Manchester United transfer news: Zirkzee nears Juventus loan as Carrick fails to shift Scholes' eight

Carrick's Transfer Paralysis: Where Are the Exits?

Michael Carrick took over as Manchester United manager with a mandate to reshape a bloated, underperforming squad. So far, the summer of 2026 has delivered three signings (Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Karl Darlow) and, aside from Casemiro's departure, virtually zero outgoings. For a club that badly needs a squad overhaul, the lack of movement on the sell side is starting to look like a serious problem.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes didn't mince words when he identified eight players who should be shown the door. It was a bold public challenge from a club legend, and it put direct pressure on Carrick heading into his first pre-season in charge. The message was clear: this squad needs trimming, and it needs trimming now.

Zirkzee Nearing Juventus Loan as United's Only Major Exit

Of all the names on Scholes' list, only one appears to be heading for the exit. Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward who has struggled badly since arriving at Old Trafford, is reportedly closing in on a loan move to Juventus. The Serie A giants have shown strong interest, and a deal could be wrapped up soon.

Zirkzee's time at Manchester United has been a disappointment by any measure. His inability to establish himself in the starting lineup or deliver consistent performances made him a natural candidate for departure. A fresh start in Turin might suit all parties, but for United, one loan does not constitute the kind of squad surgery Scholes was calling for.

Seven Players Scholes Wanted Gone Are Still at Old Trafford

Here is the uncomfortable truth for Carrick: the other seven players Scholes flagged remain firmly part of the squad. Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Patrick Dorgu are all still at the club, with no concrete departure reports emerging for any of them.

Scholes raised particular doubts about Yoro and Ugarte, questioning whether they fit into United's long-term vision. He also openly questioned whether Harry Maguire, a player who has divided opinion for years, can help the club compete at the highest level. These are not fringe opinions either. They echo conversations happening in every United fan group and across the betting markets, where confidence in this squad's ability to challenge for silverware remains low.

What It Means for United's 2026-27 Season

Carrick's reluctance (or inability) to move players on creates a cascading problem. Wages tied up in unwanted or underperforming players limit spending power. A crowded squad breeds selection headaches and dressing-room tension. And failing to act decisively in the transfer window sends a message to new signings like Tielemans and Santos about the club's ambition and direction.

If Manchester United enter the 2026-27 Premier League season with essentially the same core group that underperformed last year, plus a handful of new faces, it is fair to ask whether anything has truly changed. Scholes clearly does not think the current setup is good enough, and the evidence so far suggests Carrick has not been able to act on that assessment.

The Zirkzee loan to Juventus may eventually go through, but one departure out of eight recommended is not progress. It is stagnation dressed up as patience. For bettors and fans alike, this transfer window could define whether Carrick's United are genuine contenders or simply treading water.