Manchester United attempted to rebuild further in the summer and it has not gone to plan so far. This season has showed plenty of work needs to be done, and a further overhaul is needed.
Manager Erik ten Hag has to go back to the drawing board and consider who should be targeted in upcoming transfer windows, and just as importantly, who to ship out and make way.
Here is a look at five realistic players Manchester United could target, and five who need to be replaced.
In
Goncalo Inacio: Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio is ready for his next career move. The 22-year-old is now a Portugal international regular, and Fabrizio Romano reports the Red Devils have been scouting him. Inacio has a release clause of £52 million in his contract, setting a reasonable cap on how much he could cost.
Jean-Clair Todibo: Another highly rated centre-back, France international Jean-Clair Todibo has had an excellent start to the season in Ligue 1 with Nice. Manchester United were linked to Todibo right up to the transfer deadline, L’Equipe reported. Still only 23, United could sign Todibo in addition to Inacio, rather than pinning their hopes on one more expensive defender.
Ivan Toney: Manchester United need a goalscorer to take the pressure off Rasmus Hojlund, one who won’t block his development long-term. 27-year-old Ivan Toney is the right fit. He’s proven in the Premier League, motivated to test himself at a higher level, and a physical threat who can lead the line.
Arthur Vermeeren: Royal Antwerp teenager Arthur Vermeeren is earning plaudits for his performances and the playmaker is being tipped as his country’s next big star. The central midfielder already has two Champions League assists this season The Mirror reports there is interest from United.
Adam Wharton: Another bright young prospect, Manchester United could look to the Championship for up and coming prospect Adam Wharton. The young defensive midfielder already has 33 first team appearances for Blackburn and would be available at a reasonable fee. The Sun reported interest from United in late August.
Out
Jadon Sancho: It seems a foregone conclusion that Jadon Sancho will leave Manchester United. He has not trained with the first team for more than a month, and his first two seasons at the club were underwhelming. Sancho is not needed, with Amad Diallo a ready-made replacement ready to step up.
Victor Lindelof: Victor Lindelof has been at Manchester United for six full seasons now and it is time to move on at the end of this season. He turns 30 next July and this is a position where United need to get younger, with fresh faces.
Donny van de Beek: Donny van de Beek should have left in the summer. He is not part of Erik ten Hag’s plans, and has career has blown drastically off course since his move to Manchester United in 2020. A January exit is expected, if United can find a club for him.
Raphael Varane: Raphael Varane is a class act, but he can’t seem to hold up to the intensity of the Premier League, with repeated injury issues. He turns 31 in April and a move away from the club may suit him. Todibo is a younger, fresher version of Varane and it is time for an upgrade.
Anthony Martial: Anthony Martial‘s contract expires at the end of the coming season. There is absolutely no case to renew his deal. At present he is being used as a reason not to buy another striker, but United need a better alternative.
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