Manchester United are wasting no time in ramping up their summer transfer plans after securing a return to Champions League football last weekend. The Red Devils sealed a guaranteed top-four finish with a thrilling 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday—a result that has sent waves of excitement through the club and its fanbase.

That win was the latest milestone in an incredible turnaround under interim boss Michael Carrick. Handed the reins from Ruben Amorim back in January, the 44-year-old former midfielder has delivered in style, steering United to third place with the best run of form in the Premier League since his appointment. Along the way, they've toppled every member of England's so-called "big six"—Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur—leaving insiders "astounded" by his impact. Many now expect Carrick to be handed the job permanently once the season wraps up.

But regardless of who's in the dugout next term, the club is already laying the groundwork to strengthen the squad. Carrick and his coaching staff have been consulted on potential incomings and outgoings, with one key focus being squad depth. This season's lack of European football and early cup exits meant stars like Luke Shaw and Casemiro could virtually play every league game without burnout. Come next season, though, the workload will increase dramatically—and that means alternatives, or in Casemiro's case a replacement, will be essential to keep the squad fresh and competitive.

While many expected United to target a left-winger this summer to complement Matheus Cunha, the emergence of Patrick Dorgu as a rampaging wide man has shifted the club's focus further back. The 21-year-old Dane was initially seen as an understudy to Shaw at left-back, but now the priority has flipped: United want a new left-back to allow Dorgu to stay higher up the pitch where he's been so effective.

Enter El Hadji Malick Diouf. The West Ham breakout star, also 21, has caught the eye of Old Trafford executives, who see him as the "perfect profile" for that role. According to Football Insider, Diouf "ticks a lot of boxes" with his "attacking prowess" and athletic, exciting style of play. The flying full-back is viewed as a dynamic addition who could bring a new dimension to United's left flank—and with the summer window heating up, this is one name worth watching closely.