Five free agent bargains Man United can sign after surprise Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer call

Five free agent bargains Man United can sign after surprise Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer call

Manchester United chiefs have slashed the club’s budget for next season, with free agents now Ruben Amorim’s best chance of overhauling his squad in this summer’s transfer window.

Manchester United’s budget for the summer window is set to be minimal, with club chiefs preparing to miss out on European football next season.

The Red Devils have endured an awful season, having been knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, while languishing in 14th in the Premier League. Their only chance of securing qualification for Europe next year is to win the Europa League, which appears a tall order.

United chiefs had already budgeted on the basis that the club will spend the next four years in the Europa League – not the Champions League. But it is claimed that club bosses have even factored in the threat of no European football at all next season as part of their costings.

Jonathan Tah
A key area that needs attention in the transfer market is centre-back, with Amorim’s preferred system leaving United stretched on quality in this area. Lisandro Martinez’s ACL injury also makes signing a central defender a priority for the summer.

Jonathan Tah’s contract will expire in the summer and it appears unlikely he will be remaining with Bayer Leverkusen. While at 29 he is on the older side, Tah has played all but one game for Leverkusen this term and has regularly captained them.

Angel Gomes
Making a move for Angel Gomes would represent something of a homecoming for the attacking midfielder. He graduated from United’s academy, even becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

Gomes joined Lille in 2020 and has starred for the French side, helping them to win the Trophée des Champions a year after his arrival. The 24-year-old has the perfect profile and would bring desperately needed help in attacking areas, having been Ligue 1’s top assist provider in the 2023/2024 campaign.

Tariq Lamptey
Tariq Lamptey is an experienced Premier League right-back but is still only 24 years-old. Lamptey has had a mixed season with Brighton this year, spending long spells out of the team.

While he appears back in their plans, his contract will expire ahead of the summer transfer window. Lamptey would certainly be an upgrade on United’s current options at right-back and has experience of playing in multiple systems from his five years at the Seagulls.

Olivier Boscagli
While he has never played in the Premier League, Olivier Boscagli would still boost United’s defensive options. The 27-year-old has helped PSV Eindhoven to win the KNVB Cup in 2023 and the Eredivisie title the following year.

He has also captained the Dutch side this season, displaying the leadership qualities that United badly need. The fact he isn’t part of France’s national team would also allow him to spend more time with Amorim on the training ground.

Frank Anguissa
While most of these players are defensive options, United clearly need the most help in central midfield. Frank Anguissa would fill that role perfectly, having been a key man for Napoli in their title challenge this season