Man Utd summer transfer plans take shape as Carrick looks for surprise upgrade on star defender

Updated: 20 May 2026 13:03 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Manchester United are tightening their summer transfer plans after choosing to move forward with Michael Carrick as their new manager, with a change in defence potentially on the cards.

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Carrick will formally be announced as United’s permanent boss in the coming days after leading the club to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification since his arrival in January.

With the new-found clarity over the manager’s future, United are pushing ahead with restructuring their team in Carrick’s mould and, while big changes are expected in midfield, the defence will also be targeted in the summer revamp.

A left-sided defender is among United’s highest priorities but an intriguing report from German transfer reporter Patrik Berger has suggested that a change could emerge at right-back also.

It is claimed that United are considering a €30 million move for Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson after an impressive campaign in which the 28-year-old has provided 15 assists in the Bundesliga.

Compared

Julian Ryerson

D, M (R)

Dortmund

Julian Ryerson

D, M (R)

Dortmund

VS

Noussair Mazraoui

D, M (R)

Man Utd

Noussair Mazraoui

D, M (R)

Man Utd

€22.1M	ETV	€23.5M
€19.9M - €24.3M	ETV Range	€21.2M - €25.9M
28 years old (17 Nov, 1997)	Age	28 years old (14 Nov, 1997)
Norway	Nationality	Morocco

However, a move would only develop if Noussair Mazraoui leaves Old Trafford, with United seeing Ryerson as a target for their ‘backup RB’ shortlist, while Dortmund do not consider the Norwegian as ‘unsellable.’

Man Utd considering right-back upgrade after Mazraoui interest

Mazraoui is not a player who has seen much speculation over his future in recent months, having proven himself as a reliable and versatile option in defence since joining United from Bayern Munich in 2024.

© IMAGO - Noussair Mazraoui has been a bit part player for Man Utd this season.

However, the 28-year-old has not featured heavily under Carrick and has made just ten Premier League starts all season, suggesting that he could be available for the right price.

Carrick has often preferred Diogo Dalot at right-back, although the Portuguese international is a player that United have considered upgrading on and Ryerson’s prowess in attack could make him a unique option in that regard.

Juventus have previously been linked with a move for the Moroccan international and it remains to be seen whether the Italians revive their interest, at which point a deal for Ryerson may be explored.

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