Manchester United had a decent 2022/23 season, which can still end with two trophies.
But if they are to challenge for the Premier League title once more, they need to improve their squad.
Here is how Manchester United could line up following the 2023 summer transfer window.
GK: Diogo Costa
David de Gea has been a great servant to Manchester United and remains one of the best shot-stoppers in England. However, the Spaniard is quite poor with the ball at his feet and this has limited the way Erik ten Hag can play with United. As a result, the Red Devils seem to be in the market for a new keeper who can play out from the back, with FC Porto’s Diogo Costa the main name linked.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong
CB: Raphael Varane & Lisandro Martinez
With Harry Maguire looking likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, United will need another centre-back in if they are to compete in four competitions next season. But as it is not a priority area, a younger, cheaper option such as Axel Disasi seems likely. And whilst Disasi can grow into a top centre-half, the pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will likely be Man United’s main duo once again next term.
LB: Luke Shaw
Whilst some Man United fans may wish to see an upgrade on Shaw, he is a decent option for the time being whilst United address bigger gaps in their squad. Diogo Dalot can also provide cover at LB so there isn’t much need for signings in this area.
CDM: Casemiro
Manchester United may sign a second defensive midfielder in the summer to replace Scott McTominay but it is very likely Casemiro, who has been superb when not suspended, keeps his spot at the base of United’s midfield.
CDM: Youri Tielemans
One of the reasons Manchester United’s form dropped off in 2022/23 was the long-term injury to Christian Eriksen. The Dane is excellent at linking defence and attack and was crucial to how Ten Hag wants to play. United’s other options in this area are fairly weak and as Tielemans will be a free agent this summer, the Belgian seems the obvious choice to replace/rotate with Christian Eriksen.
RM: Kaoru Mitoma
Manchester United have spent over £150m on right-wingers in the last few years. However, neither of Jadon Sancho or Antony have been good enough. The latter showed promise by scoring three in his first three outings but has fallen off dramatically since. Manchester United have been linked with Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma in recent months and whilst he is a left-winger by trade, he can also play on the right and would probably do a better job than United’s current options.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
The no.10 spot does not really need any changing this summer, with Bruno Fernandes still at the top of his game and both Eriksen and Sancho able to cover for the Portuguese when needed.
LM: Marcus Rashford
Rashford has had arguably his best-ever season for Manchester United in 2022/23 and will keep his place next season.
ST: Harry Kane
Centre-forward is United’s weakest spot heading into the summer, with Anthony Martial set to be their only no.9 come the end of June. And given how much of a mess Tottenham are currently, it would make a lot of sense for United to bring in Harry Kane. The Englishman has been heavily linked with United and Ten Hag is said to prefer him to the other striker touted for a Manchester move – Victor Osimhen.
Predicted Manchester United line-up
