The summer transfer window has officially reopened until September 1, and Manchester United must step on the accelerator to reshape Ruben Amorim‘s squad before the new season. United have plenty of business to complete if they are to put their disastrous 2024/25 campaign behind them, but it will be easier said than done.
The Red Devils made a statement start to the window by signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5million deal during the mini business period before the FIFA Club World Cup. However, further arrivals are required, and perhaps more importantly, the club must use no European football as an opportunity to sanction an exodus of underperforming players.
Express Sport runs through what United’s dream summer transfer window could look like, in terms of both incomings and outgoings.
Alejandro Garnacho seals transfer
Alejandro Garnacho will leave Old Trafford in the coming months, but given how important his transfer fee is to funding new additions, his exit must come sooner rather than later.
According to the Independent, United have slapped a £70m asking price on Garnacho’s head amid Premier League interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
The dream scenario would be one of the 20-year-old winger’s other suitors – including Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli – stepping forward and meeting his valuation.
Such a transfer fee, which would enter the books as pure profit, could single-handedly fuel United’s transfer window beyond Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Bryan Mbeumo sticks to his guns
Speak of the devil…
United currently face a battle to lure Mbeumo to Old Trafford from Brentford after seeing an opening bid worth a total of £55m rejected.
The Bees are demanding at least £60m guaranteed, which has been the topic of continued discussions between the two clubs over the past week.
But now Tottenham Hotspur are in the picture. New head coach Thomas Frank is reportedly attempting to tempt Mbeumo to join him in North London, a prospect that intrigues the 25-year-old.
He had chosen United as his preferred destination before Frank replaced Postecoglou, though, so there will be hope he opts against a U-turn.
Deadwood removal
Old Trafford hosting no European nights next season is a disaster. But with fewer games on the schedule, it is a prime opportunity to trim Amorim’s squad and the wage bill.
United must ensure they are no longer paying Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia’s wages beyond this summer.
Other first-team players who don’t fit into the long-term project – such as Andre Onana, Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund – must also be moved on.
While missing out on Champions League football is a financial blow, United can boost their books by finally ridding themselves of overpaid, underperforming players.
Addressing the engine room
If Amorim’s 3-4-3 system is going to work at United, he needs significantly more energy and technical quality in midfield.
The lack of concrete links to midfield targets early in the window, despite a clear focus on attacking signings, is a concern.
Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Manuel Ugarte are all talented footballers, but how many suit the midfield pivot?
United must recruit legs, which, as much as he enjoyed an individual renaissance last term, they don’t have when Casemiro starts matches.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk