Manchester United fans will have a long list of transfer priorities as Ineos prepare for their first summer transfer window.
This season wasn’t supposed to be quite so disappointing, but it feels like United take one step forward and two steps back.
Last season’s third-placed finish was a sign of progress in Erik ten Hag’s first season at the club.
This term has been a real step back though and there are so many questions around United heading into the summer.
Will Ten Hag still be in charge next season? Will Ineos be able to get the club back on track, both on and off the pitch?
Only time will tell, but United need a big summer window and adding quality in midfield has to be a priority once again.
Kobbie Mainoo’s rise has been a rare bright spot this term but Sofyan Amrabat’s loan hasn’t worked out, Christian Eriksen isn’t happy at the club, Casemiro’s future is unclear and Mason Mount’s United career has yet to get off the ground.
Manchester United admire Matt O’Riley
If United do push for a new midfield signings this summer, one name on the radar is Celtic star Matt O’Riley.
The Sunday Mirror (14/05, p65) reports that United have been monitoring O’Riley since 2022 and could make a move this summer.
Inter Milan and Girona are understood to be interested whilst Atletico Madrid will revive their interest after failing with a January offer.
Celtic won’t let O’Riley leave on the cheap though and it’s stated that the Bhoys now want around £25million for his services.
Celtic paid just £1.5million to sign O’Riley from Milton Keynes Dons in January 2022 and are now demanding an enormous profit.
Some United fans may actually remember O’Riley’s name from years gone by as The Mirror suggested that he was wanted at Old Trafford way back in 2017.
Then just 16, O’Riley was touted as a real wonderkid before losing his way and ending up at MK Dons.
Now fulfilling that potential after all, O’Riley is back on United’s wish list and he could finally make a move to Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day
O’Riley stats this season
The 23-year-old has been superb this season, racking up a sensational record of 13 goals and 16 assists in 42 appearances.
Primarily a creative midfield player, O’Riley may be seen as competition for Bruno Fernandes in United’s midfield.
Just how United would plan to use Fernandes, O’Riley and Mount is unclear but the Celtic star has been hailed as a ‘wonderful’ player by boss Brendan Rodgers.
O’Riley plays alongside Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund with Denmark, qualifying through his mother’s heritage despite hailing from London.
O’Riley does still qualify as a homegrown player though and that may well tempt United into a summer move, paving the way for him to potentially emerge as Eriksen’s heir for both club and country.