On the whole, you could argue that it’s been a good season for Manchester United, even if there have been some negatives to go along with the collection of positives. They’re likely to qualify for the Champions League, they’ve won the Carabao Cup, and they’re in the final of the FA Cup. But already, people are talking about next season and how the team could look after the summer. Since Erik ten Hag arrived as manager, the Dutchman has been quick to stamp his authority, not just on the playing squad but the style of play too. And you’d suggest that Manchester United’s odds of winning the premier league next season are looking as good as they are because of the work the former Ajax chief has gotten through and the belief he will do more good job over the coming months.
The immediate area where you’d expect Ten Hag and United to strengthen is up front. After Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, United have lacked a central striker who can get goals. Wout Weghorst arrived on loan but has failed to deliver, and the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are more suited to playing wide left. The Old Trafford faithful have been used to watching a world-class number nine at work, and someone like Harry Kane could well fit the bill ahead of next term.
When United’s midfield has been missing one of either Casemiro or Christian Eriksen, it has struggled to operate at times, and this is another area you’d expect ten Hag to address. There are rumours that Scott McTominay could be made available for transfer, and if he is, you’d imagine there’d be a search for better. Brighton’s World Cup winner Alexis MacAllister looks like he will be on the move and could prove to be a shrewd signing because of his age and Premier League experience.
United are well stocked at centre-back, but with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both out, the defensive frailties of old have resurfaced, and it could be a case of adding strength in depth there is on the agenda. Evan Ndicka, a French centre-half plying his trade at Frankfurt, has been linked, and at twenty-three, there’s plenty of development to be made, so he’d likely arrive and be brought along before earning a regular starting berth.
Another area of the defence that could be explored is right back, depending on Aaron Wan-Bisakka. The 25-year-old was out in the cold and has forced his way back in and impressed, but with Diogo Dalot preferred Ten Hag, if Wan-Bissaka isn’t going to play, he could move on, and there would be a need to replace him.
United are also still yet to agree a new deal with number one goalkeeper David de Gea. The club retain an option to extend his contract by twelve months but wants him to take a pay cut, so the option may not be viable. After more shaky performances, it’s possible he would leave, but a top-class replacement would be needed, and that would cost in what will probably be another expensive summer at Old Trafford.
