Manchester United's transfer window: Malard interest, Terland's future, and goodbye to Turner
A closer look at United's summer transfer window
It’s been a one-sided transfer window so far for Manchester United.
July has been dominated by exits and transfer rumours, but not the kind United fans will get excited about.
Within the first few weeks of the window officially opening, United have made just one signing: Spanish defender Andrea Medina. Meanwhile, forward Leah Galton and full-back Hannah Blundell have left the club following the expiration of their contracts.
On a positive note, United have also signed three promising academy products to their first professional contracts. England Under-20 forward Layla Drury (17), United Under-21 captain Jessica Anderson (18) and Welsh defender Scarlett Hill (18) all made their debuts for United last season and will take a permanent step up in the 2026-27 season.
Since that news, Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund’s departures have been confirmed, with both heading to last season’s WSL2 champions Birmingham City.
Turner had only recently signed a new two-year contract with United, but The Cutback understands the club were offered a six-figure fee for the defender, who fell out of favour last season. Turner had been a mainstay at the club, spending eight years with United and also playing a part in promotion from the second tier in 2019.
Turner and Naalsund aren’t the only players expected to depart. The Cutback also understands that strikers Melvine Malard and Elisabeth Terland are both attracting interest this summer, with Chelsea in pole position to secure Malard — as first reported by The Guardian.
Norwegian international Terland told The Cutback last month that she couldn’t share much on her future but that she wanted to stay at the club.
“I have one more year left. I’ve said before that I want to stay and I want to win with this team,” she said. “I want to do well for this club. As a fan as well, it’s something I want to do. We’ll see where we end up, but that’s at least what I want.”
There is also expected to be a departure in United’s goalkeeping group, with a new arrival set to be confirmed soon.
Areas to strengthen
Last summer, United were far less active than in previous transfer windows, but delivered quality over quantity in Jess Park, Julia Zigiotti Olme and Fridolina Rolfo, all of whom made a huge impact across the season.
After a poor finish to last season in which United missed out on the European places, many fans are looking at this transfer window as one that requires statement signings and reinforcements if United are to keep fighting for a top-three finish. There are plenty of areas Marc Skinner’s side need to strengthen this summer.
Starting at the back, United have already secured the signing of a versatile defender in Medina from Atletico Madrid. Primarily playing at left-back, Medina can play centre-back and wing-back, adding depth and flexibility to the backline. Versatility seems to be a trait United look for when signing defenders, with Dominique Janssen, Gabby George, Maya Le Tissier and Hanna Lundkvist all having played in more than one position for United last season.
United look strong from a defensive point of view, but the departure of Turner has forced United to consider a replacement to maintain the squad depth and allow for rotation.
With Zigiotti Olme, Ella Toone, Jess Park and Hinata Miyazawa, United boast a fairly strong pack in midfield. However, the addition of another ball-carrying midfielder wouldn’t go amiss.
Swedish midfidler Zigiotti Olme slotted in seamlessly last season, but her absence was noticed in games that she missed. United also suffered when they didn’t have the option to rotate in midfield, and an extra ball-carrier would allow Zigiotti Olme and Miyazawa to rotate in and out of the starting line-up when required.
Despite signing two forwards in January, many United fans believe frontline reinforcements should be the priority during this transfer window.
Celin Bizet missed the 2025-26 season on maternity leave and United were forced to adapt their style of play last season in her absence.
New signing Park often slotted into the right-wing position, and while she showed quality and aptitude for the role, it highlighted United’s need for players that can provide more crosses and dangerous balls into the box for their strikers.
Terland and Malard are strikers that suit having natural wingers flanking them and, while their futures are still up in the air, targeting wingers that can get to the byline and put crosses in could be beneficial for United’s attacking play. If Skinner continues with the one-striker system next season that was used in most of United’s games in 2025-26, a right-winger should be top of the target list.
Marc Skinner called for more investment in his squad throughout last season. Now in the midst of a summer transfer window, it is a crucial time for the club to respond to his pleas for support.
It is known that United need to build on their current squad in order to end the negative patterns of rebuilding every summer when core players depart.
In successive seasons, the club has dealt with the departures of Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Katie Zelem, Ona Batlle, Lucia Garcia, Grace Clinton and Hayley Ladd. That turnover has stalled United’s ability to build long-term and develop a core roster that can grow year on year. Retention will be fundamental to United’s ability to build consistency next season.
In order to regroup and mount a challenge for the Champions League places, United need to deliver the sort of summer transfer window they had last year.
The signings made this window need to have a direct impact on the squad. If not, the battle for a top-three place will be out of their grasp next season.
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