With the transfer window now officially open, there is no time to waste for Manchester United as they look to revamp the squad following Erik ten Hag’s arrival.
The club is coming off the back of a disastrous season and there is plenty of work to do all across the pitch, particularly after the departures of some big-name players, including Paul Pogba, on free transfers.
At the end of the campaign, interim boss Ralf Rangnick expected the club to bring in “six or eight new players”, while the club will also be keen to free up space on the wage bill by moving on those surplus to requirements.
Here’s what a perfect summer would look like for Man United...
Goalkeeper
In: Johnstone
Out: Henderson
With problems to address elsewhere in the squad, United would be wise to cash in on Dean Henderson this summer, with the goalkeeper likely to be keen on a move as he tries to force his way into England’s World Cup squad.
The club should be able to get a decent fee for the 25-year-old, who they can replace with former United man Sam Johnstone who is available on a free transfer.
He would provide a solid back-up option to David de Gea while allowing resources to be used elsewhere in the summer rebuild.
Defence
In: Timber, Dumfries
Out: Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Jones, Williams
Ten Hag will be keen to bring in a centre-back this window and Jurrien Timber could well follow him from Ajax to Old Trafford. A move for the 20-year-old looks a no-brainer with United seemingly in pole position to get it over the line.
Options at right-back also need improving and Denzel Dumfries would do just that, adding to the Dutch revolution at the club. One of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would then be sold and the Englishman, who made only 26 appearances across all competitions this season, should bring in significants funds to be reinvested.
Eric Bailly and Phil Jones can both be moved on too, especially if new arrivals come in at the back as expected, while United should also listen to offers from Brandon Williams as he returns from his loan spell at Norwich.
Midfield
In: De Jong, Neves
Out: Pereira
If there is one area that United need to focus on this summer, it’s the midfield. Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are all leaving as their contracts expire this month, leaving plenty of work to be done to fill those gaps.
Frenkie de Jong is evidently a major target and would be a superb signing, reuniting with Ten Hag who he had so much success with while at Ajax. The 25-year-old would provide some much-needed control to the midfield. With so many departures in that area of the pitch, a second arrival seems necessary and with the likes of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips seemingly unattainable, Ruben Neves could be a perfect option to join De Jong.
Andreas Pereira has had a number of loan spells away from Old Trafford in recent seasons and should United secure the signings they want this summer, his future at the club seems incredibly uncertain. A permanent move would suit both parties.
Attack
In: Scamacca, Antony
Out: Martial
Liverpool are set to win the race for Darwin Nunez so United will have to their focus elsewhere. Edinson Cavani will not be at the club next season and it would be unwise to go into the campaign with Cristiano Ronaldo as the only option at striker. Gianluca Scamacca would provide competition and have a year to settle in before stepping up when Ronaldo likely leaves the club next summer.
Ten Hag’s relationship with Antony can help bring the Ajax winger to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old an exciting option out wide to freshen up a squad that struggled so often in attack.
The new boss will be desperate to get more out of Jadon Sancho and there is every chance he does so, while Anthony Martial has had enough chances at the club and failed to score a single La Liga goal during his time at Seville. Now is the time for United to sell the Frenchman permanently and accept the risk that he goes on to impress elsewhere.
