Roberto De Zerbi’s six-man Man United transfer wishlist to kickstart Sir Jim Ratcliffe era

Roberto De Zerbi’s six-man Man United transfer wishlist to kickstart Sir Jim Ratcliffe era

Manchester United are looking for summer transfer window signings, but it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag will remain as manager given INEOS’ interest in Roberto De Zerbi

Manchester United supporters will already be looking ahead to next season as the 2023/24 campaign begins to peter out.

The FA Cup is Erik ten Hag’s final chance for silverware this term, with the club already out of the Premier League title race and no longer in Europe. Whether or not the Dutchman will be the figure to oversee summer spending that is likely to take place is another matter.

Ten Hag is under pressure and his position at Old Trafford is regarded as uncertain. One individual United may turn their attention to as a potential replacement is Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, whose style of play has caught the eye of many since his arrival at Brighton & Hove Albion in October 2022.

Jarrad Branthwaite | Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton looks on
Branthwaite has emerged as a crucial player for Everton since being handed a first-team chance by Sean Dyche at the start of the campaign.

The 21-year-old has oozed composure when defending one-v-one and has appeared equally as cool when attempting to play out from the back for the Toffees. Branthwaite would go some way to fixing United’s problems in this part of the pitch and has the potential to continue improving due to his young age.

Michael Olise | Crystal Palace

Michael Olise of Crystal Palace reacts
The Palace ace is reportedly a priority target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the club looks to “lower the age profile of their signings”. Olise has been in fine form for Palace this season during his limited game time, scoring six goals and registering three assists in 11 appearances.

The French winger will not come cheap, though, with United expected to pay in the region of £70m. Olise would come straight into the starting lineup and would offer the Red Devils more pace and unpredictability in the final third.

Pedro Neto | Wolves

Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates after scoring
A potential alternative should United fail to get a deal done for Olise.

The Portuguese forward is expected to leave Wolves during the 2023 summer transfer window and would be a smart signing were the Reds to register interest. Neto has reached double figures for assists this season, highlighting his value to Gary O’Neil’s side

Jean-Clair Todibo | Nice

A regular starter in the heart of Nice’s defence, Todibo has been with his current club for three years.

The 24-year-old is a player Ratcliffe will be no stranger to due to his ownership of the French club, who have benefitted from the consistent performances of the centre-back. Todibo still has three years remaining on his contract, so is unlikely to come at a discount price.

Jeremie Frimpong | Bayer Leverkusen

The right-back is enjoying a stellar season with Leverkusen, who currently lead Bayern Munich by eight points in the Bundesliga table with only 11 games remaining. Frimpong has scored nine times while also providing ten assists for his team-mates, complimenting Xabi Alonso’s attacking style of play to great effect.

Recently commenting on his future, the 23-year-old opened the door to a potential transfer to the Premier Leaguem saying: “Liverpool? Great club, with history. That would be great. Who knows what the future will bring.”