Manchester United’s main priority this summer is undoubtedly to improve the midfield department, but INEOS must enter the summer transfer window with an open mind.

The return to the Champions League next season presents a fresh challenge for Michael Carrick to navigate alongside the demand for success in the Premier League.

However, the European homecoming in 2026/27 will place added strain on the senior ranks at Old Trafford - subsequently highlighting the need for added reinforcements.

Over £200m was splashed on the attacking department last summer, but key depth is needed if the Red Devils are to be competitive on all fronts throughout next term.

As a result, INEOS should also be directing their focus into recruiting new forward-minded signings who can compete for a starting role and offer needed strength in depth.

Man Utd making calls to sign £50m attacker this summer

With academy graduate Marcus Rashford expected to depart United this summer, the need for added attacking depth has never been greater at Old Trafford.

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has already been mentioned as one potential transfer target, as the Portuguese international has stated his desire to move to the Premier League.

Arsenal are another club who have been credited with an interest in landing the 26-year-old, who could be available for as little as £40m during the ongoing window.

However, other attacking options are currently being explored by the Red Devils, with West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville a player under huge consideration.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the interest in the £50m Dutch winger over recent days, even discussing the rumours during one of his latest transfer livestreams.

Speaking on Sunday night, he stated: “A player like Summerville can't play in the second division, it’s just a question of when not if Summerville is going to leave West Ham in the summer transfer window.

“Man Utd have already called his agents to understand the situation, and he's on their list. There are also other clubs interested in the Premier League, and PSG are also there too.”

Why Fernandes would love Summerville at United

As part of United’s hunt for a new central midfielder, West Ham star Mateus Fernandes has rapidly emerged as the club’s number one option this summer.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson was once seen as the Red Devils’ top target, but his current £120m transfer valuation has seen interest cool in the hunt for the 23-year-old.

As a result, the Portuguese international has since become one of Carrick’s transfer targets, with Tottenham Hotspur also said to be monitoring the 21-year-old at present.

The player himself is said to favour a move to Old Trafford this window, but he could cost around the £85m mark, which would make him one of the club’s most-expensive signings.

However, INEOS would be landing a proven Premier League star and one that could thrive at the base of the Red Devils' midfield for at least the next decade.

A move for Fernandes could also see him rekindle a partnership with Summerville at Old Trafford after the pair starred together despite West Ham’s relegation last term.

The aforementioned pair directly combined for two goals for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side last season, but the duo moving together will allow for a seamless transition into life in Manchester.

Summerville himself demonstrated serious quality despite the club’s lowly finish, subsequently registering five goals and two assists in England’s top-flight.

The Dutchman has carried his tremendous form over to the ongoing World Cup in the USA, as seen by his tally of two goals and an assist in just 115 minutes of action.

The winger, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by former coach Andrew Taylor, has also achieved a 67% dribble success rate during such appearances - a tally higher than that of 80% of players at the tournament.

His quality within forward areas is further highlighted by his tally of 1.6 shots on target per 90 - which could see Fernandes improve his own assist tally, featuring alongside the forward once again.

Spending £50m on Summerville this window could be seen as a risk to many United fans, but his talent at this World Cup showcases his ability to provide the goods on the biggest stage.

The return to the Champions League for United next season has increased the need for top-level talents to join the club - with a move for the Dutchman certainly providing Carrick the calibre of player he needs.