Manchester United decided not to spend money mid-season, targeting a summer splash instead.
From the beginning of the transfer window it was clear that Manchester United were reluctant to settle for a short-term fix.
The focus is instead on summer transfers, and Ineos‘ recruitment team will already be planning.
Priorities can always change, but we are confident we have a pretty good handle on the top areas Manchester United will be seeking to strengthen in the summer.
And there are no tricks here. We are not including ‘head coach’ on our countdown from five to one…
6) Goalkeeper
Sixth on our priority list, Manchester United need to sign a new goalkeeper to compete with Senne Lammens.
First of all, Andre Onana must be sold when he returns from loan. And it is also time to sell Altay Bayindir, the club’s current number two.
Bayindir is not of the level United need. If Lammens was forced to miss a game, there would be instant panic among the fanbase.
There is one man who may negate this need. Loanee Radek Vitek is good enough to return to United and compete for a place.
Whether this happens is another matter. Vitek could be sold to raise funds, or he could be sent on another loan to a Premier League or top European club, if United view this as more useful than spending a season on the bench.
5) Centre-back
Another position dependent on a big decision. Will Manchester United extend Harry Maguire’s contract after his recent impressive performances?
United will have Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro competing for two positions, and Maguire will make it five.
With European football expected, a fifth top centre-back will be required. It is just a question of whether Harry Maguire is in the mix.
If an agreement is not reached on wages, then Maguire could be allowed to walk on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Alternatively, United’s scouting department may have fallen in love with a potential centre-back target, and could cast Maguire aside to land him.
But with four bigger priorities on our list, United could save cash at two positions by keeping Radek Vitek and Harry Maguire around next season.
4) Striker
Qualification for European football will stretch United’s squad far more than it has been tested this 2025/26 season.
United have to decide what to do with back-up forward Joshua Zirkzee, and it is likely he will be sold or sent on loan this coming summer.
The club will look for competition and cover for Benjamin Sesko, although it is too early to speculate on possible names at this stage.
United must decide whether to target another young striker or a proven older-head who can add necessary experience to the frontline.
Youth forwards Chido Obi and Gabriele Biancheri will also be hoping to get into the mix, and this could prompt United to favour a more experienced poacher, to prevent blocking their development long-term.
3) Left-back
Luke Shaw’s fitness has been a revelation this season, with the previously injury-prone left-back starting every single Premier League game.
Shaw needs a break in the summer, but he may not get one if he is called up into England’s World Cup squad.
Next season he will be further tested with European football increasing United’s schedule to playing twice a week. Shaw will need to be rotated or risk breaking down.
Patrick Dorgu is now being utilised as a winger, which means United require a new stand-in left-back.
There is no future for Tyrell Malacia, while Harry Amass and Diego Leon could step up. It is unclear if either will be ready, so United could move in the market.
2) Left-wing
Patrick Dorgu is a great option on United’s left-wing, and the club’s depth is currently being tested here due to his injury.
Matheus Cunha played there against Fulham but took on more of a free role. United will want a different option, a more traditional winger.
One option is to give Marcus Rashford another go, although it is doubtful there is appetite on club or player’s side to give this another go.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has been linked as an option, providing the price is right. He is Amad’s international teammate for Ivory Coast.
All of the above from 6) to 2) all depend on how much money is left over from solving number one…
1) Midfield
Midfield is the number one option and multiple signings are required in this position. We would say at least two.
Casemiro has already announced his departure once his contract expires at the end of the current season. He leaves huge shoes to fill, highlighted by his recent outstanding performances.
United need to sign a second midfielder too, ideally replacing Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan has not been up to standard this season, and it is time to upgrade.
A third signing may not be required if one of the club’s youth stars can step up. Jack Fletcher, Jacob Devaney, Sekou Kone and incoming talent Cristian Orozco could all be in the mix.
The real focus will be on the big signings, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba among the Premier League tested options.
Alternatives from abroad include Ayouub Bouaddi, Manu Kone, and Christos Mouzakitis, and we hope Ineos have a hidden gem or two being prepared.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/aNPJMHu