Manchester City's summer has been surprisingly quiet despite widespread anticipation that it would be a busy window. Director of football Hugo Viana has joined the pre-season trip to Hong Kong, and there had been some expectation within the club that transfer activity would have materialised by now, but it is yet to happen.

The only notable signing so far has been Elliot Anderson, whose move to the Etihad was one of the summer's headline deals. City could spend around £200million combined on Anderson and their next target, Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder they are actively pursuing. However, even if they can sign the teenager, it would be a big ask to expect him to make a huge impact immediately — especially if being compared to Rodri.

The Rodri Question

The biggest question mark surrounds Rodri, who is wanted by Real Madrid and has only one year left on his contract. The Spain international's potential departure would leave a massive void in City's midfield, and they could really do with reinforcements in that area. There are also doubts around the futures of Tijjani Reijnders and Omar Marmoush, as well as Nico Gonzalez and Rico Lewis. Ruben Dias has also been of interest to Madrid, although he is preparing for another season in Manchester.

New manager Enzo Maresca suggested that Mateo Kovacic's future is still up in the air recently, although the expectation is that he will stay. Savinho is being courted by Tottenham, while Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish will be moved on if the right options come along.

Goalkeeper Target

Geronimo Rulli of Marseille is being targeted as a replacement for backup goalkeeper James Trafford, who is set to join Leeds United. The priority areas heading into the summer were right-back, central midfield and winger, but other areas would be strengthened depending on outgoings.

Manchester United: Reassessing Priorities

Manchester United beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a friendly in Stockholm, coming from behind through two Bryan Mbeumo goals. In a historic moment, JJ Gabriel played for the senior side for the first time, aged just 15 years and 299 days old, coming off the bench for the final eight minutes. Senne Lammens and new signing Youri Tielemans reported early from their summer breaks after playing for Belgium at the World Cup, with Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha and Noussair Mazraoui due back this week.

No Welbeck Return

Much to the disappointment of fans who hoped to see Danny Welbeck wear United's shirt again, the club never showed any indication of pursuing him this summer. They did explore a move in 2024 and then, more significantly, last year, but ultimately the length of contract potentially on offer did not appeal to Welbeck, who effectively had terms until 2027. With the player now aged 35, United did not pursue a move, leaving Chelsea to agree a two-year deal instead.

United are still weighing up the striker market, although a deal is not expected for Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa front man was of interest to United last summer before they signed Benjamin Sesko, but they are not set to revisit that situation a year on.

Midfield and Left-Back Considerations

It had been anticipated that United would bring in a third new midfielder to supplement the signings of Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but staff are now considering where to next put their resources. It is no longer certain that another player arrives in that position.

Mason Mount has started all three pre-season fixtures in a deeper role, which could mean United have four players to rotate in those two spots, with Kobbie Mainoo completing the quartet. Mount has been one of United's best performers in the initial friendly games, but staff are conscious he needs to stay fit after an injury-hit time since joining from Chelsea three years ago.

United might instead target their focus on left-back, with Lewis Hall well liked but a deal looking highly complicated. Sources say Newcastle are now privately insisting the 21-year-old will not leave, having already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer while Arsenal pursue Bruno Guimaraes.

Potential Departures

Everton are eyeing Ethan Wheatley, United's 20-year-old striker who had productive loan spells at League One sides Northampton Town and Bradford City last season. There is also interest in Joshua Zirkzee, and goalkeepers Radek Vitek and Altay Bayindir. Harry Amass and Toby Collyer are younger players who could also leave.