Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be determined to strengthen the Manchester United squad this summer. Upon acquiring a stake in United in December, the British billionaire vowed to take his boyhood club back to the ‘the very top of English, European and world football‘.
He’s already made great progress on his mission to rebuild the club, starting with reshuffling the boardroom. Ratcliffe began by drafting in the likes of Sir David Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc before turning to Omar Berrada from Manchester City.
The INEO chief has also been working hard on wrapping up a deal for Dan Ashworth, who Newcastle United placed on gardening leave in February. With the summer transfer window now underway, Ratcliffe has shown no sign of slowing down with player recruitment now taking priority.
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The Red Devils have already been heavily linked with numerous big names, such as Jarrad Branthwaite and Joao Neves. Michael Olise has also been mooted as a potential target after another unimpressive season from Antony.
So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News has looked at how the Red Devils could line up on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
Defence
Andre Onana should remain between the sticks. Despite some questionable results during his debut campaign at Old Trafford, the 28-year-old shot-stopper showed glimpses of great promise. The club’s poor defensive record can be largely attributed to a weak backline, a lack of protection in midfield and – of course – injuries.
At left-back, Manchester United have Luke Shaw, who – on his day – is one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, maybe even Europe. Unfortunately, he struggles to stay fit, so Ratcliffe will hope Tyrell Malacia can be an option as he recovers from his nasty injury.
To climb back into the top four and achieve Champions League qualification, the Reds will need a steely centre-half partnership. Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton should partner Lisandro Martinez at the back, with Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro from Lille.
With Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka available at right-back, United can then begin to think about bolstering their midfield.
Midfield
The Red Devils need a new defensive midfielder to shield the backline. Sofyan Amrabat failed to live up to expectations and Casemiro often looked out of his depth, shouldering far too much pressure on Kobbie Mainoo.
The teenage sensation needs time to develop and the freedom to grow as a player. In the middle of the park, Joao Neves would be an exciting acquisition, but the club would need to supplement his arrival with an experienced holding player – perhaps Joshua Kimmich?
Attack
If Ratcliffe wants to bring back the glory days to Old Trafford then United must sign a world-class right-winger to replace Antony. Step forward Michael Olise. Not only would the Crystal Palace talisman lift supporters from their seats, but he’d also provide an end product.
The Reds’ summer transfer window also largely relies on Marcus Rashford finding form again, with Alejandro Garnacho still only a teenager. At 19, the Argentinian has made great progress, but – like Mainoo – fans must be patient and allow him the freedom to make mistakes as he develops.
So…
United could field a very strong side on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. But, to cement a place in the top four and achieve Champions League qualification (at least), Ratcliffe must be prepared to fork out millions upon millions.
Starting Lineup (4-3-3 with a holding midfielder): Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Jarrad Branthwaite, Luke Shaw; Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes; Michael Olise, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford,
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