Manchester United are stepping up their summer recruitment drive as the club prepares to return to Champions League football next season under the INEOS regime.
While midfield reinforcement remains the primary focus, United’s hierarchy is well aware that several other positions also require attention before the new campaign begins.
The left flank is one such area of concern, following the sale of Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea and the loan exits of both Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford last summer.
Sancho, who joined United for £73m in 2021, is now heading for a free transfer exit, while Rashford’s future remains uncertain after he reportedly missed out on a permanent move to Barcelona.
West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville has emerged as a leading candidate for the left-wing role, with Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam suggesting the 24-year-old could be “available” following the Hammers’ recent relegation.
Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that club-to-club talks have taken place over a potential deal for the Dutchman, although Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
Summerville did catch the eye with a stunning long-range effort as the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw with Japan at the World Cup, though he managed just five Premier League goals last season.
However, United are also keeping a close eye on Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, with the Toffees placing a reported £69m price tag on their prized asset ahead of the summer window.
Ndiaye, who is currently representing Senegal at the World Cup, demonstrated his quality almost immediately off the bench against France, teeing up Ibrahim Mbaye’s consolation in a 3-1 defeat.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has been full of praise for the 26-year-old, offering a glowing comparison to two of the Premier League’s standout performers in recent seasons.
“He’s a very skillful player. I like Ndiaye’s style. Like Mbeumo, he’s comfortable with the ball. His work rate is very good… he’s a bit like a mix of Amad and Mbeumo to be honest.”
The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has also lauded the Senegalese forward, describing him as “one of the best in the league in his position” after another impressive domestic campaign.
Ndiaye ranked second in the entire Premier League last season for total successful dribbles, recording 73, behind only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku who managed 84.
His dribbling average of 2.3 successful attempts per game also comfortably outpaced Summerville’s 1.7, underlining the technical edge the Everton man holds over his fellow target.
The numbers tell a compelling story when it comes to the debate between the two wingers, with Ndiaye’s goal involvement record considerably stronger across the last two seasons.
Ndiaye contributed 18 goal involvements across the previous two seasons, scoring six goals and registering three assists in 2025/26 after netting nine times the year prior.
Summerville, by contrast, managed just nine goal involvements in that same period, with all five of his Premier League goals this season arriving in the early months of 2026.
One of Ndiaye’s most eye-catching moments came in Everton’s victory over Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, when he rifled into the roof of the net in trademark style.
At 26, the former Marseille forward appears ready to make the step up to a Champions League club, following a similar path to Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha before him.
United will be hoping to secure their preferred target before rival clubs move decisively, with competition for both Ndiaye and Summerville expected to intensify as the summer progresses.