The summer 2023 transfer window has just closed, and Manchester United have an eye on 2024 already.
The funds simply ran out for Manchester United in 2023, forced to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and limit spending.
Next summer will bring a new opportunity, hopefully finally under new ownership too. And according to the MEN, Manchester United already have plans.
Positions and potential targets have already been identified, and we have taken a look at how they could shape the team.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day
Who Manchester United want to sign
Manchester United are reported to have targets to sign a striker, a centre-back, a right-back, and a central midfielder.
Let’s start with the easy one. The midfielder would be Sofyan Amrabat on a permanent deal. He is currently on loan with an option to buy. He must earn the move. If he does not, then United will look elsewhere, and are not tied in.
A desire to strengthen at right-back sees United linked again to Jeremie Frimpong. This was a possibility in 2023, before talks were shelved, with the club focusing on strengthening in other positions instead.
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Centre-back is a big priority amid Raphael Varane’s injury issues and Harry Maguire needing to be moved on. The MEN report Frimpong’s Bayer Leverkusen teammate Edmond Tapsoba currently looks like a top target – although he has just signed a new contract.
The exciting one is another striker. United are said to be monitoring Brighton ace Evan Ferguson, who scored a hat-trick against Newcastle last weekend.
How Manchester United could line-up in 2024/25
The construct of this potential team would be guided by plans for Evan Ferguson. Yes, he could play to alternate with Rasmus Hojlund – but what about playing them together?
As a pairing they would be a real menace for opponents in a throwback to 4-4-2 days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
United could support this with a four-man midfield, blending Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro’s defensive strength, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount’s creativity. While this could be constructed as a diamond, the latter two could split out wide if needed.
The back four would be self-explanatory, with Frompong and Tapsoba replacing Varane and Wan-Bissaka. In this formation Frimpong’s attacking qualities would be really important, as without wingers, United would need the full-backs to push forward.
A lot can and will change between now and 2024. Different names may emerge at centre-back and right-back. Sofyan Amrabat has a chance to earn his permanent move, while Evan Ferguson will likely remain a target, with only finances making it difficult.
This formation would just be one way United could line-up. Reverting to a 4-3-3 would create room for Marcus Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho to push get into the side. That’s a lot to sacrifice for the sake of two centre-forwards, however, with Hojlund and Ferguson at your disposal, how could you not pick them together and watch them destroy defences.