Manchester United have had a quiet transfer window on the incomings front – but don’t expect it to be the same this summer.
The biggest movement for Manchester United this month has been off the pitch, with Ineos beginning preparations for their investment to be ratified by the Premier League.
There have been some transfer rumours around, however, most of these have been with a view to arriving in the summer window.
With the way the 2023/24 season has gone so far, a performance at best described as ‘mediocre’, it is clear Manchester United need to strengthen in multiple positions.
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Centre-back high on Manchester United list
The centre-back position is one where Manchester United need to get better, and younger. Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans are all over 30, and Victor Lindelof will reach that age in July.
Speaking to The United Stand, Fabrizio Romano has explained how Manchester United are preparing to address this position in the summer, with discussions beginning several months ago.
Romano said: “The next centre-back is going to be a crucial signing in the summer. This is something they are already working with the scouting dept with Erik ten Hag involved since the end of September. They had some internal discussions on a new centre-back and they had this plan to sign a top centre-back in the summer.”
He added that there could be more than one signing at the position, commenting: “It could be two centre-backs. A top one, and maybe a one for present and future. It is going to be a really important decision.”
Potential names in the mix already
Various names have been linked, although Romano was clear that it will only really start to take shape once Ineos appoint their sporting director and head of recruitment.
He did say that there are some players he is aware of that Manchester United like, all who have been linked with moves to the club already.
These are Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Lille’s Lenny Yoro, and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
Another name also linked has been Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with The Mail reporting how the Toffees could have to cash in this summer due to financial pressures.
Defence is far from the only position Manchester United need to strengthen this summer. More additions are required in midfield, and in attack, with a striker required to replace and upgrade on outgoing Anthony Martial.
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