As Mason Mount has to become Manchester United’s first signing of the summer, the focus can now shift to addressing other areas in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
The Dutch boss has consistently prioritized the signing of a versatile midfielder and a high-quality centre-forward for the summer transfer window, with the former now secured through Mount’s arrival.
However, given the constantly evolving nature of the transfer market, it seems that these priorities may have slightly shifted.
As David de Gea’s contract has expired, securing a new goalkeeper is likely to be a top priority for Manchester United. Additionally, the club have been linked with numerous players across various positions, indicating a wide range of potential targets.
United have a limited transfer budget of £120 million for the summer, which could be supplemented by player sales. Therefore, the club will need to be careful in examining which areas to prioritize for new signings.
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Recent reports have suggested that Man United are considering additional signings in both defence and midfield as they aim to capitalize on Ten Hag’s promising debut season at Old Trafford.
Considering this, let’s examine the club’s priorities for each position during the ongoing summer transfer window.
1. Goalkeeper
David de Gea’s contract with United has expired, but discussions about a new deal are set to continue in the following weeks.
To respect the Spaniard’s private time with his family after his recent wedding to Edurne Garcia, United sources have expressed their intention to resume negotiations face-to-face.
Inter’s Andre Onana has emerged as the leading candidate to replace De Gea, particularly given his previous work with Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
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With a price tag of approximately £40 million, Onana could be the most reasonably priced world-class goalkeeper available in the current market. Additionally, United have been linked with Porto’s Diogo Costa and Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow as alternative options.
2. Right-back
During the initial part of the season, it seemed highly likely that Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be departing this summer. He struggled to secure a regular place in the United starting lineup, with Diogo Dalot often being preferred.
Furthermore, after Dalot signed a new contract with the option for an additional year, it appeared that Wan-Bissaka’s future was uncertain.
However, the situation has since become less clear, thanks to Wan-Bissaka’s improved performances in the latter half of the season.
United had engaged in discussions with Bayer Leverkusen’s right-back Jeremie Frimpong regarding a potential transfer in the summer. Nevertheless, Frimpong’s arrival would necessitate the departure of either Dalot or Wan-Bissaka.
3. Centre-back
The Red Devils’ chances of signing a centre-back will depend on player departures this summer. Eric Bailly is deemed a player who must be sold after his loan spell at Marseille last season.
Additionally, there is a possibility that captain Harry Maguire, who had a disappointing season, could be made available for transfer this summer.
While United had been linked with Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, it appears that he is likely to join Bayern Munich. As a result, recent reports suggest that United might turn their attention to Monaco defender Axel Disasi as an alternative option.
4. Midfielder
Ten Hag’s primary midfield target for the summer has always been Mount.
While there was interest in players like Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham, the failed pursuit of the Dutch international last year made it clear that they would be out of reach once again.
United wasted no time in agreeing personal terms with Mount, even before the conclusion of their season and the FA Cup final defeat to City.
Mount’s imminent arrival is expected to lead to the departure of Fred, with Fulham showing interest in signing the Brazilian.
The Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, but a potential move for either player would depend on Scott McTominay leaving the club.
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Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri are also linked with possible departures, with recent reports suggesting interest from AS Roma and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.
5. Forward
Man United fans are eagerly expecting a big signing in this position. Despite monitoring Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, both players seem to be outside the club’s current budget.
It is assumed that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will not allow Kane’s departure this summer, and Osimhen’s price tag is expected to exceed £100 million, which is beyond United’s available funds, especially considering the other areas that need addressing.
Consequently, United are now hoping to secure a deal for a slightly less established player.
The club had virtual meetings with Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund earlier this year, and the Danish international is known to be a supporter of United. Therefore, signing Hojlund appears to be a sensible and logical move for the club.
Considering the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Martial due to recurring injuries in the previous season, United might consider bringing in two new forwards. The club has been monitoring Randal Kolo Muani from Frankfurt and Goncalo Ramos from Benfica.
However, any potential moves would depend on United either making player sales or negotiating an affordable transfer fee, as both options may currently be slightly out of reach.
Ajax star Mohammed Kudus is also favoured by Ten Hag, although he is not a natural centre-forward. Additionally, Porto’s Mehdi Taremi has recently been linked as a cost-effective alternative.
