Man Utd Must Act Fast: Six Top Wingers To Chase After Missing Out On Summerville

Manchester United have completed three signings this summer, yet Michael Carrick's attacking unit still awaits meaningful reinforcement.

With Champions League football secured, Man Utd cannot afford to overlook their pressing need for new attacking options, with at least one wide forward required before the transfer window closes.

Crysencio Summerville had been considered a top priority following West Ham United's relegation, but the Red Devils, along with rival suitors Roma, were outbid in their chase for the Dutchman by a staggering £68 million ($91.4 million) offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.

United must now shift their attention to other options on their shortlist, though fortunately there is no shortage of wide attackers—both proven and up-and-coming—worth pursuing this summer.

Here are six players United could target following their Summerville disappointment.

Bradley Barcola

Now that the World Cup has wrapped up, transfer talk surrounding Bradley Barcola looks set to intensify.

With Paris Saint-Germain poised to bring in Yan Diomande this summer, and potentially Maghnes Akliouche as well, Barcola could find himself sliding further down the attacking pecking order at the European champions, which may pave the way for a departure. PSG appear intent on retaining the France international and would only entertain an enormous bid—well in excess of £100 million ($133.7 million)—for his services.

Barcola, currently PSG's fourth-choice forward, may be open to seeking a move away from France if his playing time comes under serious threat this campaign. While Liverpool and Arsenal are presently the frontrunners, there is no reason United should not be in the mix for the dynamic 23-year-old.

United currently lack a natural left winger, having deployed Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu in that position last season under Carrick. Acquiring Barcola would undoubtedly come at a hefty price, but he is a remarkable talent who would immediately raise the Red Devils' ceiling. He has, after all, contributed 50 goal involvements for PSG over the past two seasons.

Rafael Leão

Unlike Barcola with France, Rafael Leão did not play a standout role for a disappointing Portugal side at the World Cup. Nevertheless, his quality is rarely questioned, with the 27-year-old posting impressive numbers across seven seasons at an inconsistent Milan outfit.

Leão has made clear to the Italian club his wish to embark on a new challenge this summer, and there will be no shortage of interested parties. The winger's flair, pace and outstanding dribbling make him a compelling option, as does his record of 20 or more combined goals and assists in four of his last five seasons.

A fee in the region of £43 million ($57.5 million) could be sufficient to convince Milan, who have come to terms with the player's likely exit this summer. That would make him a considerably more attainable target for United than Barcola, freeing up funds to strengthen further in midfield and at the back.

Leão is far from a guaranteed success at Old Trafford—few signings are these days—but he represents an exciting risk that may well be worth taking.

Iliman Ndiaye

Should United be looking for someone with established Premier League pedigree, Iliman Ndiaye could be the ideal solution.

The Everton winger has cemented his status as a genuine top-flight talent, flourishing within a defensively-oriented setup through his directness, technical quality and eye for goal. After netting 11 times in 2024–25, he added six more last season to go along with three assists.

There is a feeling that the 26-year-old could truly flourish when given more freedom at a higher-profile club, where playing alongside superior teammates would bring out the best in him. The Senegal international is also highly adaptable, capable of operating on either wing or in an advanced midfield role.

A reported asking price of £70 million ($93.6 million) may give the Red Devils pause, particularly given that Ndiaye's output has not been spectacular, but there is little question the forward could improve his numbers in a stronger squad.

Antonio Nusa

Antonio Nusa was among those who bolstered their reputations in North America this summer, shining as Norway advanced to the quarterfinals. A stunning goal against Côte d'Ivoire perfectly showcased his abilities, the 21-year-old cutting inside onto his favored right foot and curling a pinpoint effort into the top corner.

Nusa's tournament exploits will come as little surprise to regular Bundesliga followers, who have watched the prodigy dazzle for RB Leipzig over the past two seasons—albeit somewhat in Diomande's shadow last term. He has accumulated 20 goal involvements since joining the German club in 2024, with his profile rising sharply throughout that period.

Quick feet and graceful agility are Nusa's standout qualities, the winger equally comfortable cutting inside or driving toward the byline. He is a gifted creator, though he must continue refining his decision-making and knowing when to deploy his impressive skill set.

Leipzig have helped develop his potential, but United could be the club to take him to an entirely new level.

Said El Mala

Nusa is not the only young winger turning heads in the Bundesliga. Köln starlet Said El Mala is attracting considerable interest this summer off the back of his recent breakthrough, which saw him register 13 goals and four assists across 36 appearances last season.

The 19-year-old's omission from Germany's World Cup squad was something of a surprise given his evident promise and technical gifts. Comfortable in congested areas, the youngster regularly glides past opponents with ease and has already demonstrated he possesses the end product to complement his silky footwork.

Brentford had agreed a £42.7 million ($57 million) deal with Köln for El Mala earlier this summer, only for the player to turn down a move to west London. United are therefore already aware of the fee required to sign him, and agreeing personal terms should not be a problem given the club's standing.

El Mala is undoubtedly one for the long term, but he also has the capacity to make an instant impression.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo

A glance toward northern France could reveal an enticing transfer option for United. Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo has attracted a growing number of admirers after two strong seasons in Ligue 1, the 21-year-old contributing eight goals and five assists in the top flight last campaign.

Fernandez-Pardo predominantly operates on the left wing, though he has also featured regularly as a centre forward for Lille. An impressive 2025–26 season earned him a spot in Belgium's World Cup squad, though he was limited to just three brief substitute appearances.

The youngster is another fine technician, excelling in one-versus-one duels thanks to his nimbleness and polished dribbling. He is no pushover when it comes to outpacing defenders either, and his sturdy athletic frame helps him absorb challenges effectively.

Much like El Mala, the Belgian international may not be an immediate first-team fixture, but he is certainly a prospect worth exploring further.