Manchester United are actively pursuing goalkeeper improvements, with recent reports indicating that they have made inquiries to Paris Saint-Germain regarding the availability of Gianluigi Donnarumma. PSG appear to be targeting Lille’s Lucas Chevalier as a potential goalkeeper signing and have acknowledged that United could return for Donnarumma should that move materialize.

Donnarumma, the Italian international, was instrumental for PSG during their victorious Champions League campaign last season. With only a year remaining on his contract, PSG are reportedly open to negotiations for the right price but would also be content to retain him.

The goalkeeper position has been a notable challenge for Manchester United. After parting ways with long-time keeper David de Gea in 2023, then-manager Erik ten Hag brought in André Onana from Ajax. However, Onana has faced difficulties adapting to the Premier League and remains a question mark for the club’s plans. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim appears to be considering moving on from Onana this summer.

United have also shown interest in Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, including a loan offer that Villa have only entertained as a permanent transfer. Additionally, Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp has been linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, with the player himself acknowledging interest in the prospect.

Currently, Onana is sidelined with a hamstring injury, causing him to miss Manchester United’s Premier League Summer Series tour in the United States. In his absence, Ruben Amorim has fielded Altay Bayındır and Tom Heaton during the first two matches, with Bayındır expected to start again on August 3 in Atlanta.

Though Onana aims to recover in time for the Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17, his future as the starting goalkeeper remains uncertain should Donnarumma become available and the club opts for a change.

Manchester United forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund are gearing up positively for the increased competition for attacking roles this season. The club anticipates Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will operate as split No. 10s in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, with Benjamin Šeško likely to feature as a No. 9, challenging Højlund directly. Zirkzee’s strengths have been noted in playing deeper roles.

Speaking ahead of the season, Zirkzee expressed confidence despite missing pre-season due to injury. “I’m very confident, everyone’s very confident. We’ve got competition, so whichever position the coach needs me is the position I’ll play—if that’s as a No. 10 or a striker, it’s no different,” he said. He added that the coach’s trust is unwavering and views competition positively: “If another striker were to come, I guess it’s only good competition, so I’m not really worried. [Cunha and Mbeumo] are two great players. We’re for the team and that’s what we’re all about. We just want the team to be good.”

Zirkzee’s debut Premier League goal came last August in a win over Fulham, yet his final tally of five goal contributions was below his previous season’s 16 in Serie A for Bologna. He acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “I just know that me and Rasmus can do better and have to do better… The manager wants goals, so that’s what I have to work on. That’s what it all comes down to. In the end, if you’re up top, you’re supposed to score goals.”

Højlund arrived in summer 2023 impressing with 16 goals overall but struggled in the 2024–25 season, netting only four Premier League goals amidst fitness issues, scarce service, and confidence challenges. Linked with a possible transfer, he affirmed his commitment to fight for his place: “My plan is very clear, that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.” He welcomed competition as a motivating force: “Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp so I welcome everything that comes.”

The Danish striker reflected on his youth and development curve, stating, “I’m still very young. People forget that sometimes. I’m only 22. Not every striker scores 100 goals by that age.”

Manchester United have made it clear they are not interested in a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, despite ongoing speculation. Reports suggest Chelsea remain keen on Garnacho, yet United have no intention of including Jackson as part of an exchange.

Jackson’s performance last season, marked by 13 goals in all competitions, has fallen short of expectations for a striker entering his prime. Additionally, his disciplinary record, including multiple recent send-offs, has caused frustration amongst Chelsea supporters.

Instead of pursuing Jackson, Manchester United are focused on alternative striker options. Earlier in the week, the club reportedly narrowed their list to two frontmen: Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Šeško. By midweek, Šeško emerged as the sole preferred target, with progress reportedly accelerating partly due to competition from Newcastle United, who may soon need a new striker themselves if Alexander Isak departs.

Watkins, while more established with five Premier League seasons at Aston Villa and England international experience, is considered a cheaper but older option, likely providing only a short-term solution.