Sir Jim's £100m plan faces obstacles! Manchester United's failure to clear out surplus players hampers transfers, with no departures likely to leave only two more signings

Predicted to have the "busiest" summer, Manchester United have only secured one new signing, Ederson, since the transfer window officially opened, and even that hasn't been announced yet. The club isn't unwilling to push forward with transfers, but the main hurdle is the lack of progress in offloading surplus players, so operations are currently limited to the most needed midfield position. Next season, United will return to the Champions League and need a stronger squad depth. However, without first clearing out excess players, only two positions in Carrick's squad are truly short-staffed: midfield and left-back.

Goalkeepers: Sena Lammers, Altay Bayındır, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana, Radek Vítek. A second-choice goalkeeper may be brought in.

Lammers is firmly established as the starter, and 40-year-old Heaton has renewed his contract to remain third-choice. Whether United sign another depends on Onana's future. If the 30-year-old Cameroonian international leaves, the club will sign a backup goalkeeper, as both Bayındır and Vítek have decided to depart.

Left-back: Luke Shaw, Harry Amass, Diego Leon. A backup left-back must be signed.

With Malacia leaving after his contract expired, United are left with only one experienced left-back in Luke Shaw, making this a must-sign area this summer. The 19-year-olds Amass and Leon have no Premier League experience and can hardly be relied upon to take up major duties next season. Luke Shaw started all Premier League games last season, but he has been close to injury several times and is about to turn 31, making it hard to expect him to remain an "iron man" under two-front competition.

Right-back: Diogo Dalot, Mazraoui. No new signings needed.

United almost certainly won't buy anyone for right-back this summer. Dalot and Mazraoui have both age and availability on their side; they can not only play their primary role but also fill in at left-back or center-back. Their quality aside, the numbers are sufficient, and Amad Diallo can also drop back if needed.

Left center-back: Lisandro Martínez, Ayden Heaven. Possibly one signing.

Ideally, United's left side of central defense is well-equipped, with Licha in his prime and Heaven showing good potential. However, the "Argentine Butcher" is an injury time bomb, and Heaven lacks experience, with Carrick not favoring him after taking over. Therefore, if the chance arises, United will consider signing a new left-footed center-back, though it is certainly not a summer priority.

Right center-back: De Ligt, Maguire, Leny Yoro. No new signings needed.

If not for De Ligt's high start and low finish last season—ending early due to a serious back injury in November—the 33-year-old Maguire might have already left United. However, due to the Dutchman's issues, the club chose to renew Maguire's contract, and the former £80m most expensive center-back may continue as a starter early next season. Yoro, who arrived at a high price, has not met fans' expectations, but he still has age and talent on his side. Unless he lacks effort, United won't consider buying for this position this summer.

Defensive midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Ugarte, Ederson, Toby Collyer. One or two must be signed.

The only position where United are certain to buy multiple players this summer. Ederson's arrival is confirmed but not yet announced, making the position barely adequate but certainly not up to Champions League standards. If Ugarte stays, United need at least one signing with a level close to Casemiro's offensive and defensive balance. If Ugarte leaves, an additional player may be needed.

Left winger: Patrick Dorgu, Cunha, Rashford. Possibly one signing.

Dorgu has been permanently converted to a winger, and Cunha can also play there. United may need a more penetrative left winger, but it's not a must-buy; it depends on Rashford's future.

Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount. No new signings needed.

B费 is well-known as an iron man for both United and world football, and doesn't even need a backup. Mason Mount may lose even his substitute spot and be forced to drop back to defensive midfield. Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, and others can also play the No.10 role; with Matheus Fernandes potentially arriving, this position is already crowded.

Right winger: Mbeumo, Amad. No new signings needed.

Another well-stocked position for United. Although both Mbeumo and Amad experienced goal droughts at the end of last season, their talent and ability are ample. Dorgu often plays right winger in Serie A and even considers it his best position! If needed, Dalot can also push forward; he once won a crucial penalty while playing right winger in the comeback against Paris Saint-Germain.

Striker: Šeško, Zirkzee. Possibly a backup forward.

Šeško is seen by United as the certain future No.9, so they are no longer considering spending big on a new striker. If Zirkzee leaves, a veteran backup striker may be signed; otherwise, no further signings at center-forward.

The transfer window officially opens this week, and United have much work to do to build Carrick's desired squad for next season. Besides Ederson, who has already joined for a £39m fee, United's current focus is on West Ham's Matheus Fernandes.

Elliot Anderson is almost certain not to join United. United have withdrawn from the race for Nottingham Forest's 23-year-old midfield star, as even Manchester City's £120m bid was rejected. United remain interested in Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Bournemouth's Alex Scott.

However, whether United sign a third new midfielder depends on their ability to sell Ugarte. Galatasaray is one of several clubs interested. United prefer to sell Ugarte but may end up accepting a loan with a mandatory buy option.

Beyond midfield, left-back is also a priority reinforcement for Carrick, who needs a player to cover Luke Shaw. United are interested in Newcastle's Lewis Hall and prefer to sign a younger left-back as Shaw's long-term successor.

Currently, this position is more urgent than left winger, although wingers like West Ham's Summerville and Everton's Illiman Ndiaye remain on United's radar, with Premier League experience being a key factor for the club's transfer department.

Signing an experienced striker to support Šeško is part of the plan, but it depends on Zirkzee leaving. Zirkzee is not as eager to move as six months ago, but under Carrick he is destined for limited playing time, while other clubs can offer him more starts.

In terms of sales, Sir Jim had hoped to offload several stars to raise over £100m. So far, only Højlund has been successfully sold, thanks to last year's loan deal. After Napoli qualified for the Champions League, they activated the €44m (£38m) buyout clause.

Selling players is tougher for United than buying, especially regarding high-earners who are trapped: high wages, unwilling to leave, and unwanted. Andre Onana has returned from a loan at Trabzonspor, has no future at the club, and Sena Lammers has established himself as the starter. Rashford's situation is more complex. He is the highest earner in the squad, on £325,000 a week—nearly three times Onana's salary.

Besides Onana, more goalkeepers will leave United. Altay Bayındır is eager to go back to Turkey for more playing time. Meanwhile, now might be the right time to sell 22-year-old Radek Vítek, who impressed on loan at Bristol City. The Czech youngster also wants regular game time rather than sitting on the bench as a second-choice.

If all three goalkeepers above leave, United will need a backup goalkeeper. Leeds' Karl Darlow, whose contract is expiring, and Wolves' Sam Johnstone, who was relegated from the Premier League, are both under consideration.