The Hard Tackle lists three players Manchester United should pursue in the summer transfer window after their relegation from the Premier League with their clubs.
The Premier League season just concluded, and it has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with dramatic twists, last-minute escapes, and heartbreaks that will be talked about for years. For most clubs, the campaign delivered suspense until the final whistle, but for two teams, namely Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers, their fate was sealed months before the season ended.
Both clubs either spent the entire 2025/26 campaign, or most of the season, in the relegation zone, with Wolves notably spending all 282 days at the bottom of the table from opening day to the final match. Their struggles were persistent and unrelenting, making their eventual relegation feel inevitable rather than surprising.
West Ham United’s story, however, was markedly different. The Hammers fought a topsy-turvy relegation battle that stretched all the way to the final day, keeping fans on the edge until Gameweek 38. Their dramatic fall from a mid-table position to the drop zone captured the unpredictable nature of modern football, where consistency proves far tougher than sporadic brilliance.
Now that relegation has been confirmed for all three clubs, the transfer market is about to light up. Some of their best players will be ripe for the taking, with high-profile Premier League clubs eyeing talent that has proven itself at the top level despite their teams’ struggles. Manchester United, in particular, find themselves in an ideal position to capitalise on this situation.
Under newly-appointed head coach Michael Carrick, who has secured a third-place finish and UEFA Champions League qualification after taking over in January, the Red Devils are poised to enhance their squad significantly. With several key areas requiring reinforcement, here are three relegated players Manchester United should pursue this summer.
Mateus Fernandes
Manchester United’s midfield is at a critical juncture. Casemiro’s impending departure creates a significant void, while Manuel Ugarte’s lack of reliability since arriving from PSG has left the defensive midfield position unsettled. Enter Mateus Fernandes, the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder who has been one of West Ham’s standout performers despite their relegation.
The youngster made 36 Premier League appearances this season, starting 35 of them, and contributed three goals and four assists. But his statistics only tell part of the story. The Portugal international consistently demonstrated strength in long crosses, high pressing, and tackling at 2.5 per game, showcasing the work rate and technical ability United need.
His pass accuracy of 87% ranked tenth among Premier League midfielders, highlighting his composure and distribution quality. What makes Fernandes particularly attractive is his ability to control the tempo of matches while contributing defensively. He averaged 84 minutes per match, showing remarkable durability and trust from his management. His key passes totaling 33 ranked 24th among midfielders, demonstrating his creative vision.
However, United face fierce competition for Fernandes’s signature. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and PSG have all been linked with the young midfielder, making this a multi-billion pound battle. West Ham are reportedly asking for £80 million despite their relegation, nearly double what they paid Southampton just a year ago. This makes Fernandes an expensive but potentially transformative signing for Carrick’s rebuild.
Mateus Mane
Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United career has faltered since his arrival. The Dutchman has played 75 times across all competitions but managed only nine goals and four assists. In the 2025/26 campaign specifically, he fell down the pecking order under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick, starting just five of his 24 Premier League games and scoring only two goals.
With first-choice striker Benjamin Sesko establishing himself and scoring 11 Premier League goals this season, United need a reliable alternative as they prepare to return to the UEFA Champions League. Mateus Mane, the 18-year-old Portuguese forward now at Wolverhampton, offers exactly that. Despite playing for a relegated side, Mane impressed with enterprising runs and confidence. He contributed three goals and one assist while maintaining a clean disciplinary record with zero yellow or red cards.
What makes Mane particularly intriguing is his versatility and potential. At just 18 years old and 175 cm tall, he represents the kind of young talent that can develop into a long-term solution. His right-footed preference and forward positioning give United options in their attacking third, providing cover and competition for Sesko without being a direct replacement.
However, the race for Mane’s signature will be brutal. Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and PSG have all been identified as interested parties, creating a qualifier-level competition for the teenager.
El Hadji Malick Diouf
Manchester United’s left-back situation has become increasingly precarious. Patrick Dorgu’s transition into a winger role under Michael Carrick has left the position dangerously thin. Luke Shaw remains the only recognised left-back in Carrick’s squad, and ahead of the return to the Champions League, the club cannot afford to enter next campaign with such limited options.
El Hadji Malick Diouf, the Senegalese left-back who joined West Ham from Slavia Praha last summer, offers an ideal solution. The 21-year-old operates naturally as a left-sided full-back or wing-back and made 31 Premier League appearances this season, recording five assists and five clean sheets. Additionally, his 2,711 minutes played shows reliability.
Diouf’s attacking attributes make him particularly suited to modern football. During his Czech title-winning season at Slavia Praha, he scored seven goals and made three assists in 24 league appearances. His main strengths include pace and crossing ability, with an average of 0.16 expected assists per 90 minutes in the Czech top flight. The youngster successfully completed 357 passes at 75.3% accuracy while creating eight chances and completing nine successful crosses.
However, Chelsea are the primary competitor for Diouf’s signature, and United must still act decisively. The left-back market is notoriously competitive, and Diouf’s relatively young age and proven Premier League experience make him attractive to multiple clubs. With United shifting focus from signing a winger to a left-back due to Dorgu’s attacking exploits, securing Diouf should be a priority.
The Path Forward
Michael Carrick’s appointment as head coach has revitalised Manchester United, securing Champions League football and setting the foundation for a serious title challenge. These three players represent the kind of young, proven Premier League talent that can accelerate their return to the top.
The relegated status of their current clubs creates a unique opportunity, but fierce competition from Europe’s elite means the Red Devils must act swiftly and decisively. The club’s willingness to invest approximately £150 million in three central midfielders alone signals serious intent. With the right approach, these three signings could transform United’s squad for the seasons ahead.
