Manchester United hope to make up for a quiet January by making a splash in the summer transfer market.
The club’s primary focus in this early part of 2024 has been on getting a club structure in place to ensure they have a set-up behind the scenes that is ready to help the club return to the highest level.
The recruitment of Omar Berrada as CEO is part of that, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group begin to make their mark. Further additions in that sense are expected, including a sporting director, as part of the ongoing plan.
In terms of the current squad, the main focus has been on starting to filter out players that are not helpful to them right now. Deals for players like Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek were important, while Anthony Martial will lead a list of first-team exits at the end of the season.
Sofyan Amrabat will head back to Fiorentina after his loan, and further decisions must be made that will impact the likes of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Antony. In turn, that will influence just how much incoming business can be done.
Manchester United Summer Transfer Targets
Despite these uncertainties, sources are adamant that United fans can expect an exciting summer, as there will be a definite attempt to upgrade the starting XI all over the pitch. At least one centre back will be brought in, as well as lists being put together for additions in midfield and attack.
Defence is an area of priority, with interest in Jean-Clair Todibo, Antonio Silva, and Jarrad Branthwaite still alive.
Sources are suggesting their transfer targets could change over the coming months though, depending on the views of other high-ranking employees to be brought in on the recruitment side of the club.
The area of most interest to fans could be on the right side of their attack. At the moment, there is a small fear that United are facing a similar problem with Antony that they have had with Sancho.
He is not going to be an easy player to offload, but if a buyer can be found, United would be interested in a right-sided forward as well as a new option at striker to replace Martial.
It is also going to be an interesting few months for Erik ten Hag, who has no guarantees about still being in the job for next season.
Crucially, any transfer target must align with the club’s overall vision – not just be a good fit for what Ten Hag is trying to do.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
