Doubt prevails over who’ll be marauding the home Old Trafford dugout at the start of the 2024/25 season, but the summer transfer window is nonetheless a crucial one for Manchester United.
Supporters will be pleading for greater hierarchical stability with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS coming to the fore.
This will be the first transfer window overseen by the new regime but any transfer dealings are likely to be made once a decision over Erik ten Hag’s future is made.
Will they be building the squad in the image of Ten Hag or his successor this summer?
Positions Man Utd need to strengthen this summer
Man Utd will build around Kobbie Mainoo in midfield / Visionhaus/GettyImages
The Red Devils reportedly have three positions of need this summer: centre-back, central midfield, and striker. They’re set to rejuvenate their core.
The club could also enter the market for a new left-back after Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia endured injury-plagued 2023/24 seasons.
United have a cornerstone centre-back to build around in Lisandro Martinez, but the Argentine requires a long-term partner following Raphael Varane’s exit. Harry Maguire missed the end of the season through injury.
Kobbie Mainoo was a shining light in an otherwise dysfunctional midfield crippled by ageing legs and a pitiful defensive structure. United want to get younger and more athletic player in the middle of the park.
The club signed their potential long-term number nine last summer in Rasmus Hojlund, but the Dane’s debut campaign was a mixed bag. While he enjoyed a productive purple patch in the new year, Hojlund otherwise struggled for goals and often failed to make a notable impact in games. United don’t necessarily need a striker to usurp the Dane, but one that can provide stiffer competition.
Man Utd’s confirmed transfer targets
Jarrad Branthwaite broke out at Everton last season / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Interestingly, United’s priority centre-back target appears to be the left-footed Jarrad Branthwaite. The imposing Everton defender enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 campaign, and the Toffees may be forced into selling the Englishman given their financial concerns.
Branthwaite and Martinez have both exclusively lined up on the left side of defence during their Premier League careers. Portuguese international Goncalo Inacio, another left-footed centre-back, is also being considered.
A move for a right-sided defender makes more sense, and United could reignite their interest in Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo. The enigmatic French centre-back was linked with a move to the club last summer as a replacement for Maguire.
Benfica’s Joao Neves is bound to garner plenty of attention from Europe’s elite, and he’s been touted as a potential option for United in midfield. Another Primeira Liga star, Morten Hjulmand, is also said to be on the club’s radar.
The Red Devils are one of several clubs with a vested interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. They’ll have to beat out Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea for his signature, however.
Man Utd transfer rumours
Reports are linking Bruno Fernandes with a move away / Visionhaus/GettyImages
- Jadon Sancho will hold talks with Man Utd representatives before deciding on his next move. The winger was sent back on loan to Borussia Dortmund in January after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag. (Date: 5th June; Source:ESPN)
- Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr are ready to make a £128m bid to Manchester United for captain Bruno Fernandes in the hope of reuniting him with Cristiano Ronaldo. (Date: 4th June; Source: CaughtOffside)
- Man Utd have already submitted a £51m bid for Joao Neves, which Benfica have rejected. The Portuguese giants are seeking a fee of at least £85m. (Date: 4th June; Source: Record – Portugal)
- Bayern Munich have entered talks with the agent of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes over a summer move to the Allianz Arena. Barcelona are also interested in the midfielder. (Date: 3rd June; Source: O Jogo – Portugal)
- In terms of fresh incomings, Sir Alex Ferguson’s recent meeting with Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman was in regards to Man Utd’s interest in Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi. (Date: 3rd June; Source: Football Insider)
- Man Utd are expected to ramp up their efforts to sign Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, who has a €100m (£85m) release clause, ahead of Real Madrid. (Date: 1st June; Source: O Jogo – Portugal)
- Manchester United want a versatile defender who can play both centre-back and right-back, and have set their sights on Barcelona’s Jules Kounde. The Frenchman, who is valued at €50m (£42.5m) is open to leaving Camp Nou. Date: 31st May; Source: FootballTransfers)
- On Manchester United’s radar is Trevoh Chalobah, who impressed in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season. (Date: 31st May; Source: Independent)
Who Man Utd could sell this summer
Casemiro’s form nose-dived last season / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages
There could be a major reshuffle this summer, with the new regime regarding just a few current players as untouchable.
United will listen to offers for a host of big names, including Marcus Rashford and Casemiro. It now seems likely for the latter to move on following his woeful drop-off in year two. The Saudi Pro League beckons.
Mason Greenwood has no future in Manchester and will likely be sold this summer after he played for Getafe on loan last season. Jadon Sancho will also return to the club having starred on loan at Borussia Dortmund down the stretch. His future will depend on whether Ten Hag stays or goes.
Altay Bayindir, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, and Antony could also be sold.