Manchester United will look to make five signings this summer in line with a new set of rules laid out by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, according to reports. The Red Devils are claimed to be steering clear of ‘Galacticos’ signings and plan to target signings below the age of 25 in search of a younger, fitter squad.
Express Sport runs through United’s potential starting line-up on the opening weekend of next season with four new signings that fit the criteria and an extra one that serves it differently.
Two players could arrive for the purpose of depth. Boca Juniors centre-back Aaron Anselmino (19) is a reported target to add quality and potential to the bench.
He has dazzled scouts from United and Chelsea at the start of his career in Argentina and should come at an affordable price to cover for further centre-back exits beyond Raphael Varane.
Meanwhile, United should opt for an experienced new striker to provide 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund with competition after Anthony Martial’s exit.
Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy is among those linked with a switch to M16 after scoring 30 goals in as many games this term. The 28-year-old is available for less than £20m.
Goalkeeper – Onana
In terms of the starters, Andre Onana had a mixed debut season in English football and will hope to improve in his second campaign.
The 28-year-old’s future may come into question if Erik ten Hag departs but a new goalkeeper certainly won’t be among United’s priorities.
Defence – Dalot, Branthwaite, Martinez, Shaw
Jarrad Branthwaite has a strong chance of being the subject of the first transfer pursuit of the INEOS era, with Everton reportedly valuing the 21-year-old between £60million and £70m.
He would likely be United’s most expensive deal of the summer, serving as a direct replacement for Varane alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
Diogo Dalot was one of Ten Hag’s best players in the 2023/24 season and is nailed on to keep his starting spot next term.
Luke Shaw has suffered a brutal campaign due to injuries, featuring just 15 times. He will be a starter if fit, but Tyrell Malacia will hope to overcome his own issues to provide cover.
Midfield – Onana, Mainoo, Fernandes
Alongside a new centre-back, finding Kobbie Mainoo an ideal partner must be another of United’s priorities this summer.
And like with Branthwaite, the Red Devils could take advantage of Everton’s need to raise funds through player sales by targeting Amadou Onana.
The 22-year-old Belgian offers the level of physicality that would complement Mainoo in a midfield double pivot.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to stay at Old Trafford, and he will once again captain the side in the No. 10 role.
Attack – Olise, Garnacho, Hojlund
United’s final marquee signing should come in the form of a new attacker to add to Ten Hag’s youthful firepower.
Michael Olise is a strong contender to be that signing, with United reportedly set to battle Chelsea for the 22-year-old right-winger’s signature.
He could challenge Amad Diallo and Antony for a starting berth while Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford battle it out on the left.
Hojlund should start next season as United’s first-choice frontman, but the club need to replace Anthony Martial with fresh competition and cover.
