After an encouraging 2022-23 season, Manchester United will be looking at reinforcements to bolster their squad further for the 2023-24 season. Manager Erik ten Hag should be given some players to increase the squad depth and fill some key gaps in the first XI.
The Red Devils enjoyed a fruitful transfer window last year. The club were able to sign 6 players for a combined fee of around £220 million. Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst arrived as further ammunition in the winter window, albeit on loan deals.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United will be constrained by a transfer budget of “just” £100 million for reinforcements in the 2023-24 season to comply with the FFP regulations. Unless the Red Devils are able to offload a substantial number of players, they will have to make do with the limited funds.
Erik ten Hag’s team also require reinforcements in multiple positions. This could mean that the club need to target some smart investments instead of pursuing big names in this window. Here are the positions Manchester United should look for reinforcements in for the 2023-24 season:
Goal-Keeper
Man United have little clarity on David de Gea’s future at the club. The Spaniard will become a free agent this summer. Talks of contract renewal have been doing rounds for several months now but with little progress. Even if the Spaniard does extend his stay, United are in desperate need of some competition for the position.
De Gea has made multiple errors at crucial junctures this season. This included a key mistake that cost United the FA Cup against Manchester City. The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper is also limited with the ball at his feet. As a result, the team as a unit have been forced to compensate and opt for a different approach with the ball.
The Red Devils will ideally need a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, commanding in his box, and a reliable shot-stopper. According to The Athletic, Man United have already started taking precautionary measures.
The Red Devils have put Dean Henderson’s exit on halt as a result of the uncertainty over De Gea. The Englishman could however still prefer an exit from Old Trafford. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in securing his services as a replacement for Hugo Lloris.
1. Bart Verbruggen
Manchester United are also looking at talented youngster Bart Verbruggen. The 18-year-old has kept 13 clean sheets in 37 games for Anderlecht this season. With a contract until 2025, the Belgian side may stand their ground and demand a higher transfer fee.
2. Andre Onana
Another interesting option is Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana. The 27-year-old has worked with Ten Hag at Ajax before too. In 41 games this season, Onana has affected 19 clean sheets and conceded only 36 goals (stats via Transfermarkt). The Cameroonian goalie is also elite with the ball at his feet, and loves to get involved in the build-up and passing from deep.
Onana could be available for a fee of around €50 million (via Sky Sports) despite joining the Nerazzurri just one year ago. The Red Devils could try to further reduce the asking price by offering 1-2 players as part of the deal.
Defence
Manchester United have been linked with a new centre-back signing for months now. Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has been particularly linked with a move to Old Trafford. However, as per latest reports, the Red Devils may have lost the race to secure the South Korean international.
United have signed Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane for a combined fee of over €100 million in successive transfer windows. While Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire may not cut it out as starters, the duo can still serve as capable backups. Luke Shaw has also excelled in the central position when called upon.
Considering the depth United already possess, spending €60 million on a player who is not guaranteed to start seems questionable. The club could instead invest in other positions for next season.
Diogo Dalot’s new long-term contract binds down the Portuguese international until 2028. Aaron Wan-Bissaka too has convinced Ten Hag with impressive performances this season. Similarly, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have performed well down the left.
1. Arnau Martinez
If Manchester United still want to add some depth to their backline, they can turn their attention to 20-year-old Arnau Martinez. The Girona man can work as a right-back, centre-back or even down the left. He has occasionally been used as a wing-back too.
Martinez has 3 goals and 4 assists for Girona this season (stats via fbref). The Spaniard has a release clause of just €20 million. With Atletico Madrid and Barcelona also in pursuit of the 20-year-old, the Red Devils need to act quickly to snap up an underrated gem.
Midfield
Although Manchester United have many areas to fix, the midfield is in most urgent need of strengthening. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been crucial to Ten Hag’s system, in 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. Fred and Christian Eriksen have chipped in with useful contributions. However, most fans would prefer to see the duo, and Scott McTominay undertake less prominent roles in the playing XI.
Donny van de Beek’s injury also hampered his contribution to the team mid-season. The Dutch midfielder could also be headed out this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano (via topflight). This means United could use 2 signings for the midfield: one deep-lying playmaker alongside or in place of Casemiro, and an advanced midfielder.
1. Gabri Veiga (Attacking Midfield)
Gabri Veiga has had a breakout season with Celta Vigo in this 2022-23 campaign. The 21-year-old registered 11 goals and 4 assists in the league (stats via fbref). This included a crucial brace against Barcelona on the last day to save Celta from relegation.
The Spanish attacker stellar performances have caught the attention of various teams including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid. With a release clause of €34.5 million, the Spaniard offers a much more affordable option for United.
2. Romeo Lavia (Defensive/Central Midfielder)
One of the lone bright spots for Southampton this season, Lavia has been very impressive with composed performances in the middle of the field. The Belgian also received a national team call-up for the International friendlies in March.
One of the lone bright spots for Southampton this season, Lavia has been very impressive with composed performances in the middle of the field. The Belgian also received a national team call-up for the International friendlies in March.
The former Manchester City youth academy man can work as a lone pivot or in a double pivot equally well. Football London reports that Chelsea are keen on snapping up the 19-year-old, and may have to pay a fee of around £40-50 million.
Attack
Manchester United have been desperately looking for a long-term striker for several years now. The Red Devils have assembled all the components necessary to complement a #9 in the system. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony can play down the wings. Amad Diallo could also play a role with the first team next season.
Signing a striker would feel like adding the final piece of the puzzle for Ten Hag’s system. The Red Devils have been largely linked with Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane. However, both these players are guaranteed to cost over £100 million apiece. Furthermore, Kane has been heavily linked to Real Madrid, while Osimhen is unlikely to leave this summer. Here are two more options that Manchester United could pursue ahead of the 2023-24 season for the attacking reinforcements:
1. Enes Unal:
Unal has enjoyed a hugely successful 2022-23 season with Getafe in the La Liga. The Turkish striker scored 14 times and assisted thrice in 35 league games (via fbref). According to reports, Unal could be available for a fee of around £35 million. Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the former Villarreal attacker.
Enes Unal is a classic poacher mould. The 26-year-old mostly lurks in and around the box. He is strong in the air and a very reliable finisher. Unal may not offer United the same tactical flexibility Weghorst did. Instead, he would act as the focal point to which the rest of the team channels their attacks.
2. Randal Kolo Muani:
Kolo Muani has been linked with several clubs including Bayern Munich. The Frenchman is a rapid attacker, with a sharp eye for goal. He has 15 goals and 11 assists from 32 league games this season (via fbref). However, the 24-year-old could cost a staggering £90-100 million, which may put him out of reach for United.
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Who should Manchester United sign as reinforcements this summer ahead of the 2023-24 season? What are the positions should the Red Devils look to strengthen? Let us know in the comments.
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