As much as the spending gets everyone excited and optimistic, it can't be all new arrivals this summer and some players will have to leave Old Trafford.
Though Manchester City's treble triumph gave a final sting, it has been a year of progress for Manchester United. In 12 short months, Erik ten Hag had inherited a team lacking in confidence, organisation and discipline and moulded them into a cohesive unit which has won a trophy and returned to the Champions League. All while restoring hope and excitement in a beleaguered fan base.
But his job is far from over. United remain a distance off competing with their neighbours for the Premier League title and to go to that extra level more changes will have to be made in the squad.
It's clear where reinforcements are needed. A striker has to be the top priority given United's struggles in front of goal. Only Aston Villa and Fulham scored fewer out of the teams that finished in the top 10 last season.
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The back-line could once again see investment as another centre-back to replace the likely departing Harry Maguire is on the agenda as well potentially a new right-back. Then there is midfield.
It's the area of the field most important for Ten Hag to get right so he can get his team playing the style he wants. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were excellent in their debut campaigns but as both are over 30 more quality is needed alongside them.
That's because United's other senior midfielders have not been good enough consistently enough. Fred showed flashes last season and put in some big performances in massive games but remains too error-prone to ever be a regular starter.
Scott McTominay is very similar in that he lacks the technical skills in possession to be an effective cog in the machine but has enough energy and physical presence that he can prove himself useful.
Donny van de Beek has been injured for all of 2023 but didn't look like he was improving under his old coach before his season ended prematurely.
If you add starlets Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal into the mix, that is a lot of players for a few spots in the starting XI with more players to come in. United have agreed personal terms with Chelsea star Mason Mount and may yet look to add another defensive midfielder, too.
That's untenable and something will have to give. At least one, maybe even two, of the trio will likely depart in the summer but it still seems like a toss-up whether it will be Fred or McTominay who remains.
When asked about his future by TNT Sports, Fred said: "I still don't know, I have to talk with my family. I still have one year left on my contract here. Now it's holiday time and a good opportunity to rest. I'll talk to my staff, to the club, and see what everyone's decision is.
"I do have to talk with Ten Hag as well; he's the manager, and the conversation has to involve everyone. We have to see how next season will play out. I want to be important; I want to help the team, so we'll see. But I've always been and still am very happy at Manchester United."
Now 30 himself, it's understandable Fred will want to get as many minutes as possible as he approaches the final stages of his career. Age is something the 26-year-old McTominay has to his advantage as the club's youngest senior midfielder but there's another difference which may see him remain.
When quizzed about his own feelings following the season's conclusion, McTominay sounded much more willing to play a tertiary role in the squad. "When you’re on your holidays, you need to relax and take it easy, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m someone who loves football and I love this club," he told the official Manchester United website.
"Whatever happens and however many minutes you play, I’m still going to train hard every single day and give my best for the team and always be there, contribute with some goals every now and again, maybe when you come on, but I feel like, for myself, it’s keep your head down and keep working."
Fred and McTominay are already down the pecking order for a starting place and that isn't going to change when Mount or anyone else arrives. So the player who is more content in playing a, still important, squad role is the one Ten Hag should look to retain.
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