They will have to juggle Premier League and European football simultaneously, and they need a deeper, higher-quality squad. According to former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, they will need to sign a left-back, a central defender, and two quality midfielders during the summer transfer window.
Neville said via , “I think Manchester United need a left-back for next season because Luke Shaw has played every game this season, and I think he may struggle. They need a centre-back, 100 per cent. And they need two central midfield players. They’re the four priorities right now.
“Now, look, if you could then maybe trade Mason Mount for someone else who maybe can play in and out and be a bit more flexible across that midfield and forward line, I’d say, yeah, let’s go for a fifth. But if you can’t, I would say they’re the four. And they’ve got to be top-notch, those four players. That’s the real priority right now.”
It is no secret that Manchester United need a reliable left-back. Luke Shaw is in the twilight stages of his career, and his availability has been unreliable as well. They need to find a quality alternative, and it remains to be seen whether they can sign a left-back in the coming weeks. They have been linked with players like Maximiliano Araújo, and the 26-year-old could be the ideal acquisition.
On the other hand, they need more quality in the middle of the park as well. Casemiro has decided to leave the club, and Manuel Ugarte has been largely underwhelming. They need to replace both players in the summer. Signing a central midfielder and a defensive midfielder should be a priority for them heading into the summer window. They have been linked with players like Elliot Anderson in recent weeks, and the Nottingham Forest star could be ideal for them.
He will add defensive steel and physicality in the middle of the park for Manchester United, and it could bring out the best in their creative players as well.
Finally, they need to invest in a central defender as well. Harry Maguire has signed an extension with the club, but he is in his 30s. Manchester United needs to plan for the future. Players like Matthijs de Ligt have had multiple injury problems this season, and signing a reliable central defender would be ideal. It will be interesting to see who they end up with.
Manchester United have shown great improvement in recent months, but they need more quality to close the gap with Arsenal and Manchester City.
