There appears to be a common consensus among all the pre-season predictions over where Manchester United could finish in 2024/25.
Various pundits have predicted Manchester United’s finishing position, with Paul Scholes tipping ‘fourth’ as the best possible outcome. Roy Keane also backed a top four finish.
After finishing eighth last season, nobody wants to stick their neck on the line and predict much more, especially in a summer where other teams have strengthened too.
But there is also a sense that despite United’s smart transfer business so far, not enough has been done to really move the needle.
Joshua Zirkzee strengthens the attack, but does not guarantee a high number of goals. Noussair Mazraoui is a swap for Wan-Bissaka, while Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt will improve the defence. But more needs to be done.
Three issues still remain
There are three issues still remaining for Manchester United to resolve, to reach the next level.
To really take a further step, another striker must be added to the mix along with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. More variation, depth, and goals are essential to winning matches.
The second area is midfield, where United have not made a single signing yet this summer. This is one United are actively looking to recruit before the transfer deadline.
Players including Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay could all be sold for the right price, presenting a chance to upgrade.
And then there are the ongoing problems at left-back which have plagued United all of last season and now into the first month of this season.
Luke Shaw is out until the international break, while Tyrell Malacia is still two months away. United cvan still do something about this.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Four signings needed
If Manchester United and Ineos are content with the status quo, they can keep the current squad as it is and expect a battle for the top four.
But funds-permitting, if the money is there, or can be raised from sales, they should double the number of signings from four current ones, to eight overall.
Left-back: Alphonso Davies
Another raid on Bayern Munich, this time for Alphonso Davies, is very plausible. The Canadian is into the final year of his contract, and Real Madrid have failed to meet the £30 million asking price so far. United could hijack this one again.
Davies is only 23, and a move for the Champions League winner to reunite him with his other former Bayern teammates would be an incredibly astute move, and resolve the Luke Shaw problem.
Centre-midfield: Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte is Manchester United’s first choice midfield target and he wants to join the club and leave Paris Saint-Germain, who have omitted him from their squad this week.
Negotiations are ongoing between United and PSG for Ugarte and the 23-year-old could be a dynamic replacement for Casemiro, long-term, whether the Brazilian stays this transfer window or not.
Centre-midfield: Sofyan Amrabat/Adrien Rabiot
A cheap deal for a second midfielder would add further depth and just take a little pressure off wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo, who United will not want to burn out.
Amrabat is more suited to United’s needs than Christian Eriksen, and if the Dane can be sold for a small fee, the Moroccan should be re-signed as a back-up, along with Ugarte.
Another alternative here is a free agent move for Adrien Rabiot, a title winner with Juventus.
Striker: Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney is a proven Premier League goalscorer with 36 goals to his name, who would take a little pressure off Rasmus Hojlund and not block his development long-term.
The 28-year-old would be a direct threat and offer a very different style to Joshua Zirkzee, allowing United to mix it it up tactically. This would be a move which would really show United are ‘going for it’, and give the club the strength up front to sustain a challenge over the whole season.
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