Manchester United’s pursuit of Rafael Leão remains in play after Fenerbahçe moved to reject reports of a major bid from Istanbul.

The Turkish club issued a firm statement on Saturday, also dismissing suggestions that it had tried to sign Ermedin Demirović from VfB Stuttgart. On Leão, the message was unambiguous: “Claims that we made an offer of approximately 100 million euros for Rafael Leão, including transfer fee and salary, are also untrue. No such offer has been made to the player or his club.”

That matters for United, who are looking for a left winger this summer. The squad does not currently have a specialist in that role, and while Marcus Rashford is expected to return for preseason training next month, the reported preference for all sides remains a move away before September.

United have already explored other options, including Crysencio Summerville, though he has now gone to Saudi Arabia for far more money than was initially expected. Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola are among the names under discussion too, but both could prove expensive, with nine-figure price tags mentioned. There is also still work to do in central midfield, and potentially at left back and up front if the budget allows.

Leão is a different sort of target. He is into the final two years of his contract with Milan, and his price has been reported at up to €70 million ($80 million). At 27, he has delivered goals and assists consistently in Serie A across the last seven seasons.

His best return came in 2022-23, when he recorded 31 goals and 46 assists across Serie A and Champions League appearances. A new challenge could yet draw more from him, especially after he has already made clear his wish to move on this summer. It is not an active desire to leave San Siro, but rather an openness to seeing what else may be available.

Manchester United have already moved in the transfer window, announcing Tielemans, Santos and Karl Darlow this week, but the squad is not yet complete with seven weeks to go. The club can consider itself largely settled in goal after Darlow’s arrival. He will deputize for Senne Lammens while veteran third choice Tom Heaton remains after re-signing. Heaton’s contribution extends beyond matchday duties and is important behind the scenes and on the training pitch.

André Onana is on loan at Trabzonspor for a second season, a situation that all but determines Altay Bayındır’s fate. A return to Türkiye for the promise of a starting job is the most plausible outcome for Bayındır.

The primary areas still to address are left back and left wing, with even a backup striker worth considering to ease the burden of competing in four competitions. Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo offer a similar midfield profile: intelligent passing players who do not rely on speed or aggressive tackling. Santos is slightly more defensively minded but is not a direct replacement for the role Casemiro occupied. The Brazilian is more likely to screen than to actively hunt the ball.

That profile takes players such as Adam Wharton off the table for now. United still need a midfielder who can disrupt opponents and win possession. Atalanta’s Éderson was considered for that role and it remains unclear whether interest is definitively closed.

Options discussed include Carlos Baleba, a Premier League-proven option whose 2025–26 season disappointed relative to 2024–25 and who was linked previously with a high valuation from Brighton & Hove Albion. Manu Koné is an alternative; despite a World Cup that raised his profile he is expected to be significantly cheaper, with a fee reported in the Italian press of £51 million for the Roma and France player.

Left back succession is also urgent. Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League matches last season after limited appearances previously, but at 31 with a history of injuries he needs cover and a long-term replacement. Candidates mentioned in recent reporting include Lewis Hall, Antonee Robinson and Alejandro Balde, each with differing costs, injury histories and suitability for short- and long-term plans.

United enter preseason with clear gains but remaining positional questions to resolve before the window closes.

Manchester United have completed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his contract with Leeds United expired. The move was confirmed by the club as part of a summer reshuffle overseen by newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick.

“This is a really special opportunity; everyone can see what an exciting time it is for the club and I cannot wait to play my part in supporting my teammates and helping to drive the group forwards.”

Darlow arrives having featured 22 times for Leeds last season, keeping five clean sheets as the Yorkshire side secured Premier League survival. United have made clear he is not intended as a new first choice but as experienced cover behind Senne Lammens, who retains Carrick’s faith despite a tough error in the World Cup quarterfinals with Belgium.

“Karl has proven his ability to perform at the highest level, his work ethic and determined personality make him a really strong addition to our squad,” director of football Jason Wilcox said. “We are delighted to add a player of his quality and experience to our excellent goalkeeping group.”

Darlow’s arrival increases competition among senior keepers and makes four senior goalkeepers part of Carrick’s current squad, not counting André Onana after he rejoined Trabzonspor on loan. That situation leaves little room for all to remain and a departure appears likely.

The player most widely expected to move on is Türkiye international Altay Bayındır. He left a starting role at Fenerbahçe in 2023 to take a reserve position at United and, at 28 years old, has managed just 17 appearances across three seasons. The lack of minutes is now believed to have left all parties in agreement that a departure is necessary.

United present Darlow as a pragmatic addition: experienced, available and suited to a supporting role while Carrick continues to shape the squad for the season ahead.