Man United’s strongest line-up next season if they complete three perfect transfers

Man United’s strongest line-up next season if they complete three perfect transfers

With just under a fortnight of the season remaining, much of the conversation about Manchester United already centres around the upcoming summer transfer window.

With just over a month to go until the window officially opens, there is a sense of intrigue surrounding Old Trafford about what might happen.

New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a collection of changes off the pitch, meaning plenty are poised to be made on it.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News in February, a record number of sales are planned this summer, meaning exits could reach double figures. United have stockpiled players for too long and need to get a fair amount of deadwood off the books.

Furthermore, United need to remain within the boundaries of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules [PSR], meaning they are open to the possibility of selling some of their most high-profile players. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have not been included on a list of untouchables drawn up by the club.

That does not mean United are going to completely gut their squad this summer and start again from scratch. It is impossible to make the number of changes to the squad Ratcliffe and Ineos may want to make in just one window.

Though a lot of uncertainty surrounds who could be offloaded, United have already drawn up a plan for which positions they want to strengthen. It is understood the additions of a centre-back, a central midfielder and a forward have been identified as leading objectives.

With that said, Andre Onana is set to remain United’s first-choice goalkeeper. He joined the club from Inter Milan less than a year ago and has improved as his debut season in England has unfolded.

He has been included on the list of untouchables, meaning United don’t intend on cashing in on him after just one season at the club. He was drafted in as a long-term replacement for David de Gea and it would be surprising to see the club rip up that particular plan so quickly.

As for the back-four, there is a strong argument for United to strengthen at both full-back and centre-back this summer. The Reds have lacked consistency in both positions this season because of a mountain of injuries.

However, United are prioritising the addition of a centre-back. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Gleison Bremer of Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen ace Edmond Tapsoba are being monitored.

Branthwaite has enjoyed a stellar season at Goodison Park, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the Premier League. His price tag is likely to be eye-watering, but Everton have confirmed they will have to sell players this summer.

Diogo Dalot has been one of United’s better performers this term, meaning he could retain the right-back berth, while Luke Shaw is a more than capable option at left-back when fit. The latter’s injury record, however, does generate cause for concern.

In midfield, United need to source a replacement for Casemiro. The Brazilian has regressed at an alarming rate this season and needs replacing in the defensive midfield berth.