According to the latest report from The Sun's Manchester United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United believes that Ugarte's serious knee injury will not significantly impact the club's transfer plans this summer.

Ugarte suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Uruguay's World Cup loss to Spain last week and will miss the remainder of the calendar year.

Manchester United had originally planned to sell Ugarte, even at a loss if necessary to comply with the Premier League's financial sustainability rules, though negotiations had not advanced significantly at that stage.

The sale was intended to fund the signing of a third midfielder. With Ederson's transfer now complete, Manchester United is also pursuing Matheus Fernandes from West Ham.

With Ugarte sidelined by injury and unavailable for sale, the urgency to strengthen midfield has intensified. The club is now targeting three midfielders: Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton.

Manchester United also plans to recruit a left-sided player, a forward, and a backup goalkeeper.

Rashford's future remains uncertain, though Manchester United remains open to developments. The 28-year-old has endured 18 months of conflict with the club and it is unclear whether he is willing to reconcile.

Rashford, capable of playing as a winger or forward, could fill gaps on the left flank or in attack. Manchester United's primary options are Šeško and Zirkzee up front, while Cunha and Doku provide left-wing cover. However, Rashford is more naturally suited to the left wing than his predecessors, and offers greater scoring consistency than Zirkzee, who has struggled for form.

Barcelona's surprise decision to pursue Anthony Gordon instead of Rashford caught Manchester United off guard. Gordon has since lost his England starting spot to Rashford ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals.

Rashford previously stated his desire to remain at Old Trafford. Barcelona ultimately abandoned their pursuit after Rashford rejected a £26 million move, instead signing Gordon for £69.3 million. Since December 12, 2024, Rashford has not played for Manchester United, spending time on loan at both Aston Villa and Barcelona. As Manchester United's highest earner with two years remaining on his contract, the club had been inclined to sell.

After the World Cup concludes, Rashford will enjoy a three-week break before rejoining pre-season training. At both club and international level, he has worked with Carrick and England assistant coach Steve Holland.

In attack, Carrick has alternatives: Cunha can play centrally after scoring three goals in Brazil's group stage campaign; wingers Mbeumo and Amad can also operate as a false nine.

Manchester United is interested in West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville and Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, both of whom are open to moves to Old Trafford.

The club is flexible on whether to pursue a left-back or left-winger, as several squad members can rotate with Luke Shaw. Shaw turns 31 next month with his contract expiring in 2027, and Champions League football next season will increase his workload significantly. However, Manchester United has three other left-sided defenders available: Dorgu, Amas, and León. Right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have both played on the left wing when required. Adding a backup goalkeeper poses minimal financial burden, with the market offering several viable free agent options.

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