The World Cup is just around the corner, with preparations well underway in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Manchester United will have strong representation at the 2026 World Cup, but fans will also be eager to see how players linked with transfer moves to Old Trafford perform.
That applies to many. The list of potential targets will likely grow throughout the tournament, depending on who shines for their country, with many wonderkids hoping to make an impression on the biggest stage.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at 10 United transfer targets going to the World Cup this summer.
Which Manchester United player will have the most successful World Cup 2026?
Who are you most excited to watch?
Nathaniel Brown
Germany left-back Nathaniel Brown is attracting lots of attention this summer after impressing at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 22-year-old is renowned for being not just fast but extremely creative, but he has been linked with moves to United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Brown is versatile enough to play on either flank, and he is also attack-minded enough to play further forward when required. He is expected to be a starter for Germany at the World Cup.
Elliot Anderson
Heading to the World Cup with many expecting the Nottingham Forest midfielder to make a mega-money transfer to Manchester, Elliot Anderson will have the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
Thomas Tuchel is expected to partner Anderson with Arsenal’s Declan Rice in the centre of the pitch.
After playing with Kobbie Mainoo against Japan in March, United fans will hope to see more of the pair as a duo in England’s midfield.
Yan Diomande
With Marcus Rashford’s future up in the air, United are being linked with left-wingers like Yan Diomande.
RB Leipzig will demand a big transfer fee for the Ivorian winger, but potential suitors like United will be paying close attention to see if he warrants some of the hefty valuations that have been touted by the media.
United fans will have a keen interest in how his teammate, Amad Diallo, performs on the opposite flank.
Zion Suzuki
Although Senne Lammens is United’s first-choice goalkeeper and nobody expects that to change, United continue to be linked with Zion Suzuki whenever doubts arise over his future.
The Parma goalkeeper is expected to feature heavily for Japan this summer.
Aurelien Tchouameni
It may seem unlikely that United will sign Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, but it cannot be denied that the French star has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Tchouameni will be a starter in a France side hoping to go all the way in the tournament before Didier Deschamps walks away from the national team.
How much should Man Utd pay to sign Aurelien Tchouameni? What would you consider a fair fee?
Do you think he would be the right fit for Man Utd?
Djed Spence
Djed Spence was linked with United when there was a possibility of Tottenham getting relegated.
The young left-back has been selected by Tuchel ahead of Luke Shaw and Arsenal’s Lewis Myles-Skelly, but it remains to be seen if he will be a starter.
Morgan Rogers
After emerging from Middlesbrough under Michael Carrick, it makes sense that United would target Aston Villa star man Morgan Rogers.
Rogers was one of the attacking options selected by Tuchel this summer, but a strong tournament could help set him up for a big move ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Danilo Santos
Expected to play the squad role of back-up to Casemiro at the World Cup, Danilo Santos is a young player with Premier League experience despite currently playing in Brazil.
The former Nottingham Forest star could be an option for United as a cheaper defensive midfielder, with his future up in the air ahead of the World Cup.
Rafael Leao
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao will be hoping to play a key role as Portugal aim to go all the way at the World Cup.
After announcing he will leave Milan this summer, Leao has become an option for United, but it would take an impressive tournament from the winger for a deal to materialise over Jorge Mendes’ client.
Do you think Rafael Leao would be a good signing for Manchester United?
He’s clearly a fan!
Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams will go to the World Cup as one of the main stars in the United States squad amid links to United.
The Bournemouth star is unlikely to be at the top of United’s wish list, but as an option, a strong tournament could at least drive him into contention.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
