MY ACCOUNT
Erik ten Hag’s reign as Manchester United manager has got off to a positive start and he will now be looking towards some summer signings that can make next season even more successful.
The Red Devils have already won the Carabao Cup this year, are through to the final of the FA Cup and look likely to qualify for the Champions League.
With silverware secured and the possibility of returning to Europe’s elite competition, the next stage will be to mount a challenge for the Premier League title.
Ahead of United’s trip to Brighton, we take a look at some of the players that they could target to make that ambition a reality.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea’s contract expires this summer and he has yet to agree a new deal. A concern over the long-serving keeper is a lack of ability with the ball at his feet.
Fellow Spaniard David Raya could be the ideal successor. The Brentford stopper will only have a year left on his deal by the end of the season.
Unlike De Gea, the 27-year-old is comfortable in possession and would come with the additional bonus of being an English-trained player, having come through Blackburn’s academy as a youngster.
Other possibilities include Ten Hag’s former Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana who is now at Inter Milan, Porto’s Diogo Costa and the Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel.
Defence
With Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both injured and Harry Maguire out of favour, United’s lack of central defensive options has been highlighted.
Martinez signed from Ajax last summer and another defender from the Dutch giants who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford is 21-year-old Jurrien Timber.
Napoli’s South Korean centre-back Minjae Kim could be another target, with his release clause ready to be activated this summer.
A more attacking right-back may be another priority, with the Dutch defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Denzel Dumfries having been linked with the club.
Midfield
An upgrade on the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek looks desirable, with one option being to permanently sign Marcel Sabitzer, who is currently at the club on loan.
There could be a trio of England midfielders available this summer. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice might prove to be too expensive, with other positions being more of a priority for the club.
Mason Mount could prove to be a cheaper alternative, with only a year left of his contract at Chelsea. Another bargain is Leicester’s Youri Tielemans, who will be available on a free transfer.
Juventus maestro Adrien Rabiot will also see his contract expire this summer. Then of course, there is Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong who was chased a year ago and continues to be monitored.
Attack
England captain Harry Kane would be the ideal striker to sign on many levels. Honing in on Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League top scorer record, he has notched 27 times this season.
Yet he will also turn 30 this summer and even though there is only a year remaining on his Tottenham contract, the North Londoners would want a big fee for him and are tough negotiators.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has scored 26 goals and is another option, while Randal Kolo Muani looks set from a major move from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, after a breakthrough season.
Should United look to improve their wide options, then Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus could be a smart choice. The versatile Ghanaian has replaced Antony on the right but can also play in central midfield.
