The German winger’s prolific form has sparked a heavyweight recruiting battle, leaving the Red Devils poised to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit as Old Trafford accelerates a massive squad overhaul.
Before the 2025 summer transfer window, Manchester United launched a three-season action plan to win the Premier League title in the 2027/28 campaign, marking the club's 150th anniversary.
The 2025 window saw £200 million spent on Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo as part of a new front line, while also signing goalkeeper Senne Lammens for £18 million to replace Andrey Onana.
The following summer, a further £155 million went into bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba as part of a midfield rebuild, while 35-year-old Karl Darlow was brought in as a second-choice goalkeeper.
Next summer, United are due to sign a plethora of new defenders to complete their squad overhaul, although the possible departures of Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, and others next summer could see the club sign another new forward, too.
United eyeing Schade transfer
One of the most impressive Premier League stars so far this campaign has been Brentford forward Kevin Schade. The 24-year-old German winger has been fantastic under Keith Andrews in the opening weeks, scoring three goals in his first five league games.
His form has reportedly caught the attention of multiple clubs, with Arsenal closely linked to the player as a potential attacking reinforcement for Mikel Arteta amid criticism of the Gunners' front line.
According to CaughtOffside journalist Mark Brus, Arsenal are not the only club interested in the player amid stallign contract talks with Brentford.
It is claimed that both United and Liverpool are also tracking a possible transfer, with Schade open to moves to either club, giving United a boost despite Arsenal's obvious bargaining position as the reigning champions of England.
United must rectify errors in the winter
It is also stated in Brus' report that Schade's transfer could be one to watch in the winter window, and United must look to add reinforcements midway through the season.
Once it became clear that United's summer window only consisted of signing Santos, Baleba, Tielemans, and Darlow, with no major sales from Carrick's squad last season, it became common opinion that the club had not done enough business.
Fast forward to the end of September, and United have multiple problems at left-back, as many predicted, while a lack of invention up front, amid injury issues, has led many to question why another forward wasn't signed.
United have kept just one clean sheet across the campaign, coming in the Champions League amid criticisms of a lack of consistency in the back line.
In the winter window, United must look to add players to their squad to rectify the wrongs of not bringing in enough players for Carrick.
