LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United lifts the FA Cup trophy with Erik ten ... [+]
While the 23/24 season has now come to a conclusion, Manchester United’s backroom staff and higher-ups will be in overdrive coming into the summer transfer window.
With the wholesale changes at ownership level, along with c-suite level executives arriving, Manchester United are attempting to address the inefficiencies currently at the club and get back on the right path.
It is an incredibly important summer to get recruitment right – an area of the club which has been consistently scrutinised – and make sure players with the right profile, both mentally and technically, are arriving.
The Red Devils have been lured into star-signings over the last decade, since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, which has caused more headaches than brought in silverware. INEOS, guided by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will be looking to correct this moving forward and bring players in who are at the beginning of their illustrious career – not at the end of it.
And so that brings Manchester United needing to address a number of positions this summer, but none more so than: central defender, central midfielder, right winger.
While Lisandro Martinez once again showcased his superior abilities on the ball, his injury record this season has been somewhat troublesome. With his unique combination of speed, intelligence and positioning, let alone his technical side, the Red Devils crucially miss him when he is absent.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Raphaël Varane of Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Final match ... [+]
Raphael Varane has played his last game for the club and will depart on a free transfer, as well as Jonny Evans; while one of Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire is also likely to move on, searching for pastures new where they are playing on a more regular basis.
It is critical that Manchester United sign, at the very least, one centre back this summer, but the likelihood is that they will look to bring in two. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and OGC Nice’s
Other departures among the team will be across central midfield and right wing, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and potentially even Antony being subject to offers and decisions.
Sofyan Amrabat, signed on-loan from ACF Fiorentina last summer, has had a mixed season but found real form in the last remaining matches of the campaign, taking Casemiro’s place in the FA Cup final and carrying out an excellent job.
It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils turn his loan deal into a permanent one as there is a real case to be made for using him as a squad player position to be had in the middle of the park.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund plays the ball during the Bundesliga ... [+]
At right wing, Sancho plays in a Champions League final this coming weekend, after being exiled by Ten Hag in the autumn after their coming together. It looks certain that the Englishman is to depart to either Borussia Dortmund or another overseas club, unless there is a change in management and relationships are mended.
Antony, who was signed two summers ago for £90 million, has had a disastrous season and not performed anywhere near to the level that has been expected of him. If a suitable offer comes in, there is no doubt that Manchester United will seriously consider it.
Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, on the other hand, has enjoyed a remarkable season when on the pitch. His minutes might have been reduced due to injuries, but he has recorded 16 goals and assists in 19 Premier
At 22, he is the type of profile in terms of age and ability that Manchester United should be looking at. While he will not be cheap, he has a £60 million release clause that can be activated this summer.
A lot of change will continue to take force at Manchester United in what is expected to be a very busy summer ahead.
