Manchester United had a successful transfer window to begin the 2022–23 season, but there is still room for improvement.
It is crucial that the team builds on these foundations in the upcoming transfer window because Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Antony have all effortlessly integrated into the United squad and are flourishing under Erik ten Hag.
However, there remains the issue that United is presently going through a financial and ownership shift. Finding more cost-effective alternatives is necessary since they might not have the resources to approve another summer of lavish expenditure.
To address one or more of these difficulties this summer, United may need to look at the free agent market. So let’s look at those four free agents who could be valuable additions to the club in four distinct positions:
Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
David de Gea’s contract issue is an intriguing one. Due to his expensive salary and major doubts over his suitability as the type of goalie Ten Hag desires at the back, United are hesitant to activate the one-year extension in his contract.
However, because it would save United money, he might see his contract renegotiated. However, Sommer should also be taken into consideration as a backup because he is not only a free agent but also more closely resembles the kind of goalkeeper that United will eventually need.
He is 34, which is a problem, but as a stopgap while United finds their next long-term keeper, he might be a viable choice. Either the club will prefer to sign him to provide competition to De Gea or look for a younger alternative.
Forward: Youssoufa Moukoko
This summer, every elite team is keeping an eye on the 18-year-old free agent after he refused to sign a contract with Borussia Dortmund. He is one of Europe’s best talents and an incredibly adaptable forward, so it goes without saying that United should be interested in signing him.
The German forward is on the radar of a number of English clubs, including United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal. Moukoko has scored 11 goals in 44 appearances for Dortmund. The numbers may look small, but you would be shocked to hear his numbers at youth level for Dortmund.
With 141 goals in 88 games for the Bundesliga outfit’s U17 and U19 sides, he has just started to explode on the grandest stage.
Defensive midfielder: Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans is a subject of controversy for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he frequently ghosts during matches and is exceedingly fragile without possession. But United should at least give him some thought since he is available for free.
The Belgian midfielder presents a good long-term possibility at age 25 (he will turn 26 in the summer), and if he doesn’t work out, Ten Hag may be able to recover some money from selling him.
We just can’t forget the fact that he has been a key member for Leicester City over the past few seasons. United can take a shot at this one.
Center-back: Milan Skriniar
Given Harry Maguire’s inconsistent performances, Raphael Varane’s history of injuries, and both defenders’ advanced ages, United will eventually need to consider adding a new center-back. The problem is that United has made consistent investments in this position over the past few years. Can they afford to spend even more next summer?
Solving this is Skriniar, who is free. Inter Milan is now in negotiations with him and wants to keep him at the San Siro, but if those negotiations fall through, United should be ready to seize the opportunity.
Skriniar could be a long-term solution, and he could pair well with Lisandro Martinez. Together, they both can succeed at the highest level for years to come.
