Featured Image Credit: Getty / lineup-builder.co.uk
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United could make some big moves this summer during the first transfer window of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS regime.
British billionaire Ratcliffe, a boyhood United fan, officially became a minority shareholder in the club in February, and is now in charge of the footballing operations at Old Trafford.
United were unable to spend on major transfer fees in January due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, but despite those restrictions still being present, it is anticipated that the Red Devils will have more of an open chequebook.
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Erik ten Hag, therefore, is set to be able to add to his squad this summer as United look to bounce back from an inconsistent 2023/24 campaign.
And with the transfer rumour mill now beginning to work its way into action as the summer window nears, here is a potential United XI for next season if some of their rumoured moves come off.
Andre Onana
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Andre Onana was effectively one of the first pieces of Erik ten Hag's rebuild when he joined the club from Inter Milan for a £47.2 million fee last summer.
The Cameroon shot-stopper had a shaky start to life at Old Trafford, with several high-profile mistakes in the Champions League, but has got better as the season has gone on and is now one of the side's more dependable players.
Jeremie Frimpong
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This signing will likely rely on United getting into the Champions League next season, given Jeremie Frimpong has been one of Bayer Leverkusen's leading lights as they edge closer to their first Bundesliga title.
Frimpong has played in a wing-back role for Leverkusen this season, combining his searing pace with incredible attacking qualities. A former Manchester City academy player, the Netherlands international would be returning to English football if he signed for United.
Jarrad Branthwaite
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The second player in this predicted XI to be currently playing elsewhere, Jarrad Branthwaite has been heavily linked with a move to United this summer.
A rare two-footed centre-back - Branthwaite plays on the left under Sean Dyche, but was on the right in Carlisle's academy - as well as being another home-grown option, Branthwaite has impressed for Everton this season despite their Premier League inconsistency.
Standing at 6ft 5in, and with composure and ability on the ball in abundance, the recently called-up Englishman is one of the top young defenders in English football.
Lisandro Martinez
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The 2023/24 campaign has been a nightmare for Lisandro Martinez, as the Argentinian has been forced to recover from several injury setbacks.
There is no doubting that United have been a better team defensively on the few occasions he has played this year, and a fully-fit Martinez could finally re-install himself as a mainstay at centre-back.
Diogo Dalot
When Jose Mourinho said Diogo Dalot would be United's right-back for 10 years when he signed him from Porto in 2018, he wasn't lying.
Almost six years on from that prediction, Dalot is increasingly showing his worth at Old Trafford with a series of star performances this season.
Having signed a new contract last season, the Portugal international isn't going anywhere yet.
Another player who has endured a horror spell with injuries is Luke Shaw, having been restricted to just 12 Premier League appearances and could miss the rest of the season with a muscle problem.
When fit, though, Shaw is one of United's best players, and one of the top players in the Premier League in his position. A certainty to stay at the club, you'd imagine - although he may need to displace Dalot.
Kobbie Mainoo
At 18 years old, Kobbie Mainoo looks set to occupy a spot in United's midfield for the long term.
After breaking through into the first team regularly in November, Mainoo hasn't looked back, with his composure on the ball, work rate and occasional ability to drive into the opposition half making him a key part of the side. He's now in the England squad as well.
Joao Gomes
According to the Daily Mirror, United are weighing up a £40 million move for Wolves star Joao Gomes this summer.
The combative midfielder has been a star player for Gary O'Neil's side this season, and it is believed that Wolves are already identifying potential replacements in case of his departure.
A holding midfielder, Gomes could provide the extra control in that department that United need next season.
Bruno Fernandes
The United captain, Bruno Fernandes is another that shouldn't have any issues in retaining his place in the side next season.
Despite having four goals and six assists to his name in the Premier League, though, Fernandes will hope to bolster that return further before the campaign is out.
Alejandro Garnacho/Pedro Neto
The Daily Mirror also claim that, alongside Joao Gomes, United are monitoring his Wolves team-mate Pedro Neto ahead of a potential move.
The Portugal winger has provided nine assists in 19 Premier League games this season, but could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
Neto's injury history may concern United, and Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested, but amid suggestions that the 24-year-old could be sold due to FFP restrictions, Ratcliffe might fancy his chances.
If he does join, though, he would likely have to battle for game time with Alejandro Garnacho, who has held down the right wing position in recent months with a string of top performances.
Marcus Rashford
Alternatively, Neto could move over to the left side if Marcus Rashford is no longer a United player by next season.
The England international has been persistently linked with Paris Saint-Germain since the turn of the year amid his inconsistent form, but Rashford has started to return to his best in recent weeks.
If he can stay at that level - and providing that he does remain at Old Trafford - there won't be too many arguments about the 25-year-old lining up on the left side of attack on the opening day next season.
Rasmus Hojlund
It took time for Rasmus Hojlund to fully settle into United's system - he didn't score in any of his first 14 league appearances - but the Dane turned into a man possessed after netting the winner in a 3-2 Boxing Day win over Aston Villa.
He scored seven goals in seven games across January and February before suffering a muscle injury that slightly derailed his progress. Hojlund will want to hit the ground running next season.
Here's our final XI (via lineup-builder.co.uk):
United are back in action on March 30 when they face Brentford in the Premier League.
