Despite the summer transfer window shutting its doors, the business of football recruitment never truly rests for Manchester United. All attention is now firmly focused on the January window and beyond as Michael Carrick looks to further strengthen his squad.
United brought in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba this summer, with goalkeeper Karl Darlow also arriving as a free agent from Leeds United. Tynan Thompson, Kit Margetson and Cristian Orozco were also amongst the new signings. However, several problem areas remained unaddressed.
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Here's a look at seven targets United could pursue in the January window or next summer...
Alex Scott
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Chelsea's pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Scott fell short this summer, despite tabling a £64m bid.
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The 23-year-old's contract with the Cherries runs until 2028, with United also eager to land the talented player as they seek to reinforce their midfield.
Scott even declined to put pen to paper on a new deal this summer, meaning United could snap him up at a reduced price next year as he enters the final year of his contract on the south coast.
The added factor that Scott's step-sister Maya Le Tissier captains United's women's team could further tempt him towards a move to Old Trafford.
Aurelien Tchouameni
United's admiration for the Real Madrid midfielder stretches back to his days at Monaco, and once again he was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford this year.
The French international's contract in the Spanish capital is due to expire in the summer of 2028.
While it may seem ambitious given Madrid are likely to demand a substantial fee for the World Cup winner, next summer could present the perfect opportunity for United to finally secure the world-class defensive midfielder.
If Tchouameni fails to receive the playing time he desires at Real Madrid this season, he could potentially become available in 12 months' time.
Micky van de Ven
United were reportedly interested in signing Van de Ven this summer, but the Dutch defender penned a new contract at Tottenham instead.
He was also handed the captaincy at Spurs, making any fresh approach even more challenging.
However, should Lisandro Martinez's fitness problems continue, Van de Ven appears an obvious target for United.
While it remains unlikely, the club could register their interest in the lightning-quick 25-year-old if Tottenham's poor form continues.
Jarrad Branthwaite
United's search for Premier League-proven talent could see them return for Branthwaite, having previously tabled an offer for the Everton defender.
The centre-back, who can also operate at left-back, reached personal terms regarding a transfer to Old Trafford, only for Everton to turn down two offers from United during the summer of 2024.
Branthwaite has endured injury setbacks since, but aged just 24, he still possesses considerable potential.
Lewis Hall
With United left with only Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as the only senior cover for Luke Shaw, plus Harry Amass, left-back has emerged as the priority area in need of reinforcement.
United maintained a keen interest in Hall over the summer but it quickly became apparent Newcastle would refuse to sell following an exodus of high-profile players.
Hall, however, was eager to make the switch to Old Trafford and United are anticipated to renew their pursuit of his signature next summer.
Alejandro Balde
United were thought to have shown interest in the Barcelona left-back over the summer, but they withdrew from a potential deal due to differing valuations of the defender.
At just 22, his contract with the Catalan giants runs until the summer of 2028.
Barcelona's acquisition of Joao Cancelo, combined with the emergence of Xavi Espart, could prompt United to revisit negotiations for Balde.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
There was fleeting optimism at United this summer that Arsenal might entertain selling Lewis-Skelly after the Gunners secured a deal for Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
The youngster wanted to stay in north London and has once again proved vital during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Nevertheless, the issues that could convince Lewis-Skelly to look elsewhere for first-team football may resurface, specifically the fierce competition for places in central midfield and at full-back.