With just over a week to go until the summer transfer window opens, football fans all over the world are waiting to see what business Manchester United will do this summer.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News in February, sales could reach double figures this summer, with Ineos determined to improve the club’s productivity in the seller’s market. United have not been proactive enough when it comes to getting players off the books in recent years.
United are understood to be prepared to listen to offers for all but four first-team players this summer, with only Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho off-limits. However, there are other members of the squad who can count themselves unfortunate not to have been included on the Reds’ list of untouchables.
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With that in mind, our United writers have had their say on who they believe should have made the list.
Tyrone Marshall
The FA Cup final was further evidence that the player United have missed more than any other this season is Lisandro Martinez. He is transformative to how this team plays, both with the ball at his feet and in terms of the aggression he shows when defending.
The Argentine is a leader on and off the pitch and someone who sets the standards in training. He makes every session more competitive and that kind of attitude and spirit are invaluable in every squad.
He is also a left-footed centre-back and there aren’t many of those about now. He is excellent when in possession and can help the team build-up play. Onana will benefit from having Martinez in front of him for a full season when it comes to playing out from the back.
With plenty of change likely at centre-back this season it is Martinez who will be the constant and the player this back four is built around.
Steven Railston
Bruno Fernandes won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a third time last month and United must do everything they can to keep him this summer. The midfielder has been the dressing room’s most consistent performer since signing in January 2020 and can’t be sold.
Since Fernandes arrived in the Premier League, no player has created more chances or big chances and he’s consistently produced goals and assists when United have needed him most.
But his contribution goes beyond statistics. His leadership qualities are crucial and he had never missed a club game through injury until the end of last season.
Fernandes is everything a United player should be: talented, hard-working and tenacious. Signing a world-class No.6 to start with him and Kobbie Mainoo must be the priority.
George Smith
For all the money spent on new additions since Erik ten Hag’s appointment, you can count the number of successes on one hand. Martinez has been the best import over the last two years, establishing himself as a fans’ favourite who is key to the way Ten Hag wants to play.
He wears his heart on his sleeve and leads by example. His passion is unrivalled.
Furthermore, he is essential to United’s system. His ball-playing credentials are top notch and the difference he made in the FA Cup final at Wembley was there for all to see. United missed him more than anyone else during their 2023/24 injury crises.
For those reasons, he should be on their list of untouchables this summer. United should be looking to build the spine of the team around him. Fingers crossed his injury record improves next term.