Manchester United Planning Wholesale Changes this Summer
Manchester United are on the verge of one of their worst seasons in the club’s history. The overwhelming consensus is, they lack quality in most positions. They also lack the player profiles necessary to fulfill Ruben Amorim’s vision.
Despite the best efforts of multiple managers many of the current squad have repeatedly failed to take their chances. Leaving huge question marks surrounding United’s recruitment policies.
The summer transfer season is rapidly approaching. Like so many past transfer windows, United have an opportunity to course correct. The new manager, front office and owner all have a huge opportunity to flex their muscles and show their worth this summer.
Reports are that Ruben Amorim has already made it clear to United’s executives which players he wants to keep, which are surplus to requirements, and who he wants the club to recruit.
Unfortunately, the host of financial issues the club faces is precarious at best. Meanwhile, the recent questionable decision making from United’s management team hasn’t instilled much hope for a renaissance any time soon.
Make or Break Summer for Manchester United
In recent months, United’s new owner has made several unpopular decisions and high profile mistakes. Meanwhile, United’s league position has done little to convince fans that Ruben Amorim is the coaching prodigy we were sold on.
His refusal to play any system other than a 3-4-3 has exposed this squad. If Amorim is to succeed at United, many of the current players will not last his tenure.
Meanwhile, if United are planning to hang their hat on Amorim, they will need to sell 8-10 players, and recruit just as many. That is going to take more than half a billion dollars and multiple transfer windows.
The leaks coming out of Old Trafford are suggesting that United’s summer plans are set to provide Amorim with a transfer kitty of $200million net. If that figure is anywhere close to true, United will not be able to do all of the business they need this summer.
Considering United priority is a top striker, and there isn’t a top striker available for less than $65 million, United could lose a third to half of their budget on a single player. Meaning United are going to have to be very clever in how they amortize deals and with the players they recruit.
Backing Amorim is a Huge Gamble
Backing Amorim this summer also means that United are taking a huge risk. His rigid style severely handicaps the Old Trafford front office when attempting to plan for United’s long term future.
In modern football, the director of football and technical director are responsible for setting the club’s vision and philosophies. It is then their job to recruit players and a manager that can execute their plan.
Regardless of the direction that the club takes, they need to take this opportunity to recruit players that are going to fit a long term plan and not just the manager of the day. Player recruitment needs to transcend the manager.
If the philosophies and style of play that the front office and Ratcliffe want to implent long term are conducive of Amorim’s approach… Great! But, then why not just say as much? On the surface it seems as if Ratcliffe and his executive officers are making the same mistakes as the Glazer era – give the manager all the power, then point the finger at him when it all goes to shit.
Manchester United’s Summer Recruitment Prospects
Forget for a moment the roadblocks United face if they cannot raise funds and sort their FFP issus. There isn’t a position on the pitch that isn’t up for grabs. Save maybe Bruno’s
The current squad concedes too many goals. They have little to no presence in midfield. The goalkeeping situation is nerve-racking at best. And they can’t score goals to save their lives. Mind you these are many of the same issues Ole, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag all faced.
If Amorim gets nothing else this summer, he will want an elite goalscorer above all. United’s front four of Hojlund(9), Zirkzee(7), Diallo(9), and Garnacho(9) have combined for only 34 goals this season. While Antony, Rashford and Sancho combined for only 6 goals for United before their respective loans.
Meanwhile, United’s leading goalscorer, Bruno Fernandes sits 23rd in the Premier League goal scoring chart. Our Portuguese magnifico only has 9 goals in the EPL, 17 in all competitions, 6 of which came from the penalty spot. 11 non penalty goals is not nearly enough from a team’s leading goalscorer.
To his credit, Bruno’s 17 goals, 18 assists and almost 50 goal involvements this season highlights his importance to United. However, by comparison to past seasons he is barely scratching the surface of his potential as he sacrifices himself to compensate for the lack of quality and confidence in this squad.
Striker
For context. The Premier League’s top scorers Mo Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak have 34, 30 and 26 goals respectively this season. For further context, Harry Kane has 35 goals, Viktor Gyokeres has 44, Robert Lewandowski has 40, Victor Osimhen has 30.
The contrast between United’s main goal scorers and Europe’s elite is embarrassing.
The club’s list of attacking prospects so far contains pretty much every striker under the sun. Rumors include, Matheus Cunha, Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak, Randal Kolo Muani, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Ollie Watkins. Just to name just a few.
Unfortunately, every club United attempts to sign a player from will know how desperate the we are for goals. The simple fact is that the clubs selling to United are not naive to the Red Devils financial struggles and struggles in front of net this season. There is no doubt they will be more than willing to exploit the desperation and precariousness of United’s current state.
That being said…
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is the most consistent name being discussed. The main reason being, he played under Amorim when the United manager was in charge at Sporting CP.
Meanwhile he leads the European goal charts with 44 goals and 11 assists this season. Fueling speculation is how coy both Amorim and Gyokeres have been in the media when asked in recent months about a reunion at Old Trafford.
The wall United face in signing him is the variable cornucopia of European teams that are chasing his signature. All indications are that Sporting are hoping for a bidding war for their star player. With United’s financial struggles, it is unlikely that the Old Trafford front office will be able to compete should Sporting attempt to auction Gyokeres to the highest bidder.
Amorim’s only hope of recruiting his former prodigal son is to convince Gyokeres that continuing their collaboration at United will guarantee them both trophies. A hard sell to say the least given United’s track record in recent seasons. Though a much easier sell should United win the Europa League and automatically qualify for the Champions League next season.
Liam Delap
Liam Delap is another name that is hard to ignore. He is having a breakout season at Ipswich with 12 goals, 2 assists and 21 goal involvements in 34 matches. A spectacular return considering he is only 22 and has been playing for a relegation bound team, that has won only 4 matches all season.
Even more promising for United’s hopes of signing the young Englishman are his prior connections to United executive Jason Wilcox. Wilcox was head of Manchester City’s academy when Delap was one of their star youth prospects.
Another log adding fuel to the fire is that Delap has a release clause of only $30 million that activates now that Ipswich are mathematically relegated.
There are however, some concerns over the competition United will face chasing his signature. Reports claim that every Premier League club finishing inside the top 17 are interested in offering him a deal.
There are further concerns amongst the United recruitment team concerning Delap’s age and experience. At 22, he is undoubtedly in the same boat as Hojlund. A young prospect with a lot of raw talent. He needs a mentor, and is nowhere near ready to lead the line for a team with United’s aspirations.
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha has been heavily linked to Manchester United in recent weeks. Most reports go as far to say that a deal has already been agreed between both clubs and the player. He normally plays as a number 10 or as a left sided attacker. But he is equally as deadly across all front four positions and looks likely to play up front in a dynamic striker roll for Amorim.
He has proven Premier League experience with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Not to mention, like Delap, he has been playing in a team fighting against relegation all season. Yet, still he has 18 goals, 5 assists and 22 goal involvements for a team that has only managed to score 49 goals this season.
Regardless of having recently signed a new contract at The Molineux the Brazilian international has also repeatedly stated in the last 6 months that he desires a new challenge. AND he is an open admirer of Manchester United.
If rumors are true, then United and Cunha are a done deal.
However, there are several alternative rumors that United are hesitating over his signature.
He has had a careers long strain of disciplinary issues. Considering the struggles United has had in the disciplinary department in recent seasons, they see his record as a limiting factor.
Meanwhile his current buyout clause is in excess of $65 million. Given his consistency in the Premier League, should he become available he is likely to spark a bidding war.
Victor Osimhen
There isn’t a single news outlet on the planet that hasn’t reported Victor Osimhen as Ruben Amorim’s top target. But then according to those same outlets so is every other player on this list. There are even rumors a deal has already been agreed in principle.
However, this rumor needs to be shut down asap, before it gives United fans too much hope.
The player’s potential is otherworldly. But, the Nigerian is also one of the most volatile players in professional football.
Last summer, he pushed hard, publically, for a move away from Napoli when his value was at its peak. Napoli, seemingly out of spite slapped a $120 million price tag on him. Effectively pricing him out of a move. He kicked and screamed in the media so much that Napoli had no choice but to loan him. After being exiled from the Serie A title hopefuls, Turkish club Galatasaray were the only team willing take a punt on him
United are so skeptical that reports claim they have valued him at only $40 million in opening discussions with Napoli. They have also supposedly offered Hojlund on loan as a makeweight for the deal.
The only reason Napoli didn’t reject the offer out of hand is because Osimhen’s contract expires next summer, and they risk losing him on a free transfer if they don’t sell him soon.
Osimhen is a disruptor. Just like Cunha, Rashford, Sancho, Garnacho, and Antony. Does it really matter how many goals he can score if he is likely to cause the same kinds of problems as the very players United are trying to purge from the club?
Wide Attacker
Given the opportunity, United will undoubtedly look to sell Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho this summer. That leaves Ruben Amorim with Amad Diallo as the only senior wide attacker potentially at his disposal next season.
There are serious doubts as to whether United’s front office can actually sell all four players and bring in replacements. But the rumors coming out of Old Trafford are, that is exactly what they intend to do.
Several media outlets are suggesting that Amorim’s solution is to recruit Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. His performance against United at the weekend will only add fuel to that fire. However, according to David Ornstein, they would have to break Bournemouth’s transfer record, in excess of $65 million, to convince the Cherries to do business.
Another player reported to be on United’s radar is 23 year old Brazilian winger Luis Henrique. The Marseille attacker has had 18 goal contributions in 31 matches this season and is high on several Premier League clubs’ shopping lists.
Jamie Gittens is another name that is holding some water. But, the 20 year old Englishman is still too inexperienced. With 17 goal contributions this season, he may show a lot of promise, but he shouldn’t be relied on as a starter. Dortmund are asking $70 million for the starlet making this deal seem like another Antony, Sancho or Hojlund special.
Lyon’s Rayan Cherki has also been linked to United in recent weeks. The Manchester Evening News claims that he has a gentlemen’s agreement with Lyon that would allow him to leave for less than $30 million. However, most of those rumors seem fueled by his two goals against United in the Europa League recently.
Midfield
Manchester United’s midfield situation is precarious at best.
They lost Scott McTominay last summer. Christian Eriksen is being released at the end of this season. Mason Mount is too injury prone. Casemiro’s astronomical wages have put him high on INEOS’s sell list. While, Kobbie Mainoo may be deemed a sacrificial lamb for FFP reasons.
That potentially leaves Bruno and Ugarte as Amorim’s only senior reliable midfielders for next season. If even one of Casemiro, Mount, or Mainoo is sold or cant stay fit, Amorim will have little to no depth or options in the center of the pitch.
One rumor I particularly like is that Real Madrid need to balance their books after recruiting Kylian Mbappe last season. According to several online media outlets, Los Blancos are looking to sell Eduardo Camavinga to do so. His price tag is steep at around $70 million. But if the rumors are true, he could be transformative for this United midfield.
Reports also claim that Real Betis are keen to hold on Antony, but they can’t afford United’s asking price. Whispers coming out of Spain are that Betis will try to use American midfielder Johnny Cardoso as a makeweight in the deal.
The other players that made the shortlist are Atalanta’s Ederson. Leipzig’s Xavi Simmons. Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. Adam Wharton and Hayden Hackney have had breakout seasons at Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough respectively. Lastly Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad as emerged in recent weeks as a possible target as well. However, other than a lot of tabloid hearsay, there isn’t much foundation for these rumors.
Central Defense
In recent weeks, despite some terrible performances, United’s defensive stats have been improving. There is an argument that if United can keep their current defenders fit, and integrate Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson, then there isn’t much need for a new center back.
However, Evans is retiring, and Lindelof is being released when his contract expires in June. Meanwhile United’s plague of defensive injuries in recent seasons has added to concern. So, it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that Amorim will be looking for reinforcements.
Everton’s Jarrod Branthwaite was top of United’s list of defenders. But, the second Everton revealed their $80 million price tag United backed out. The Blues are under no pressure to sell and United look unlikely to renew their interest at that price.
Goncalo Inacio is an interesting name gaining traction in the press. Inacio plays for Sporting and was one of Amorim’s most reliable players while still Leoes boss. Originally, like with Gyokeres, rumors of United’s interest flatlined after Amorim reiterated recently that he has no intention of raiding his former club this summer.
However, recent developments may force Amorim and United to act sooner than later. According to reports in the UK and Germany, there are several clubs that have already expressed interest in Inacio and are willing to pay his buyout clause this summer. If United don’t want to miss out on the next Ruben Dias they will need to act quickly.
Wingback
Most coaches and analysts will attest to the fact that if you are going to play a 3-4-3 like Amorim, wingback is the most important position. Yet arguably, with the exception of an elite striker, it is United’s weakest position.
Manchester United’s wingback situation is atrocious. Shaw is too injury prone and plays better on the left of a back three. Malacia has been deemed surplus to requirements. Dalot, while a good servant and a workhorse, all too often lacks good decision making and end product.
The integration of Harry Amass and the arrivals of Dorgu and Mazraoui were meant to bolster those ranks. As is the arrival of teen sensation Diego Leon this summer. However there is a rising sense that United need more depth and experience at wingback. Leon, Amass, Dorgu are all young players. And like Shaw, despite Mazraoui’s attacking abilities he seems more suited as a member of the back three rather than as a wing back.
That being said, the short list seems pretty short for now. But, as usual there is at least one name that has been reported by several outlets.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nori has arisen as the most likely option. Amorim has apparently been impressed by his stellar season. The Wolves wingback can play on either side of defense. He also has had more goal involvements than any other wingback in the Premier League this season.
Goalkeeper
The list of goalkeepers that Manchester United are linked with is a mile long. Probably because the Red devils are looking to replace all three senior keepers this summer. Tom Heaton is retiring. Meanwhile, Bayindir and Onana have combined for a record number goals allowed and errors leading to goals this season. Clearly neither looks comfortable playing in Ruben Amorim’s system.
Diogo Costa seems to be the top of the list. The Portuguese number one was originally on United’s short list before Erik ten Hag intervened and insisted on Andre Onana. As Onana’s stock has fallen, Costa’s has skyrocketed. He only has two years left on his current contract at FC Porto and could be available for as little as $40 million.
James Trafford and Aaron Ramsdale have both been scouted by United in recent months. Trafford racked up a record 28 clean sheets this season for Burnley. Where as Ramsdale has a lot of Premier League experience and is relegation bound, making his price tag more palatable.
Joan Garcia is another name consistently linked to United. This season Garcia has made more saves per match than any other keeper in La Liga. Unfortunately, he is high on Barcelona and Real Madrid’s shopping list this summer.
Andrey Lunin is an interesting name that has been gaining traction. Real Madrid’s No.2 keeper had an excellent time in net during Thibaut Courtois recent spell on the treatment table. However, with Madrid rumored to want Garcia, it seems that Lunin has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu.
There are also rumors of United renewing interest in Zion Suzuki, Leicesters Mads Hermansen. Lille’s Lucas Chevalier and disgruntled Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak. But, all seem highly unlikely.
The Fun and Farfetched
Many of the farfetched and speculative rumors out there are usually pure clickbait. That being said there is plenty of interesting albeit thin, chatter around several players that United might be interested in.
The first of these rumors are a host of suggested swap deals for Marcus Rashford. Marcus has long expressed a desire to play in Spain and has been linked in recent weeks to Real Madrid and Barcelona. Leading to serious suggestions that Rashy could become a makeweight in a swap deal for either Camavinga from Real, or Dani Olmo from Barcelona.
More recently, Rashy has become a staple in the Aston Villa side where he is currently on loan. To do so he had to displace Villa’s main striker Ollie Watkins. Meanwhile United need a striker. Hence, rumores are now percolating that United and Villa will attempt to arrange a swap deal between the two England internationals.
I also enjoy the rumors saying that Manchester United have explored resigning David De Gea. De Gea should have been named captain ahead of Maguire and should have never been sold. However, reports in Italy claim that he is in advanced talks with Fiorentina to extend his current deal.
One last rumor of particular interest is Manchester United’s reported scouting of Jobe Bellingham. The younger and supposedly more talented brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham. The 19 year old phenom has been integral in Sunderland’s bid for promotion to the premier league next season. If Sunderland fail to gain promotion then Bellingham could be available for as little as $25 million. Supposedly that’s a steal at twice the price and close to what Dortmund paid for his older brother.
What Should Manchester United Fan Expect this Summer?
Manchester United obviously have a lot of work to do to for Ruben Amorim to be successful. There is also no way that the club can do all of the business they need to do in one window.
As much as Rashford, Antony, Sancho and Garnacho are all in the shop window, it is unlikely that all four of them will be sold this summer. United simply aren’t that good at doing business. I also believe that, despite a desire from United to offload Casemiro, he will stay at Old Trafford as well. The very wages that are pushing United to sell him are the reason no team wants to sign him.
What’s more, regardless of injury concerns, with the emergence of Heaven, Amass, Fredrickson, and Leon, United have more depth in defense than any other position. Meaning that United’s priorities this summer lie in the front third of the pitch and in net.
That being said, several recent reports have claimed to reveal United’s plans for the upcoming window.
Both David Orenstein and Fabrizio Romano have revealed that United will prioritize a number ten and two strikers before doing any other business. Meaning, most of United’s wide attacking players, midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers will remain at Old Trafford for at least on more transfer window.
If prevailing rumors are to be believed then United are chasing Cunha, Osimhen, and Delap as their top three targets. United’s second priority seems to be goalkeeper with Diego Costa top of the list. The limiting factor is that the price tag for those four players will be in excess of $200 million. Which according to the same reports from Orenstein and Romano, United have already set aside in their financial planning.
Any other deals will be dependent on players sales.
Manchester United Fans Holding onto Hope
Manchester United are desperate. They are desperate to balance the books, desperate to sell, desperate to buy, desperate to win…desperate to maintain their status as one of the worlds greatest sports teams. And hopefully, desperate to make the fans happy.
But desperation is often the foundation for reckless decision making and mistakes. The legal issues that Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Juventus have recently been faced with are a testament to this lesson. Currently, Manchester United are very close to joining this not so illustrious group. They need to do smart business this summer.
A rebuild will take time. A new stadium will take time. And winning the Premier or Champions Leagues will take time. Naive as it sounds, patience and hope are all that Manchester United fans have to cling to at the moment.
For the clubs sake, I am crossing my fingers that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the United front office are learning from their mistakes. We need them to succeed, because the Manchester United of the last decade is not the Manchester United fans deserve, the United we are entitled to. With how poor this season has been for the Red Devils, the upcoming transfer window is our biggest source for renewed optimism. Lets just hope United don’t let us down…again.
Glory, Glory Man United!
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