⚽ Introduction
Manchester United’s 2024/25 season fell short of expectations, and fans are eagerly awaiting changes. With Erik ten Hag expected to reshape his squad for a serious Premier League and Champions League challenge, the Red Devils have been linked with some of the most exciting names in Europe.
In this article, we examine the top 5 most talked-about players currently linked with a move to Old Trafford during the July 2025 transfer window — complete with stats, tactical fit, and insider rumors.
Top 5 Players Manchester United Are Targeting
1. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
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Position: Central Midfielder / Right Back
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Age: 30
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Estimated Fee: £45–50 million
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Status: Advanced Talks
️ According to reports from Sky Germany, Kimmich is open to a Premier League move after entering the final year of his Bayern contract. Manchester United have been in contact with his representatives, as Erik ten Hag looks to add elite leadership and experience to his midfield.
Tactical Fit:
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Can rotate with or replace Casemiro
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Offers versatility to play RB in emergencies
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Brings world-class distribution and pressing intelligence
✅ Likelihood: 8/10
2. João Neves (Benfica)
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Position: Defensive Midfielder
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Age: 19
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Estimated Fee: £70 million (Release Clause)
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Status: Scouted heavily
The young Portuguese prodigy is seen as a long-term replacement for Casemiro. Manchester United scouts have reportedly attended multiple Benfica matches, with club legend Bruno Fernandes said to be advocating for the signing.
Strengths:
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Press-resistant, tactically mature
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High passing accuracy
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Already starts regularly for Benfica and U21 Portugal
⚠️ Other clubs interested: PSG, Liverpool
✅ Likelihood: 6.5/10
3. Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
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Position: Right Winger
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Age: 22
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Estimated Fee: £60 million
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Status: Strong Interest
United have been searching for a consistent right winger as Antony continues to struggle for form. Olise’s creativity and technical ability make him a perfect upgrade, especially for unlocking compact defenses.
2024/25 Season Stats:
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Goals: 12
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Assists: 9
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Chances created: 60+
Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man City are also reportedly in the race.
✅ Likelihood: 7/10
4. Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
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Position: Centre-back
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Age: 22
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Estimated Fee: £40 million
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Status: First-choice defensive target
With Raphaël Varane leaving and injury concerns over Lisandro Martinez, United need a young, solid centre-back. Branthwaite has impressed with his calmness, strength, and aerial dominance in the Premier League.
Strengths:
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Left-footed (rare and valuable for LCB role)
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Excellent reading of the game
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Homegrown status fits FFP strategy
✅ Likelihood: 8.5/10
5. Ivan Toney (Brentford)
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Position: Striker
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Age: 29
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Estimated Fee: £55–60 million
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Status: Under consideration
With Rasmus Højlund still developing and Martial’s future uncertain, United are weighing a move for Toney — a proven Premier League goal scorer with strength, link-up play, and penalty accuracy.
️ Some reports suggest he is more of a “Plan B” if targets like Joshua Zirkzee or Osimhen prove too expensive.
2024/25 Stats (post-suspension):
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Goals: 15
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Assists: 4
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Minutes per goal: 115
✅ Likelihood: 6.5/10
Transfer Strategy: Smart or Scattered?
United’s 2025 window shows:
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Targeting technical players over physicality
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Trying to fix core weaknesses: midfield control, right-wing productivity, defensive depth
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Focusing on Premier League-proven signings over experimental names
However, success depends on selling players like Maguire, Martial, Van de Beek to free up wages and squad space.
Fan Reactions & Expert Opinions
@UTDFaithful: “Kimmich is exactly what we’ve missed since Carrick left.”
@RedDevilScout: “Olise & Branthwaite would be massive upgrades. No more excuses!”
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson: “If they land Kimmich, he changes the midfield overnight.”
Conclusion
As of July 2025, Manchester United appear to be planning seriously for a squad rebuild that combines world-class experience (Kimmich) and young talent (Neves, Branthwaite). Whether these rumored targets become reality depends on negotiations, player desire, and financial fair play.
One thing is certain: The Red Devils are not sitting still this summer — and the fans demand more than just rumors. They want action.
