The contenders to be Manchester United’s next three signings after Lisandro Martinez

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Manchester United completed the club’s third signing of the summer so far with Lisandro Martinez‘s move to Old Trafford announced.

Martinez strengthens United at centre-back, following the arrival of new left-back Tyrell Malacia, and versatile attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen.

United are not done either. These three signings have cost a combined £59 million, reduced to £51 million taking away the £8 million guaranteed for Andreas Pereira.

More players could be sold too, and with gaps in the squad apparent, money to spend, and an uncertain situation with Cristiano Ronaldo, we forecast there could be at least three more signings before the deadline.

READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23

Midfield

Most likely: A move for Frenkie de Jong still seems most likely. United are claimed by Fabrizio Romano to have full agreement with Barcelona for the midfielder. However, a wage dispute with Barcelona and the player has held up the deal.

De Jong has been included in the Barcelona squad for their pre-season tour, and this deal could drag on for another few weeks yet, if United are prepared to wait.

Also contenders: United should have a list of credible alternatives to turn to. Potential names suggested include Youri Tielemans, Ruben Neves, Ibrahim Sangare, and Konrad Laimer.

Right-back

Most likely: United’s plans at right-back are a little unclear – but it does seem appealing to pursue an alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who did not feature at all against Melbourne Victory.

Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries is a name United could pursue. The Mail has linked the club with a move.

Also contenders: This is a position United will likely kick on with plans for now the initial three signings have been completed. A player linked over the past few days was Lens’ Jonathan Clauss, a France international.

Attack

Most likely: The most frequently linked forward is Ajax’s Antony. He could cost in excess of £65 million – however this becomes more likely if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves and United wage bill is slashed.

Also contenders: Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic was linked to United by Sky Germany last week, and he could cost just £20 million.

The Mirror suggests United are monitoring Ivan Toney, while CBS Sports linked Jonathan David earlier in the window.

If Ronaldo leaves, United will arguably need a more traditional centre-forward like Toney than Antony. This was already a position the Red Devils needed to strengthen, and a forward should be targeted even if Ronaldo stays.