Manchester United are expected to have a busy summer with new investors Ineos looking to make their mark on the club.
Unlike January, the summer will be a busy time for Manchester United in the transfer market, with key incomings and outgoings expected.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos will be steering United forward, looking to make their own stamp on the side, with new chief executive Omar Berrada already appointed.
Names of potential signings are being touted already, with the likes ofJarrad Branthwaite of Everton and Joao Gomes of Wolves in the mix.
But before drilling down into specific players, let’s look at where Manchester United need to strengthen.
Fabrizio Romano this week spoke to The United Stand about the club’s transfer plans, and discussed the positions he is confident the club will look to sign new players.
Left-back
Left-back has been a problem for Manchester United all season long due to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw‘s ongoing injury issues.
Romano explains United will look to address this by bringing in a new signing at the position.
He said: “Man United will sign a left-back because they know Tyrell Malacia is struggling, also the injuries of Luke Shaw this season. [They] will go for a young, talented and good, important left-back.
“This is the idea of the club and also agreed with the manager.”
It’s unclear which potential names could be in play here. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Luca Netz have both been linked separately.
Centre-back
Romano also named centre-back as a priority. Raphael Varane‘s contract is set to expire along with Jonny Evans, while Victor Lindelof has only one year remaining on his deal. Harry Maguire is also 31.
He has insisted centre-back has been a key priority for United since the beginning of the season, with the club looking to get younger at the position.
Romano did not rule out the possibility of United signing two centre-backs, adding: “I think that could be a possibility.”
Midfield
Romano insists that left-back, centre-back and striker are the top priorities, followed by midfield, with sales expected here first.
He explained: “It really depends on what happens with outgoings in that position. For the midfielder it will be based on the budget, it will be based on the outgoings, which players are going to leave at the position.”
There are question marks over Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, while Sofyan Amrabat is not expected to see his loan deal made permanent. If a big bid also came in for Scott McTominay, United would probably not stand in his way either.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently spoke out to describe his dream signing as a Paul Scholes-type midfielder. These are hard to find, but we came up with a few options which would not break the bank.
Striker
Rasmus Hojlund will get some help at the position next season, with Manchester United left light recently when he was out injured.
Romano said: “We know Martial will leave the club so Manchester United will 100 per cent sign a central striker.
“They want to sign a striker who can compete with Hojlund at the highest level. It is always positive when you have players behind you pushing and helping you improve your level.
“This is the idea, to bring in an important striker, not just a back-up solution.”
Romano added that United’s direction here is still being determined, citing Brentford’s Ivan Toney, 28, as an example of an experienced striker the club could pursue, or Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, 22, as a younger option who would appeal.
“There is still something to decide internally, Manchester United know there will be many strikers available on the market this summer,” he added.