Manchester United are preparing for a pivotal summer transfer window in 2024. After a poor performance in the Premier League, changes are required.
Incomings and outgoings are required at Manchester United, with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial already set to leave as free agents.
United In Focus spoke to HITC transfer expert Graeme Bailey, addressing 30 questions for a quickfire question and answer session about the first team plans, incoming and outgoings.
We discussed topics including Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and key transfer targets at the team’s biggest positions of need.
Manchester United summer transfer window Q&A
1) Who will have the biggest influence on transfers at United this summer
Ineos in a word, and as it stands the biggest influence is Jason Wilcox whilst they wait for Dan Ashworth’s arrival.
2) Can you name five strikers United are interested in signing
United have done their work on a lot in the past 12-months even before Rasmus Hojlund arrived. For instance Benjamin Sesko they have like for a couple of years and still do. More recently they have done their work on Viktor Gyokeres and Santiago Gimenez. They admire Evan Ferguson too, but don’t forget the one they would take tomorrow is Harry Kane.
3) Can you name five centre-midfielders United are interested in signing
So for this exercise we have to presume Casemiro is leaving, because if he does this list is somewhat different. Joao Neves is a player they like a lot, and also in Portugal there is Morten Hjulmand from Sporting. Keep an eye on Adam Wharton too, he could leave Palace this summer despite moving in January and United like him a lot.
They have a long standing interest in Frenkie De Jong, not getting away from it and then if they had the money I have no doubt they would be the Bruno Guimaraes conversation but they can’t spend their entire summer budget on one player. Would also keep eye on Khephren Thuram at Nice.
4) Can you name five centre-backs United are interested in signing
Yes. Jean-Clair Todibo, Antonio Silva, Jarrad Branthwaite, Gleison Bremer and Giorgio Scalvini – but Scalvini’s injury means he can’t move this summer, but they like him a lot, to throw another one in, Ousmane Diomande – I think him being the right footer is more likely than his Sporting colleague Goncalo Inacio.
5) Can you name five left-backs United are interested in signing
They do like a few in England, Kerkez at Bournemouth and Ait-Nouri at Wolves. But I wonder if they bring one in will it be from France with Melvin Bard and Bradley Locko amongst those they like. They have done work on Ajax’s Jorrel Hato too, he could be an interesting option.
6) Do you expect United to be early or late movers in the transfer windowDepends on the selling clubs but probably later rather than early.
7) What is the fee United are looking for to sell Mason Greenwood?
They want market value – one of the best young forwards in the world, a deal starts at £40million – in that ball park.
8) What is the fee United are looking for to sell Jadon Sancho?
If and when they sell Jadon Sancho, they want as much of the money they spent. Another good season on-loan at Dortmund and it will go in excess of £50m.
9) It has been suggested United are only targeting players 24 and under – could exceptions be made?
I don’t believe that is the case, they have plenty of youth around the squad – they want players to sign at a decent value which they can add to, so normally that does mean a bit younger.
10) Is Altay Bayindir a player you are hearing could leave?United like him a lot, so probably not but if he demands a move – that could force the issue.
11) Are Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka effectively up for sale due to expiring contracts?
Victor Lindelof is, it shocked me when they renewed him. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is someone the club really appreciate, he could sign a new deal but would have to take a wage cut but could with the offer of a longer term.
12) Do you see United sending players on loan to Nice?
Possibly but think the chances are more likely players come the other way…
13) Is Harry Maguire safe this summer or are United open to offers?
No, far from it – he won’t be first choice I don’t believe next season – but as we have seen in last 12-months, it is easier said than done to move big earners in the Premier League.
14) Casemiro to Saudi looks likely, what kind of fee would it take?
United want their money back, so £70m at least – if they can get more and his wages off their balance sheet, they are winning the summer’s transfer window!
15) Is Serie A going to be a market United will target again this summer?
I don’t think there is a preference for any league, but I think France or Portugal looks more likely to see more signings this summer.
16) Can you name one transfer target which didn’t seem likely a few weeks ago and has now emerged as an option?
Not massively, even though Dan Ashworth isn’t in yet and we don’t know if Erik ten Hag is staying – United have a transfer plan. I think if we see a shock, it may come in the striking department.
17) Are you hearing of any interest in Antony at this stage?
Not at the moment.
18) Are you hearing of any interest in Christian Eriksen at this stage?
There is interest in him – he could be one heading to Saudi, but there are clubs around Europe showing an interest so he could try his luck in a new league like France or Spain.
19) What is the most expensive fee on a single player United you could see United paying this summer?
Well the message that has come out, is that United are highly unlikely to go above £50m for any player.
20) Will United look at the Championship market and are any players standing out as options?
Well, if Archie Gray becomes available- United like, most of England love him, but given his strong Leeds affiliation, it would be hard to see him coming to Old Trafford.
21) Who do you think would be the most sensible signing United could make this summer?
I mentioned his name before – if I was United I would go and get Adam Wharton and put him next to Kobbie Mainoo for much of the next decade.
22) Who do you think would be the best signing United could make this summer?
If money was not an issue, I would go to Benfica and take Antonio Silva and Joao Neves.
23) Is there a surprise incoming or outgoing you have a gut-feeling about?
Personally, I think Jean-Clair Todibo in central defence looks a good bet – would be a very solid purchase.
24) Do you think Everton could return to try and sign Hannibal after January interest?
Depends on outgoings and what else they can do, but Everton will need numbers so you never know.
25) Is Jarrad Branthwaite a risk or an investment?
A great investment but at the right price – £70m for a player who has had one big season in the Premier League, then it’s a risk.
26) Are there any right-backs the club are looking at?
They always liked Jeremie Frimpong and Denzel Dumfries, but think right-back is way down the list.
27) Do you think clubs will come in for Scott McTominay this summer?
He is homegrown and presents profit, I think some clubs might come in – but I don’t see him going.
28) Are you aware of any players United will be scouting at the Euros?
Euros, Olympics, Copa America – yes United will be busy, but they won’t sign anyone just based on tournament performances.
29) Is there an expectation Facundo Pellistri will be sold?
Yes, I’d be shocked if he isn’t sold.
30) What would it take for United to decide to sell Marcus Rashford?
A decent offer and they would consider, but Marcus Rashford’s value and wages makes it almost impossible for anyone other than PSG or the Saudi Pro League to take him. Ineos believe he is a world class talent.
Form is temporary etc, but Erik ten Hag or the new head coach has to get him back on track. The hope is that his England heartbreak could help him be ready to hit the ground running next season.