Erik ten Hag still doesn’t know who will own Manchester United next season, making transfer business even more difficult than usual to conduct this summer.
As the lack of clarity over United’s potential new owners rages on throughout the transfer window, predicting how the Red Devils will line up next term is difficult. As thing stand, with only a deal for Mason Mount wrapped up, Ten Hag will be desperate for extra reinforcements, with a number of areas in his squad in need of replenishment.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at what positions the Red Devils should look to strengthen in the transfer window when the purse strings are eventually loosened.
Similarly to the lack of communication around the takeover process, there has been very little indication from Manchester United on whether David de Gea will be at the club next season.
The Spaniard is technically a free agent after his contract expired at the end of June and, despite having agreed to take a significant pay cut, Ten Hag may be tempted to move towards a goalkeeper who can more comfortably implement his philosophy with the ball at his feet.
If the 32-year-old’s 12-year Old Trafford journey is coming to an end, then United desperately need to find his successor.
Inter’s Andre Onana appears to be the priority target for Ten Hag, with the Cameroonian goalkeeper desperate to make a move to the Theatre of Dreams. Onana showcased his ability to play out from the back perfectly during the Champions League final despite defeat, with the stopper even managing to trump Ederson’s passing range. Ten Hag will have been purring watching such a technical display.
The knives have been well and truly out since day one of Harry Maguire’s United career and the central defender has been unable to shake the criticism that has landed at his feet. Admittedly, the 30-year-old sometimes hasn’t helped himself, with Sevilla’s 3-0 demolition of the Red Devils in the Europa League last season a prime example.
With rumours linking him away from Manchester – and Eric Bailly also on the move – United could be left with just three senior centre-back options. Luke Shaw did perform admirably in the centre of defence last season, but Ten Hag will be keen on keeping him at left-back next term.
That likely means the Dutchman will need another squad option next season, especially given the increased workload that comes with Champions League football. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, their main target Kim Min-jae is on his way to Bayern Munich, meaning they may have to turn to alternative options.
Monaco’s Axel Disasi may be one to keep an eye out for in the coming weeks.
One of the best bits of business United did last summer was to bring in Casemiro from Real Madrid.
The Brazilian destroyer effortlessly embraced his new surroundings and became a surprising goal threat from set pieces too. It was a brilliant debut Premier League season for the defensive-midfielder, who proved any doubters – chiefly Graeme Souness – wrong.
However, Casemiro turns 32 next February and is perpetually on a yellow card, meaning his minutes may be managed next season. He was made to play 51 games for the Red Devils last term and would expect a little more help from his colleagues in the upcoming campaign.
Ten Hag’s side undoubtedly looked weaker in his absence and United may regret not looking for a younger alternative to share his minutes when necessary. Bringing in a Romeo Lavia-type would be an ideal situation for the club, offering competition and enabling a young holding midfielder to be mentored by one of the greatest in the business.
READ MORE ON MASON MOUNT’S MOVE TO MAN UTD
There is no doubt where United need to strengthen most and that’s in the centre-forward position.
With Harry Kane an increasingly unlikely target, links to the Serie A trio of Dusan Vlahovic, Rasmus Hojlund and Victor Osimhen have surfaced since. While all expensive, they would be clear improvements to the Red Devils’ blunt forward line.
An emergency loan for Wout Weghorst last January turned out to be more of a meme than a masterstroke, while Anthony Martial’s fitness meant he was unable to find any form or consistency. Ten Hag will be eager to sharpen his attacking ranks next season which may help ease the goalscoring burden on Marcus Rashford’s shoulders.
If United can only sign one more player in the market, it simply has to be a striker.
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On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette discuss Manchester United’s interest in Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat. If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast in audio format!
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