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?
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.
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…
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