Manchester United Considering Multiple Free Agents this Summer
Once again the summer transfer window is rapidly approaching. Leaving Manchester United fans on their toes as we anticipate what business the Red Devils will do this summer. As such, reports are building to a head regarding the club’s transfer strategy. In particular their interest in the free agent market.
A plethora of A-list players are already rumored to be in negotiations with United. Yet, several tier one media outlets are still reporting that Jason Wilcox and Omar Berada are seriously considering recruiting multiple free agents to fill the gaps in Michael Carrick’s squad. The club feel that there is more value than usual to be found in the players available on a free this summer. And as such, they are thoroughly investigating their options.
However, while this appears to be an uncharacteristic moment of due diligence from the Red Devils’ front office, those same reports go on to point out exactly what United fans already know. There are too many areas of the squad requiring reinforcement. And there are too many players the club plans to sell or release that need replacing.
I would also add to that argument that there is seldom enough value in the free agent market to feel any sense of confidence that such recruits will have the quality, fitness, age range, or mentality necessary to make an impact at Old Trafford.
False Hope or Cautious Optimism?
Fueling skepticism are rumors that United only have $150 million to spend. Meaning yet again, the club is in a sell to buy situation, with little equity in the players they plan to offload. Meanwhile, the squads depth issues will only worsen if United are successful in ridding themselves of the laundry list of players they are hoping to move on.
Casemiro, Malacia, Heaton and Sancho are all being released at the end of their contracts in June. No one is interested in Mason Mount given his injury record. Barcelona are haggling over the already bargain price of $30 million for Rashford. Offers for Bayindir and Onana barely break the $10 million mark. Whereas, Zirkzee and Ugarte have only had serious offers for loan deals, as both players have expressed a desire to stay and fight for their place.
The only departure that has any guaranteed value is Napoli’s obligation to buy Rasmus Hojlund for $45 million should they qualify for Champions League. Which looks all but certain.
Personally, I remain skeptical that Manchester United can provide the wholesale changes required this summer. The club is saying all the right things. The rumor mill is indicating that United are targeting all the right players. And the club’s due diligence in the free agent market shows they have learned how to be pragmatic. However, the Old Trafford front office quite simply has a terrible history in the transfer market over the last decade. So much so, there is little hope that these reports are anything more than grandiosity.
Is Free Really Better?
Moving back on point. Not having to pay a transfer fee for a player seems great. Especially given the context that Manchester United lack guaranteed funds to pay for the number of players they need to bring in, in order to compete next season.
Nevertheless, I would also argue that when discussing clubs the size of Manchester United, needing to rely on free players is actually an indictment of just how dire things are. The elite clubs of the world, like United, require players who are consistent, always available, and have an elite mentality.
Very rarely are those qualities a part of the description of the average free agent. Most have fallen out of favor with their current clubs for one reason or another. Some have injury issues. Some have mentality issues. Others consider themselves football mercenaries. Many options are on the wrong side of 30. And most are simply looking for a bigger paycheck.
Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson there have only been two players of note that United have signed on a free transfer that can be considered unequivocal successes in my book. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani. Both were considered elite talents, and both delivered every time they played. However, both of them could also be kindly labeled as either elder statesmen or supplemental options during their Red Devils tenure.
Manchester United are Out of Options
Free agents can fill a gap when needed. And Manchester United certainly have a lot of gaps to fill. However, like in a sinking ship, stopgaps merely prevent catastrophic failure. Rarely do they deliver glory.
Regardless of whether you are a hollow-eyed skeptic like me or you retain your direhard optimism, the Red Devils are out of options. They need bodies, they need them yesterday and they have no money.
This truth is even more evident when the media is indicating that the players United are chasing, like Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Kenan Yildz, Yan Diomande, Aurelien Tchouameni and so on… are going to command fees in the range of $80-100 million each.
Even if the front office can raise upwards of $100 million from player sales as they claim they will, that gives them a budget of $250 million. At the going rate for the average player United wants to sign, that gives them enough money to recruit three to four players at best.
Given this squad needs more bodies, the loan and free agent markets are the only options the club has. That is unless, if by some stretch of the imagination, a new hyper-wealthy benevolent owner arrives at Old Trafford. Which is not outside of the stretch of imagination, but remains highly unlikely and a story for another day.
Sifting Through the Options
It has already been confirmed by sports journalism heavy hitters like Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein that Manchester United will be unabashed in their pursuit of quality free agents. Thus, irrespective of my aforementioned skepticism, I undeniably find myself curious as to whom United could bring in for free.
To satisfy mine, and hopefully your curiosity, I have compiled the following list of potential free targets that could be worth considering. While links to several of these players is flimsy at best, the rumors are all still persistent enough to be worth exploring.
I have also included a few names that United have no active links to that I believe are worth pursuing.
Marcos Senesi
For those of you who like to indulge in Fantasy EPL like me, Marcos Senesi will be a very familiar name. He has been a stalwart in most fantasy teams all season, mine included. The 28 year old Argentinian international has been one of Bournemouth’s most consistent performers all season.
His stats have him in the top 5-10% of EPL defenders. He even leads Premier League defenders in progressive passing, interceptions, clearances and shots blocked. Making him an even more enticing prospect is that he is a left footed centerback. Which nowadays is a rare commodity.
All indications from the media at this moment are that Senesi is attracting too much interest from several top-tier teams, United included, and thus is highly unlikely to renew his Bournemouth contract. Those same reports claim that Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona are the three frontrunners for his services.
However, there is an argument that United may be able to steal his signature. If ESPN is correct and Konate re-signs with Liverpool, it is likely they will quell their interest. Tottenham are in a relegation battle they look unlikely to survive. Leading to Senesi’s camp distancing themselves from the Lillywhites for now. And Barcelona are so deep in financial fair play issues that they can’t even afford the paltry $30 million buyout for Marcus Rashford.
That, in my book, makes Manchester United the actual frontrunners should they decide to firmly enter the race for his signature.
Andreas Christensen
The 30 year old Barcelona defender was once subject of United’s interest before he moved to Cataluna. Once again, it appears that Manchester United are actively tracking his availability, with inquiries already rumored to have been made. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has expressed a desire to keep the veteran central defender. However, his recent injuries have seen him fall down the pecking order at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona have offered him a contract extension, but it is on reduced wages and for only one year as the club remains skeptical over his fitness. Christensen has since rejected their offer and seems set for a move to the Premier League, with as many as half a dozen teams tracking his future.
Despite his injuries he remains in the top 5% of European defenders for progressive passing, passing accuracy, and aerial duels won. He also ranks in the top 15% of players for blocked shots and clearances. His experience and metrics easily explain why United are interested in the Danish international.
However, United’s back line already has consistent injury problems. Thus, I fear his inability to stay fit in the last few seasons will only compound United’s current issues.
He would be a classy and experienced option to add to the squad. But at some point United need to integrate a consistent back line if they want to compete for titles. I am not so sure that Christensen is the answer to that consistency. Nor am I certain that he will want to play third, fourth, fifth or even sixth choice behind Maguire, Licha, De Ligt, Heaven and Yoro.
Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger’s pedigree is undeniable. However, Manchester United’s interest in him only confirms how desperate the club is to add to their depth chart. Like Christensen, his age and injury history has seen him fall down the pecking order at Real Madrid. As has Madrid’s recent shift away from their veteran players, making way for younger talent. Leading Real to offer him a paltry one year extension on reduced wages. Which Rudiger has rejected.
Despite said pedigree and his potential availability, I am going to deny this rumor outright. Yes, there are confirmed reports that Manchester United reached out to Real. Yes he has won 14 major trophies and is considered one of the best defenders of his generation.
But, Rudiger has not only expressed his desire to stay in Madrid, United’s rumored interest was directly linked to Harry Maguire’s contract negotiations. Which as we all now know, Maguire will remain a Red Devil for at least one more season.
Since Slabhead put pen to paper, Manchester United’s prioritization of a centerback this summer has flipped from urgent to, at best opportunistic. At least as far as rumors indicate, I only see this transfer happening if Real Madrid decide to force Rudiger out. That being said, should the two time Champions League winner become available, I would not complain if he were to join our Red Devils.
Dusan Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic is a Serbian international striker playing for Juventus. At only 25 he shows a lot of potential. So far this season, he has 6 goals and 2 assists in 18 matches. With injuries being his limiting factor.
Moreover, it is his 0.52 goal contributions per 90 minutes and his 90 goals in 216 appearances during his time in Italy that have raised eyebrows. Even with a limited sample size this season, he ranks in the 92nd percentile of Serie A players for goal contributions.
However, strictly as a comparative exercise, I would also argue that in 44 appearances for Barcelona this season Marcus Rashford has 12 goals, 10 assists and 0.8 goal contributions per 90 minutes. Meanwhile in Serie A, Rasmus Hojlund has 14 goals, 5 assists and 0.5 goal contributions per 90 minutes in 39 matches. Giving all three players an xG and xG+A ranking in the 90th percentile or higher.
My argument is that, Rashy and Hojlund have better or equal performance metrics than Vlahovic. Regardless, because United’s front office negotiated absurdly high salaries for both players, they are now looking to sell and replace them with the cheaper Vlahovic. Yet again showing how United consistently shoot themselves in the foot with their recruitment policy. Past and present
I honestly don’t know what the better option is. Reintegrate exiled players that are performing better, but lose money on their wages? Or, bring in the cheaper option and hope he finds his best form under the Red Devils badge? Given United’s propensity for the cheap and easy option, we can all probably guess which way they will go.
Robert Lewandowski
To football fans Robert Lewandowski needs no introduction. But, his metrics are so impressive I am going to give him one anyway.
The Barcelona forward has 716 career goals. He is the third all time highest goal scorer in the Champions League. His record for most goals scored in a single season in the Bundesliga still stands at 41. His record for the fastest ever FIVE GOALS scored by one person in a single match also still stands at NINE MINUTES. He is one of only five players in history to score more than 100 goals for three different top-tier teams in Europe. He also has 31 major trophies in his cabinet including the German treble. And, he has won the Bundesliga and European golden boot on multiple occasion.
Meanwhile, at the age of 37 he is still racking up the numbers with 17 goals so far this season for Barcelona. Simply put the man is a goal machine. And one of the few legends of the game still playing.
More importantly, he is out of contract with Barcelona this summer. Adding more fuel to the fire, Lewi was previously tracked by United for a number of years with several failed attempts from the Red Devils to sign him. And, he has previously expressed a desire to play in the Premier League before retiring.
United signing Lewandowski parodies their acquisitions of Michael Owen, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo. An elder statesman that can not only mentor the younger players, but still produce on the pitch. The only limiting factor at the moment appears to be his high wage demands. Understandably, United do not want to repeat history and sign a player at the end of their career and pay them a premium wage, with no sell on value.
Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka, like Lewandowski, is another experienced player I can get behind Manchester United signing on a free. The 31 year old German international has 17 major trophies to his name. Even at his age, he still ranks in the top 15% of players in Europe for physicality, passing accuracy, passing percentage, interceptions, ball recoveries, and possession.
Not to mention, for a holding midfielder he also has an expected goals contribution of 0.35 per match compared to Casemiro’s 0.3 contributions per match. He is everything we wanted but failed to see from Manuel Ugarte.
He is younger than Casemiro, still at the top of his game, and has the experience to replace our Brazilian co-captain. His only real limiting factor is that he has never played in the EPL. However, neither did Casmiro and look how that turned out.
If Manchester United are genuinely set on rebuilding the squads midfield, increasing depth in midfield and spending as little money as possible, then they could not ask for a better target than Leon Goretzka.
Whats more, it appears that Manchester United have already had this revelation. There are several top tear media outlets reporting that United have been in negotiations with Goretzka’s camp for weeks. Though, transfer prophet Fabrizio Roman insists no agreements have been made.
Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma was previously linked to Manchester United before they pivoted and signed Casemiro. While he has never been seen as a top target for the Red Devils, his free agency this summer has reinvigorated rumors that the Old Trafford front office is interested in the Mali international.
Adding to said rumors is the fact that Tottenham have been in a relegation battle the last two seasons. While they barely survived last campaign, this season they seem destined for the drop. However, that is where United’s reported consideration of him appears to end.
His stats are average at best. His poor form, rumored substandard training methods and bad attitude are key factors in Tottenham’s demise. Essentially, he fits the profile that United have been trying to rid themselves of in players like Sancho, Garnacho and Rashford. Which is why it does not surprise me that the Red Devils front office considers him a backup option should all other pursuits fail.
In my opinion, despite consistent links between him and Old Trafford, past and present, these rumors are likely more clickbait than truth.
Julian Brandt
Julian Brandt is not a player that has any links to Manchester United this summer. However, I am including him on this list because I think he is aplayer that Jason Wilcox and Christian Vivell should be considering.
The 29 year old German international has quietly flown under the radar in the Bundesliga for almost a decade. Playing in the shadow of players like Lewandowski, Haaland, Fullkrug, and Nkunku has allowed the prolific forward to go relatively unnoticed by Premier League teams.
But don’t let that fact fool you. In 558 club matches he has 107 goals and 114 assists. Placing him in the top 10% of European players for goal contributions. So far this season, his consistent form has continued to be one of his strengths with 0.47 goals and 0.73 goal contributions per 90 minutes.
But where things get really interesting is that he apparently has a strong prior relationship with Manchester United head of recruitment Christian Vivell. However, like I have previously pointed out, their appear to be no links between him and Old Trafford. I simply think that considering United’s lack of depth in the striker department, for free, he is an excellent option.
Raphael Guerreiro
Like Brandt there are no significant rumors linking Manchester United to Raphael Guerreiro. However, also like Brandt, he is a player that, for free, Wilcox and Vivell should be seriously considering.
The 32 year old Portuguese’s versatility is all but legendary in the Bundesliga. He has successfully played as a left back, right back, left winger and central midfielder. All positions that the Red Devils are looking to reinforce.
Meanwhile his metrics indicate that he is an elite passer, can contribute goals and assists, he is always available, has superb link-up play and football intelligence. And, when he plays, Bayern concede a goal only once every 176 minutes.
Granted his individual statistics are little to get excited about, as he ranks in the 60-80th percentile for most metrics. However, his numbers are still better than the likes of Dalot, Malacia, Ugarte and Mazraoui. Given his consistency and versatility, if Manchester United are not considering him, then they are missing a huge opportunity to add quality, experience and coverage to this squad.
Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal is another name that has no credible links to Old Trafford. But one, whom I hope the front office considers. After Real Madrid confirmed that they will not be re-signing the Spaniard when his contract expires this summer, rumors indicated that a move to MLS or the SPL is most likely as the 34 year old looks for one last pay day.
However, the six time Champions League winner and four time La Liga champion has class and experience in spades. His performance stats have certainly dropped off in the last few seasons. Hence why Madrid replaced him with Trent Alexander-Arnold. But, I think the UEFA Euro 2024 winner still has something to offer Manchester United.
First and foremost, the Red Devils need reinforcements at fullback. He doesn’t have to play every match. But his experience means he would make a great supplemental option. I would also argue that Casemiro departing leaves a huge hole in Manchester United’s leadership department. A hole that the Real Madrid captain would certainly fill.
Outside of that argument, Carvajal fails to impress. However, as I previously mentioned, Manchester United have a lot of gaps in the squad. Offering the Spaniard a one year contract with an option to extend is worth considering, given he would add much needed class and experience to the back line.
The Long Shots
There are several other high profile free agents available this summer. Names like John Stones, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Harry Wilson, David Alaba, and Andy Robertson are all potentially available this summer.
However, Konate has publicly confirmed he is in advanced negotiations over a contract renewal at Liverpool. Wilson plays as an attacking midfielder, which United are already stocked with. And, he is rumored to be in advanced negotiations with Aston Villa.
Silva, Robertson, and Stones are all seen as extreme long shots as the were all dedicated players for our rivals Manchester City and Liverpool respectively. Additionally, United have distanced themselves from Alaba rumors given his high wage demands and horrid injury record.
There is also a lot of speculation surrounding Newcastle defenders Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar. However, like Alaba, United have distanced themselves with said rumors as they view both players’ age and injury history deal breakers.
Which Free Agents Should Manchester United Sign?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his front office have made it clear that United do not want to repeat past mistakes. One of these mistakes is purchasing players with no sell on value. Players over 30, who are injury prone, or have poor training habits all fall into that category. Unfortunately, most of the players on this list fit that description.
However, beggars can’t be choosers. Manchester United are simply too desperate to not be at least a little flexible with this aspect of their recruitment policy. That being the case, several of the players I have discussed have the experience and quality to make them worth seriously considering.
Top of that list is Robert Lewandowski and Leon Goretzka. I would also add Julian Brandt and Marcos Senesi. All four players represent consistency, leadership, quality and they fill spots in the squad that desperately need depth. And, with the exception of Lewandowski, they are all in an age range that could allow for some sell on value should they not succeed at Old Trafford.
The other name I feel is worth a serious offer is Dani Carvajal. Granted he has lost his legs in recent years, but other than Lewandowski he has more elite experience than anyone on this list. When Casemiro leaves, that makes Bruno, Shaw and Maguire the most experienced footballers at the club. None of them has won a Champions League or a League title. Carvajal would add that experience.
I could also argue that there are several rumors that for some reason Real are interested in buying Diogo Dalot. Given United’s recent history in the transfer market with Real Madrid, I would not be opposed with replacing Dalot with Carvajal.
Are Free Agent’s the Answer to Manchester United’s Problems?
Based on this compendium I have put together, Manchester United’s rumored claims that there is more value in the free agent market this summer than usual is not unfounded. However, I also believe it is a false narrative from United’s PR team designed to do two things;
First, it is misdirection campaign. United habitually pay above market value for new recruits. Whether they are giving absurd wages to free agents or paying exorbitant fees for players they purchase. Thus United’s front office, in an attempt to avoid the traditional ‘United Tax’ are fueling a campaign of misdirection by enforcing claims that they are not just broke and desperate, but so much so that they plan to rely on free players in an attempt to moneyball together a squad for next season.
Second, it is designed to limit expectations. Manchester United are clearly in a precarious financial situation. And while their intention to sign top calibre players is clear, they don’t want to set false expectations and risk the blow back from an already frustrated fan base should they fail to deliver.
None of this means that Manchester United should avoid the free agent market. However, it is an indication that the clubs interest in free agents is not as serious as reports are implying. It is also suggests that United are likely to yet again fall short of the mark in this summer’s transfer window.
Glory, Glory Man United!
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