Transfer rumours: Man United widens search for alternatives to Luke Shaw’s replacement, Rashford in potential swap deal
By Luke Oluoch, August 3, 2026English giants Manchester United have been among the busier sides in the summer transfer window as the race for the new season heats up.
So far this summer, manager Michael Carrick has welcomed several key additions to Old Trafford. Andrey Santos arrived from rivals Chelsea, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow signed following the expiry of his Leeds United contract, with Kit Margetson adding further depth to the goalkeeping department.
The Red Devils have also added Belgian midfield star Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and roped in Tynan Thompson from Tottenham, securing another highly rated youngster for the future.
After securing third place in the Premier League last season—a finish that ensured Champions League qualification following a difficult start to the campaign—United now looks determined to bolster their squad to meet the heavy demands ahead.
One of Carrick’s primary areas for reinforcement appears to be left-back, where veteran Luke Shaw is entering the twilight years of his career.
The club was initially heavily linked with Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall, 21, for the role, but the Red Devils have since widened their scope with alternative targets should a move for the former Chelsea academy graduate fall through.
According to TEAMtalk, Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas has emerged as a leading option if United fail to complete a deal for Hall. The 19-year-old impressed United’s scouting network during Spain’s successful UEFA European Under-19 Championship campaign and played an integral role in Racing Santander’s Segunda División title win and promotion.
United believe Salinas possesses the quality to step straight into senior football. They, however, could face competition from Barcelona.
This comes alongside reports on Sunday, August 2, 2026, revealing that United are also assessing Arsenal’s versatile youngster Lewis Skelly as a potential alternative.
Rashford’s swap deal
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly linked with a potential move involving Marcus Rashford. The English striker has returned to Old Trafford following the completion of his season-long loan spell with La Liga giants FC Barcelona.
Despite being understood to figure into manager Michael Carrick’s tactical plans, United could be open to a sale to help balance their financial books. The Red Devils have been linked to a potential swap deal that would see Rashford join AS Roma, with French midfielder Manu Koné moving in the opposite direction. Koné, who impressed for France during their FIFA World Cup campaign, is listed as a top target according to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Also featuring on United’s radar is a core group of promising youngsters who featured during the club’s pre-season tour in Stockholm. Among those evaluating their immediate futures is Czech goalkeeper Radek Vítek.
Meanwhile, defender Harry Amass represents another potential outgoer as the club weighs loan options. Midfielder Dan Gore, whose development has been hampered by injury setbacks over the past few seasons following a loan stint with Rotherham United, could also be granted a departure. According to the Manchester Evening News, young midfielder Toby Colyer is another player who could move away before the transfer window closes.