Manchester United still have plenty of important games left this season, but thoughts are already turning to the summer transfer window.
Erik ten Hag’s side can still complete an impressive campaign, with an FA Cup semi-final against Brighton on Sunday and a top-four finish possible. With the Carabao Cup already won, there are plenty of signs of improvement under the Dutchman’s management.
But the 3-0 defeat by Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday showed the weaknesses of the current squad. Ten Hag has already brought in Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, but more additions are definitely needed this summer.
Former United defender Gary Neville has identified what he believes are the most important areas that need to be addressed. He thinks the focus should be on the defence, with a goalkeeper, centre-back and right-back required, as well as a centre-forward.
David de Gea has been United’s first-choice goalkeeper almost ever since he joined the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011. But his weaknesses were clear against Sevilla and his contract is set to expire in the summer.
Jack Butland is expected to return to Crystal Palace at the end of his loan spell, leaving Tom Heaton as the only senior keeper at the club, while Dean Henderson is out on loan. United have previously been linked with Brentford stopper David Raya, with the Spaniard possessing the skills to play out from the back. “I like a GK with big presence personally. That’s number 1 for me,” Neville tweeted.
The defence was also extremely culpable for the mauling by Sevilla, with Harry Maguire at sixes and sevens in both legs. Martinez and Raphael Varane are Ten Hag’s first-choice pairing at the back, but another centre-back might be needed.
Monaco star Axel Disasi could well fit the bill. The 25-year-old is a full France international and possesses lots of raw qualities. He has caught the eye of the top clubs, who are reportedly circling ahead of the summer window opening.
Right-back is an interesting suggestion from Neville, considering the club currently has two senior players in that position in the form of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. There have previously been suggestions that Wan-Bissaka could be made available for a transfer in the summer. If that comes to fruition then Denzel Dumfries could be signed as a replacement.
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The Dutchman has excellent attacking qualities, boasting a goal and six assists in Serie A this season for Inter Milan. At 26, he has plenty of international experience with the Netherlands and looks set for a transfer this summer. A figure of £35million was floated in January.
Centre-forward is the most obvious requirement for United, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo with loanee Wout Weghorst in January. Weghorst is unlikely to be signed permanently in the summer and the fitness issues of Anthony Martial has left Marcus Rashford as the only option up front.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been touted for a transfer, but would command a fee. A more attractive proposition is that of Harry Kane, who is about to enter the final year of his contract at Tottenham.
The England captain is Premier League-proven and has the perfect all-round game to take United to the next level in the 2023/24 season. United won’t be the only interested party, but the chance to be the team’s talisman and play in the Champions League could be a persuasive combination.
Possible Man Utd XI next season: Raya; Dumfries, Martinez, Disasi, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen, Sabitzer; Fernandes, Rashford, Kane.
