United’s Summer Priorities: Midfield First, Then Balance
Manchester United’s recruitment should prioritise Premier League-proven quality for the starting XI, while finding smarter value for squad depth. The biggest need is midfield, with left-back and depth roles also in view.
For me, Manchester United’s recruitment should be split in two: proven Premier League quality for the starting XI, and smarter value for the rest of the squad. If a bargain presents itself domestically, great, but depth signings cannot be where the big fees go. That is where good scouting abroad should be earning its keep.
The headline need is midfield. We need two top-class, first-choice midfielders to change the level of the side and fix the issues there for the long term. Ideally, that would be Anderson and Baleba. It is a huge outlay, close to 200m in total, but it is the kind of spend that actually addresses the heart of the team rather than papering over cracks.
Midfield is the foundation
Once those two are in, everything else becomes supplementary. The structure, the control, the ability to play through pressure and protect the back line all improves when the midfield is right.
Even then, there is still a case for adding a third midfielder, but that should be a cheaper profile, something in the 15 to 25m range. That could be an older, experienced option or a younger player with potential. There are plenty of names who look like they could be available for fair money, such as Hayden Hackney, Arthur Avom, Djaoui Cisse, Lamine Camara, Mamadou Sangare, or Lucien Agoume.
Goalkeeper and defence: be sensible
In goal, I would move Bayindir on and bring in a more experienced option to compete with Lammens, but without spending heavily. Someone like Sam Johnstone from Wolves feels like the right sort of move, Premier League proven and a former academy player, and it would keep the budget focused on the bigger issues.
At right-back, I do not think we need to buy this summer. Dalot and Mazraoui are two very good options. Centre-back is more about a decision on Maguire: extend for a year or two, or let him leave and replace him. If he goes, Marcos Senesi on a free would be well worth considering, being Premier League proven and left-footed. If we are spending a fee, I have been impressed with Maxim Esteve, and if Burnley do go down then he should be available for a reasonable price.
Left-back and left wing still need attention
Left-back is the defensive area where I would most consider spending. Shaw is unlikely to stay fit next season as much as he has this season, and we need to plan properly. I am also not convinced Dorgu is a left-back long term, I lean towards him being more of a left winger. That leaves Amass and Leon as young prospects who could step up.
In an ideal world, we move on Shaw and bring in a replacement, with Dorgu and one of Amass or Leon as depth. Lewis Hall would be the dream signing at left-back if we could get him out of Newcastle.
On the left wing, we could do with another option. Cunha is the only real one out there and he might be more useful centrally anyway. Yan Diomande would be the dream, but hugely expensive with loads of competition. Malick Fofana is another strong young option, and I also like Mateus Mane from Wolves given he can play both left wing and as a number 10.
Discuss rumours and transfers on our Manchester United rumours web page
