Manchester United’s structured approach to the transfer market in recent times has already paid dividends. The Red Devils focused on the backline in 2024, before investing heavily in the attack and goalkeeping departments last summer.
While the midfield remains next on the agenda, the Premier League giants are also preparing for the future. Harry Maguire appears to have agreed an extension at the Theatre of Dreams, but United have to lay down a succession plan for the veteran defender.
The Englishman has been a rock at the back for the Red Devils, especially under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. However, Maguire recently turned 34 and is already in the twilight of his career. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez have struggled to stay fit, further adding to United’s defensive urgency.
The Red Devils remain linked with several candidates to fill Maguire’s shoes and recent reports have named Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell as an option for the job.
French league’s standout performer
Cresswell rose through the ranks at Leeds United but failed to cement a place in the first team, despite a fruitful loan spell with Millwall. He left Elland Road permanently in the summer of 2024 to move to Ligue 1, and that decision has proven to be a masterstroke.
The Englishman is now a first-team regular for Toulouse, combining defensive steel with on-the-ball expertise. The 23 year old is known for his aggressive defending, aerial ability, and his ball-playing skills, making him a fantastic option to eventually replace Maguire.
This season, Cresswell has registered four goals and three assists in 26 appearances across competitions for the French club, all of which were starts.
Charlie Cresswell Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 24 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 6 | - | 2,160' |
| Coupe de France | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 155' |
| Total | 26 | 26 | 4 | 3 | 6 | - | 2,315' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
His performances have already earned him admirers at Old Trafford, and it now appears that United have received a boost in their pursuit of the English defender.
Cresswell wants Old Trafford move
According to TEAMtalk, United are leading the race to sign Cresswell this summer. The report states: “Manchester United have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign highly-rated young defender Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse this summer, with sources close to the situation telling us the 23-year-old Englishman would be ‘very keen’ on a move to Old Trafford.”
Toulouse signed Cresswell for a mere €4m and are expected to demand at least £22 million to let him go. Brighton & Hove Albion wanted the 6’2″ defensive monster in the winter, but their £21 million offer was rejected by the Ligue 1 club.
Toulouse also turned down several offers from Wolfsburg in January, including a £22 million proposal. Crystal Palace and West Ham United were interested as well, but the Ligue 1 club refused to let their prized asset leave in the middle of the season.
Toulouse, however, are ready to cash in on Cresswell this summer, especially since his contract expires in 2028. Leeds United are also eyeing him with interest, but the report states that the Red Devils are firmly in the driving seat, adding: “Sources confirm the club, guided by figures such as Jason Wilcox, view Cresswell as an affordable and fitting profile for their defensive rebuild.”
“Indeed, sources have indicated that the Red Devils are considered the clear frontrunners, and the player himself is said to be very enthusiastic about the prospect of returning to English football with one of the country’s biggest clubs.”
Final Thoughts
The gulf in standards between the French league and the Premier League does add a degree of risk to the move. However, Cresswell’s relatively low asking price makes it a lucrative move, so United must ensure that the Englishman arrives at the Theatre of Dreams this summer.
Feature image Christian Bruna via Getty Images
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