance in attacking areas, after which he registered 1.2 chances created per 90 – putting him in the top 10% of defenders in Europe this season.
While quality going forward is important for a defender at Old Trafford, they also need a quality option off the ball – something the Uruguayan has shown this season.
He won an impressive 6.3 out of 90 tackles this campaign – and ranked him in the top 10% in Europe – while achieving a duel success rate of 52%.
The 26-year-old, described as “explosive” by one commentator, has scored 2.1 per 90 tackles in Liga Portugal, after which he has averaged 4.8 goals per 90.
Araujo’s talent at both ends of the pitch could make him the perfect full-back for United in 2026/27 – not to mention having valuable Champions League experience.
£69m would be a huge investment, but it could be a bargain if he replicates the levels Bruno produced after his move from Sporting.
Man Utd could sign £70m star far better than Anderson and Tonali
Manchester United are looking to spend big on a new midfielder during the summer transfer window.
