Just six weeks stand between Manchester United and their 2024/25 Premier League opener against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16.
The Reds will begin their pre-season campaign in just over a week’s time, facing Norwegian side Rosenborg less than 24 hours after the final of the European Championship, meaning time is running out for them to parade a new signing at the Lerkendal Stadion. However, United are hopeful of getting a deal over the line for Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.
Bayern are understood to be prepared to sell the Dutchman, who is valued at around £42million. Signing him would send out a statement of intent.
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Despite reservations from some corners about his recent injury record, it was not all that long ago he was regarded as one of the most promising centre-backs in the world. At the age of just 24, there is time for him to reclaim that status.
United want to sign two centre-backs this summer to cover the exit of Raphael Varane and anticipated departure of Victor Lindelof. The latter is now into the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and the club wants to sell him.
Irrespective of their pursuit of De Ligt, who would be reunited with Erik ten Hag if brought to Old Trafford, United retain an interest in Jarrad Branthwaite. But with Everton valuing the England international between £70m-£80m, it feels unlikely they would be able to sign him in addition to De Ligt.
It means United could be forced to take their search for a secondary centre-back elsewhere. But with De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez likely to form Ten Hag’s preferred partnership, signing another centre-back to accept a back up role may not be so simple.
United still have registered interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Gleison Bremer of Juventus. They have also been strongly linked with Lille’s Leny Yoro.
One of the biggest challenges facing United this summer is strengthening the base of their midfield. Casemiro regressed last season, prompting increased calls for him to be sold, and Sofyan Amrabat’s loan from Fiorentina has now expired. If the former is sold, they will require two signings in that area of the team.
Benfica starlet Joao Neves has been the most prominent player linked with succeeding Casemiro, but Benfica’s demands will dictate United’s chances of signing the Portuguese international. It is understood that his release clause is worth north of £100m.
United have the chance to re-sign Amrabat for around £21m and he could suit a back up role at Old Trafford. The Reds have also been linked with Adrien Rabiot once again and he is currently available as a free agent after his deal at Juventus expired.
If Neves completes a move to M16, Amrabat or Rabiot would be a dependable back up option to the Portuguese youngster. Rabiot, who saw a move to United collapse in 2022 because of his wage demands, could be a smart signing on a free if all parties are in agreement to make a deal happen.
United also want to strengthen their centre-forward options and are keen on Bologna ace Joshua Zirkzee. He can operate as either a No.9 or a No.10, often dropping deep to get on the ball and link the play.
Should United complete each of those four aforementioned transfer missions in time for the big kick off, Ten Hag would be able to assemble a strong matchday squad for the Premier League opener, even if there may only be room for two new recruits in his starting line up.
Andre Onana will continue as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, protected by Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and De Ligt in front of him. Neves, if snapped up, would slot into the base of midfield and join forces with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
As for the attack, Alejandro Garnacho produced some of his best football last season on the right-wing and could make that position his own this forthcoming campaign. Rasmus Hojlund is expected to retain his position as chief striker and lead the attack. Marcus Rashford, as things stand, is the best and most likely candidate to start on the left.
With that said, Zirkzee could be forced to start his United career from the bench, alongside a back up defensive-midfielder. Player sales and the size of United’s budget will dictate what else is achieved, but the bulk of the substitutes bench could be made up by familiar faces.
Possible 20-man squad to face Fulham:
Starting line-up: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Shaw; Neves, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Maguire, Bremer, Malacia, Rabiot, Mount, Amad, Antony, Zirkzee.