Manchester United will be focused on giving Michael Carrick a squad ready for Champions League football during this summer window

Manchester United are backing Michael Carrick after finishing in the top four, with the summer transfer window well underway. But there could be a change in how they approach deals.

United will compete in the Champions League during the upcoming season, which will be Carrick's first full campaign in charge as permanent boss. One move has already been sealed, with Brazilian midfielder Ederson set to arrive this month after Casemiro's departure.

A player whose future is not as certain is Marcus Rashford. Currently starring for England at World Cup 2026, Rashford's prospects are unclear after his loan move to Barcelona ended without the £26million option to buy being exercised and Anthony Gordon signed instead.

But new reports suggest Rashford could be offered a route back into United's first-team under Carrick, though an agreement has been struck. Mirror Football brings you the latest transfer updates from Old Trafford.

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Marcus Rashford agreement

After Barcelona opted to sign ex-Newcastle man Gordon over Rashford, it remains to be seen where the winger will play his football during the upcoming club season.

It was primarily under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim that Rashford found himself exiled and new boss Carrick was actually Rashford's team-mate for a couple of years. Reports suggest that he could soon be offered a route back into the first team at Carrington.

However, The Daily Mail claims that whilst it is definitely true that Rashford could feature for his boyhood club again after discussions, both United and the player agree that they'd rather it not come to that.

Rashford has shown his worth at the World Cup for England, scoring in their opening group-stage win against Croatia and looking lively on the left-hand side. Gordon, however, has struggled to make an impact.

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Change in transfer strategy

Elsewhere, The Sun reports that United may soon look to change their approach to signing established Premier League players after a huge hike in asking prices. Carrick's side had been linked with recently relegated West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but supposedly turned their noses up at his £80m price tag, with Tottenham agreeing an £85m deal instead.

Manchester City's club-record £116m deal to sign Elliot Anderson, expected to be completed in due course, is another factor in this change in tactics, with top-flight players now warranting astronomical fees.

Instead, United are thought to wish to turn their attention to more budget-friendly, raw options, with other targets like Alex Scott and Adam Wharton also valued at an eye-watering £80m.