Man Utd free agent transfer: 3 signings Carrick needs
Man Utd free agent transfer: Michael Carrick has enjoyed a brilliant start to life as permanent manager at Old Trafford after steering his side to a top-three finish last season. However, the squad still requires serious surgery to compete for major honours. That is especially true with Casemiro released and Manuel Ugarte undergoing knee surgery. While Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have arrived, the Red Devils must look at the bargain bin to build depth. Carrick will look at several options to bolster his ranks. Here are three world-class free agents still on the market who would perfectly suit the Manchester United rebuild.
1. John Stones: The elite ball-playing defender
The 32-year-old departed Manchester City this summer after an illustrious decade at the Etihad. Carrick’s tactical blueprint demands defenders who can step comfortably into midfield. Stones pioneered that exact role under Pep Guardiola. During the 2025/26 campaign, injuries limited Stones to just 16 appearances across all competitions. Even so, his ball retention and aerial authority remain completely top-tier. Adding his massive experience without paying a transfer fee is a complete no-brainer.
United need reliable cover. Stones brings exactly that, alongside a serial winner’s mentality. He reads the game beautifully. It is a rare chance to weaken a direct rival’s legacy while fixing your own back line for absolutely nothing.
2. Dusan Vlahovic: The clinical focal point
This clinical Serbian marksman is officially on the market after leaving Juventus. He started his last season well in Turin, though an abductor injury disrupted his goalscoring rhythm. He completed the 2025/26 Serie A season with 15 goals and four assists, highlighting his lethal nature when fit.
Signing the 26-year-old would immediately solve United’s issues up front. Rasmus Hojlund has already sealed a £43m permanent move to Napoli. Carrick needs a proper target man now. Vlahovic provides a physical presence, excellent hold-up play, and a ruthless streak in the penalty box that United desperately lacked in tight games last year.
3. Leon Goretzka: The midfield powerhouse
United have completed the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, yet they still lack a physically imposing box-to-box midfielder. Having parted ways with Bayern Munich, the 31-year-old German brings a Champions League-winning pedigree. Goretzka completed the 2025/26 Bundesliga season with six goals and five assists. He clearly has plenty of fuel left in the tank. He represents the ideal partner to sit alongside Kobbie Mainoo, offering a balance of defensive screening and late runs into the penalty box. He wins his duels. Carrick needs that bite in the centre of the pitch, especially on big European nights when games get physical.
Read: Chelsea begin talks to complete signing of £51m Man Utd target
Scorzo’s opinion:
We believe Michael Carrick must act swiftly to secure these out-of-contract stars. Relying purely on young prospects like Andrey Santos is a risky strategy for a club returning to the Champions League. Picking up seasoned winners like Stones and Goretzka on free transfers offers the perfect balance. It ensures United can compete on all fronts without risking their financial stability. The board cannot afford to dither while these players weigh up rival offers from across Europe.
