Manchester United’s mid-season resurgence owes much to the number of summer signings they have strengthened under Michael Carrick.
It’s not often people praise the Red Devils’ additions or credit them with helping to spearhead any kind of resurgence, but the new addition up front and the little-known goalkeeper they signed last summer were hugely important.
United have spent over £200m and while that spending is nothing new, it is unusual for so many signings to be such a hit. Benjamin Sesco, Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo have all joined to form a new look forward line.
Mbuemo is probably United’s best player this season after Bruno Fernandes. Cunha has scored some big goals, including the winning goal in a thrilling five-goal game at Arsenal. After taking time to recover, Sesco began to come up with match-winning attacks and helped United move up the table.
Between Stick and Senne Lamence, there was a generally confident presence despite a name almost no one had heard of before arriving at Old Trafford. In stark contrast to the days of Andre Onana, the Belgian is doing his thing for a fraction of the price.
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Mbuemo and Cunha were backed by United as they look to bring in top-class talent with a proven track record, rather than importing from overseas. That policy will continue to influence the club’s thinking this summer, with Old Trafford bosses making clear plans to recruit players with an eye on a return to the Champions League.
Midfield has priority
United were right to target attacking power as an issue just under 12 months ago. They’ve also been proven right about the players they chased. The next area to focus on was central midfield, which needed reinforcements even before Casemiro announced his transfer.
Elliott Anderson could head to Old Trafford this summer, but Man City are also keen (Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
The Brazilian has rediscovered his form in recent months, but criticism was that he lacked the pace to move around the pitch. The return of Koby Mainu has given United more quality and depth, but they are still willing to spend big in that area.
There are some familiar names being talked about among Premier League viewers. Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson continues to develop rapidly and could command a £100m price tag if he performs well at the World Cup. Manchester City are also keen.
Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton is also someone United are considering, as is Brighton’s Carlos Baleva, who caught their eye last summer. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Choamenyi would be keen to sign him overseas if he is available.
Strengthening the backline
United currently use five centre-halves. Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yolo, Aiden Heaven. The club believes Yoro and Ten can become a viable duo in the coming years, but patience will be needed. De Ligt and Martinez have had injury problems.
Tottenham defender Mickey van de Ven is rumored to be leaving the club (Image: Getty Images)
The team will need to play quite a lot of games next season and adding a left-footed central defender would be ideal. This has led to Tottenham’s interest in Micky van de Ven, with a number of suitors keeping an eye on him despite the club’s disastrous season.
Negotiations with the north Londoner are always difficult and although he has a long-term contract, United would see him as an ideal signing. Ultimately, much of a club’s business may depend on how much cash it collects from player sales. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte are set to move on, which will help with summer spending.
Bonus purchase in the middle
Exactly how much money comes back through the door could impact whether United are able to add a second central midfielder, which would provide further depth. People in Manchester know it can be difficult to get two players in that area for around £70m.
The Athletic reports that West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Wolves’ Joao Gomez are also on the radar.
Manchester United remain interested in Brighton’s Carlos Baleva, but their availability will depend on finances (Image: Getty Images)
The club also hope the midfielder can also be promoted from the academy. The likes of Tyler Fletcher and Jim Thwaites have recently featured in the first team, but even if the youth players step up, they are likely to only be used sporadically.
If United are to add a second midfielder with first-team quality, it may be up to the club being forced to sell. The aforementioned Wolves’ Gomez is part of a relegated team, which could reduce his influence on the market. The same could be said for Fernandes if the Hammers lose.
4th purchase
United are eyeing other signings, but there are a number of positions that need attention. A more experienced striker could be pursued, something they lack. Rasmus Hojlund could leave permanently, while Joshua Zirkzee’s future is uncertain. The club also needs a left-back.
Tyrell Malasia has left the club and the injury-prone Luke Shaw will be further rested given the additional midweek games, leaving the squad light in that regard.
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