Manchester United still have significant transfer business to complete despite spending more than £80 million on new arrivals, with the futures of Marcus Rashford and several other players yet to be fully settled.
Michael Carrick is preparing to work with an almost complete squad as United approach the final stage of their pre-season preparations. However, the composition of that squad could still change considerably before the transfer window closes.
The immediate focus is on strengthening midfield following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury, while the club must also determine whether Rashford will remain at Old Trafford or attract a late offer from another club.
At the same time, United have reportedly joined Liverpool and Crystal Palace in the race for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with the French club believed to value the Senegal international at around £43 million.
United have already invested heavily in their squad this summer, but their recruitment work is not considered complete.
The arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have added quality and depth in midfield, yet Casemiro’s departure and Ugarte’s injury have created another potential gap for Carrick to address.
With the new Premier League season approaching, United will have limited time to decide whether another midfielder is required or whether the current group is sufficient.
That decision could become particularly important if the club continues to pursue a player such as Camara, whose profile fits the need for greater energy and technical quality in midfield.
According to Foot Mercato, Manchester United and Liverpool have entered the race for Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara.
Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested in the 22-year-old, who has attracted attention from English clubs for some time.
Monaco are understood to be seeking approximately £43m for Camara, a valuation that could make negotiations particularly difficult unless one of his suitors decides to meet the French club’s demands.
Camara’s development has been impressive. He came through the renowned Generation Foot academy in Senegal before representing Metz and eventually moving to Monaco.
Camara’s reputation has also been strengthened by his involvement with Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder appeared in all four of Senegal’s matches during the tournament as they progressed from the group stage before being eliminated by Belgium in the round of 32.
His age, international experience and ability to operate in midfield have helped make him an attractive proposition for Premier League clubs.
For United, his potential availability comes at a time when the club are looking for greater depth in an area that has already undergone significant changes this summer.
A potential battle between Liverpool and Manchester United for Camara would add another layer of intrigue to the transfer story.
The two clubs remain major Premier League rivals, and a direct contest for the same player could increase pressure on both recruitment departments.
Palace’s interest could further complicate the situation, particularly if several clubs become prepared to approach Monaco with serious offers.
Camara has also previously been linked with Chelsea, underlining the level of Premier League interest surrounding the Senegal international.
For Monaco, competition between several wealthy English clubs could strengthen its negotiating position and potentially push the final transfer fee closer to its reported £43m valuation.
Camara’s situation is not the only major transfer question facing United.
Rashford has returned to the Manchester United camp alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez after their extended involvement at the 2026 World Cup.
At present, the most likely scenario is for Rashford to be reintegrated into Carrick’s squad and begin the new season as a United player.
However, his return should not necessarily be interpreted as confirmation that he will remain at Old Trafford for the entire campaign.
Rashford’s future became one of the biggest talking points surrounding United after his loan spell at Barcelona.
The Spanish club reportedly had an option to secure the forward for approximately £26m at the end of his loan arrangement, but Barcelona decided not to exercise it.
That decision brought Rashford back into the Manchester United setup and left the club facing another important decision over his future.
A comparable offer from another interested club could potentially convince United to sanction a permanent transfer, but so far there has been no concrete bid that has changed the situation.
For now, the forward is therefore expected to work with Carrick and compete for his place in the squad.
Carrick has made it clear that Rashford is part of the group returning to training as United prepare for the start of the campaign.
“We have got a full squad this week in Dublin,” Carrick said. “We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together.”
He added: “Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie and Lisandro. We look forward to seeing them.”
Carrick’s comments provide the clearest indication yet that Rashford remains part of United’s immediate plans.
They do not, however, completely rule out a late transfer, particularly if another club makes an offer that meets United’s expectations.
United’s preparations have also been affected by injury concerns involving Mason Mount and goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Both players experienced scares during the pre-season draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, although there is hope that neither issue will prove serious.
Avoiding further injuries will be a priority for Carrick as United enter the final phase of their preparations.
The club are due to face the start of their league campaign at Hull in less than two weeks, leaving the coaching staff with an increasingly narrow window to establish their preferred line-up and tactical structure.
The additions of Tielemans and Santos represent an important part of United’s attempt to reshape their midfield.
Both arrived for sizeable fees and are expected to play significant roles, but the situation has changed following Casemiro’s departure and Ugarte’s injury.
That could explain why United remain attentive to the market despite their considerable spending already this summer.
Camara’s availability could therefore become particularly relevant if the club decide that another midfielder is necessary before the window closes.
Manchester United’s transfer window is entering an important stage.
The club must determine whether to continue pursuing midfield reinforcements, while simultaneously managing the futures of players such as Rashford whose situations remain capable of changing before deadline day.
Camara’s reported £43m price tag means United would have to make another significant financial commitment if they decide to compete seriously with Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
For Rashford, the immediate picture is clearer. He is back with the squad, Carrick expects to work with him and there is currently no confirmed offer that would force United to reconsider that plan.
But football’s transfer market can change rapidly.
A late bid for Rashford or a decisive approach for Camara could still reshape United’s squad before the season gets fully underway. For now, Carrick appears set to begin preparations with Rashford in his plans, while United’s recruitment team continues to monitor the midfield market and the developing race for one of Senegal’s emerging stars.
