It looks set to be a busy and expensive summer for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag has done a great job in his maiden campaign in bringing the good times back to Old Trafford. The Dutchman has awoken the sleeping giant and worked wonders in getting them back to the feared side they haven't been for a decade.
But there is still progress to be made. United aren't title challengers yet and it will require some smart and costly additions to get them there, with Erik ten Hag demanding big financial backing come the summer whoever the club's owners are. The transfer kitty should be bolstered by the selling of a number of out-of-favour squad members, and there should be several departures in the summer.
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Here's what the perfect United squad could look like next season.
Goalkeepers
De Gea, Heaton, Butland
It's easy to forget that Dean Henderson is still contracted to United but it would be a surprise if he played for them again after he burnt some bridges with a scathing interview following his loan exit. David De Gea has firmly established himself as Ten Hag's No.1 anyway with some excellent performances. Tom Heaton is a capable second choice and with Jack Butland's contract at Crystal Palace expiring in the summer it would be smart to pick him up on a free.
Defenders
Dalot, Dumfries, Varane, Martinez, Lindelof, Kim Min-jae, Shaw, Malacia
Although defence isn't a priority area in the transfer window there could still be some signings and departures. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe will leave when their contract expires, Eric Bailly and Brandon Williams may look to leave and Alex Telles has been earmarked to be sold.
Captain Harry Maguire is also on the transfer list and United may move to sign a centre-back in his place to bolster their ranks if he's sold. Napoli's Kim Min-jae has been linked. Despite improving considerably, Aaron Wan-Bissaka still isn't favoured much by Ten Hag and could seek a move away. The manager may also attempt to bring in a new right-back with fellow Dutchman Denzel Dumfries being heavily touted.
Midfielders
Bellingham, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes, McTominay, Mainoo
It will be hard to sign him ahead of Manchester City and Real Madrid but bringing in Jude Bellingham would be a sensational signal that would announce United's return to being a main event concern and title contender again. The teenager would cost a hell of a lot of money but would be worth every penny.
It might also be wise to bring Marcel Sabitzer back if a reasonable deal can be struck with Bayern Munich. The Austrian has fitted in well since his arrival, is a useful, versatile option and would provide extra strength in depth.
Scott McTominay has been linked away but it might be worth keeping him for one more season. Even though he lacks the technical proficiency needed for a Ten Hag side, he does provide good energy and a physical presence. Donny van de Beek could be shown the door though as he hasn't been able to rediscover his Ajax form even under the old Ajax manager.
Forwards
Kane, Rashford, Kudus, Sancho, Antony, Garnacho, Pellistri, Amad, Weghorst
A new striker is the biggest priority this summer and Harry Kane is the prime target. The Tottenham talisman would be the perfect addition as he can bring the missing cutting edge but would also fit excellently with how Ten Hag wants to play thanks to his sublime ability on the ball. Mohammed Kudus is also on the club's radar and in a dream scenario ... why not get both?
Budget would be an issue of course but Kudus is an extremely talented and exciting forward capable of playing across the attack. He would bring extra creativity to the side and would be a great addition thanks to his versatility.
Wout Weghorst may have earned a permanent move and as long as he's a squad player and mostly used on the bench rather than being relied on to start every game it could work. Ten Hag clearly likes him and it would be a good option. Amad has impressed on loan this year and has earned the chance to be in the squad.
Anthony Martial should be sold with Anthony Elanga heading out on loan.
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