Four free transfers Manchester United could target to save millions

Man United's movement in the summer transfer window will step up a notch this month with their first pre-season fixture on the horizon.

Manchester United's summer transfer window has had a bit of a slow start this year, thanks in no small part to the World Cup. Most players are refusing to discuss their futures until their tournament concludes. This has meant fans have had to be patient as they await official announcements.

United have been trying hard to do as much as they can while the international football takes centre stage. Atalanta's Ederson should be the Reds' first signing and he would have already been confirmed if not for the 26-year-old's late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad. Their 2-1 victory over Japan means his arrival has been pushed back once again.

The Reds have attempted to add another midfielder to their team. However, Manchester City and Tottenham have pipped them to Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes respectively.

With other areas of the pitch needing to be strengthened alongside the midfield, United may want to dip into the free transfer market to make additions to their squad. With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at four free agents who could strengthen United this season.

Yves Bissouma

United's hands have been tied a little when it comes to replacing Manuel Ugarte this summer. Before his injury, the Reds were looking at adding another midfielder and selling the Uruguay international. That has now become impossible and leaves the Reds with a headache.

They could promote from within with the likes of Tyler Fletcher and Jim Thwaites impressing for the academy. Alternatively, a free signing may be the right course of action.

If they were to head down that avenue, Bissouma may be considered to add strength in depth to the midfield. He has just been released by Spurs after suffering a torrid time with injuries.

He was on United's radar while at Brighton and while his time in north London did not go well, Bissouma could be a solid option to provide some experience to the midfield. He would certainly not be a direct replacement for Casemiro.

Leon Goretzka

Goretzka's World Cup ended in the early hours of Tuesday as Germany lost on penalties to Paraguay. The 31-year-old's priority now will be to sort out his domestic future.

He would provide midfield experience for United having been a regular member of Bayern Munich's team last season. Goretzka is less of a risk than Bissouma considering he played more matches than the former Spurs man in 2025/26.

There is an argument to suggest he does not fit the Ineos model for midfielders. He does not have prior experience of the Premier League and he is certainly not a player for the future.

But in a young squad lacking Champions League experience, Goretzka could fill that gap.

Dani Ceballos

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni is seen as a dream signing for United this summer but his former teammate could be an option. It was a tough end to life in Madrid for Ceballos with injuries taking their toll.

That being said, he would offer United that experience in central midfield they desperately need and would likely be happy with a squad player role if it meant staying at a Champions League club. Ceballos also has previous experience of the Premier League, making him an interesting option for the Reds.

Dusan Vlahovic

The striker's time at Juventus spiralled after lengthy contract negotiations were not resolved. Injuries did not help Vlahovic either and he missed a good portion of last season with a muscular complaint.

When he did return, he scored four goals in his final four Serie A games to end on a high. The 26-year-old is a good age and could be about to hit his peak.

Barcelona and Chelsea have both been linked with him and he could be a solid back-up option to Benjamin Sesko.

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