Manchester United have identified West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville as a primary transfer target should Marcus Rashford depart Old Trafford this summer, with the Dutch international potentially available for around £30 million following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.

Summerville seen as natural fit on the left

The 24-year-old Summerville is understood to fit the profile United's recruitment team are seeking for the left side of their attack — the position Rashford has occupied for much of his career at the club. Having featured for the Netherlands at this summer's World Cup, Summerville arrives with both international pedigree and proven Premier League experience, qualities that make him an attractive proposition at a relatively modest fee by top-flight standards.

West Ham's drop into the second tier leaves the club in a difficult financial position, and they are open to sanctioning a sale if a suitable offer arrives. Summerville still has three years remaining on his contract, which gives West Ham a degree of leverage, but the reality of Championship football means they are unlikely to hold firm if a Premier League club comes calling with a credible bid.

Rashford's uncertain future at United

The situation surrounding Rashford himself remains unresolved. The 28-year-old England forward spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Aston Villa before joining Barcelona for the entirety of last campaign, a move that underlined how badly the relationship between player and club had deteriorated. An uneasy truce of sorts is now in place, and Rashford is currently expected to begin the new season at Old Trafford.

However, United's preference is still to move him on permanently or on another loan arrangement. The stumbling block is financial: Rashford earns £17.5 million per year, and identifying a club both willing and able to meet that wage bill has so far proved impossible. With two years still left on his deal, United carry the risk of another awkward season if no buyer emerges.

Midfield spending already significant

United have moved quickly elsewhere in this transfer window, committing to a combined initial outlay of around £82 million on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this week. The club remain keen to add a third midfielder to that group, with manager Michael Carrick reportedly holding admiration for Manu Koné of Roma, Alex Scott of Bournemouth and Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga. Yet the asking prices for all three — each in the £60 million to £80 million range — are considered prohibitive given United's current spending commitments.

That financial reality makes the Summerville pursuit appear all the more pragmatic. At £30 million, the West Ham winger would represent a cost-effective solution to a specific problem, provided United can first resolve the Rashford situation. Whether that resolution comes in the form of a sale, a loan or simply a reset in relations will shape the direction of the club's summer considerably.

What comes next

Pre-season will offer United's new manager a chance to assess Rashford at close quarters, and how that goes may yet determine whether Summerville moves from a contingency plan to a firm target. For now, West Ham's misfortune in being relegated could prove to be United's opportunity — if they can unlock the Rashford puzzle first.

Frequently asked

How much would Crysencio Summerville cost Manchester United?
Reports suggest West Ham United would consider selling Summerville for around £30 million following their relegation to the Championship, though they do hold leverage given he has three years remaining on his contract.
Is Marcus Rashford leaving Manchester United this summer?
Rashford's future is unresolved. United would prefer to sell or loan him out, but his £17.5 million-a-year wages make finding a buyer difficult. He is currently expected to start pre-season at Old Trafford.
Why are West Ham willing to sell Summerville?
West Ham were relegated to the EFL Championship, which significantly reduces their income. As a result, they are open to selling players such as Summerville if they receive a suitable offer.