Nine Rising Stars Man Utd Are Desperately Scouting at the 2026 World Cup

Manchester United are heading into a pivotal summer transfer window as the club gears up to return to the Champions League in 2026–27 and, ultimately, build the groundwork for achieving 'Project 150'—the goal of winning back the Premier League title by 2028.

Smart recruitment is essential to sustaining the positive momentum that has been building since Michael Carrick made his return to Old Trafford in January, with the former interim boss now confirmed on a permanent basis.

The Red Devils ideally need to address several positions during the window, with central midfield standing out as a particularly pressing area. Replacing Casemiro is only part of the challenge, with squad depth having been a concern throughout 2025–26 and potentially requiring as many as two further signings beyond the impending arrival of Atalanta enforcer Éderson.

The Brazilian midfielder has been called up to the World Cup as an injury replacement. That transfer is close to completion regardless, but the tournament has the potential to complicate access to other prospective targets more than it normally would.

On the flip side, the tournament always serves as a valuable scouting platform for both familiar and new options. For those already playing in the Premier League and therefore more widely known, it provides a chance to observe them performing under different circumstances—for better or for worse.

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Not every player on United's radar will feature at the tournament. Sandro Tonali's Italy and Carlos Baleba's Cameroon failed to qualify, while João Gomes (Brazil), Mateus Fernandes (Portugal), Adam Wharton and Lewis Hall (both England) were all left out of their respective national squads.

Beyond midfield, left wing, left back and a backup goalkeeper are widely considered the most important positions for Manchester United to strengthen.

Central Midfield

Elliot Anderson has attracted plenty of interest following a superb individual campaign with Nottingham Forest, including from local rivals Manchester City. The 23-year-old is vying with Kobbie Mainoo for a starting berth in England's midfield alongside Declan Rice and has the makings of a breakout star at the tournament if the Three Lions progress well.

Group stage matches: Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27)

The more established option is France's Aurélien Tchouaméni, should United be in a position to capitalize on the turbulence that surrounded the end of Real Madrid's club season.

Group stage matches: Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26)

At the more affordable end of the market is United States midfielder Tyler Adams, who likely wouldn't command a starting role at Old Trafford but could meaningfully bolster squad depth as European football returns.

Group stage matches: Paraguay (June 12), Australia (June 19), Türkiye (June 25)

Left Wing

Rafael Leão is expected to be a central figure for a Portugal side chasing a maiden World Cup triumph. The AC Milan winger poses a threat both in front of goal and as a creator, though questions remain over whether his work rate consistently meets the required standard.

Group stage matches: DR Congo (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 23), Colombia (June 27)

Yan Diomande has attracted attention from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain after a breakthrough season with RB Leipzig—the teenager's first as a professional. Côte d'Ivoire supporters will be hoping Diomande can carry that form into the international arena, which could pave the way for a high-profile move.

Lesser-known prospect Bazoumana Touré will be competing with Diomande for a place in Côte d'Ivoire's starting lineup. The 20-year-old is another who has caught the eye in German football after impressing at Hoffenheim and is still in the early stages of his international career.

Group stage matches: Ecuador (June 14), Germany (June 20), Curaçao (June 25)

Left Back

Speculation is mounting that Bayern Munich are close to securing Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany fullback Nathaniel Brown, though the player himself told Bild this week that his "full focus is on the World Cup," rather than his club situation. A window of opportunity may still exist while the deal remains unsigned.

Group stage matches: Curaçao (June 14), Côte d'Ivoire (June 20), Ecuador (June 25)

El Hadji Malick Diouf is Senegal's first-choice left back and will likely be looking to use the World Cup as a showcase following West Ham United's relegation. At just 21 and with significant room for development, he could prove a strong long-term candidate to eventually take over from Luke Shaw.

Group stage matches: France (June 16), Norway (June 22), Iraq (June 26)

Goalkeeper

Zion Suzuki was linked with Manchester United during the same summer the club ultimately signed Altay Bayındır, and it may be worth monitoring him again. Japan's number one was still playing domestically at the time but has since made the move to Europe with Parma.

Group stage matches: Netherlands (June 14), Tunisia (June 20), Sweden (June 25)