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How Man Utd can line up next year in dream scenario with fourth Ajax star and Harry Kane
Manchester United are expected to bolster their ranks over the summer, as well as offload several fringe stars that are surplus to requirements.
Man Utd's next six Premier League fixtures
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is keen to continue the shakeup of his ranks when the transfer window opens, and he could make drastic changes at both ends of the pitch. The former Ajax boss is keen to ensure that the Red Devils can progress once more and reclaim their status as title contenders, and he has made several demands in order to achieve that.
United were speculatively included as being in a three-horse race for the Premier League earlier this year, with rogue suggestions that the club could land a quadruple after their Carabao Cup success. Though those claims soon fizzled out after Ten Hag’s side hit a poor run of form, which included being handed a 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool.
With Arsenal and Manchester City set for a sustained period at the top, and Chelsea and Liverpool also both in the heart of major rebuilds, the title race could be more competitive than ever next season. Thus, Ten Hag has made two key demands at opposite ends of the pitch so that his side have every chance of ending their 10-year Premier League trophy drought.
Express Sport takes a look at how United could line up at the start of the 2023/24 campaign…
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
One of the Red Devils’ biggest changes over the summer could be between the sticks, with David De Gea still yet to pen a contract extension at the Theatre of Dreams and reduce his wages. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, United have identified Inter Milan shot-stopper Onana as a long-term option and a deal would not break the bank for the Cameroon international.
Ten Hag worked with the 26-year-old at Ajax and it is reported that a fee of just £35million would be required to reunite the pair. Onana is famed for his ability to play out from the back and fuel attacks from deep, and he could be preferred over De Gea if he makes his long-awaited move to England.
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Defence: Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
United’s defence is unlikely to change over the summer given that it has been one of their strongest departs throughout the campaign. The partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane has provided much-needed assurance in possession and have been one of the strongest pairings in the league, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw also thriving under Ten Hag.
Instead, the Red Devils’ depth in central defence could be where changes arise, with both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof attracting plenty of interest from around Europe. Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has been cited as a potential target.
Midfield: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen
Similarly, United’s midfield ranks appear unlikely to be reshuffled unless Frenkie de Jong stops digging his heels in at Barcelona. United have been linked with several other Premier League-proven stars, though there do not appear to be any concrete approaches in-line and replacements for rotational players such as Scott McTominay and loanee Marcel Sabitzer appear more likely.
Forwards: Antony, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford
If their pursuit of Tottenham star Harry Kane is successful, United will feel that they have an attack capable of winning any trophy. The England international has scored 21 goals in 28 league appearances so far this season, with his red-hot form only being overshadowed by City’s Erling Haaland. Kane is expected to fetch a fee of approximately £100m, though that may be deemed money well spent if he delivers trophies at Old Trafford.
On the flanks, Ten Hag will see no room for improvement given the revival of Marcus Rashford this season and Antony being one of the top names on his shopping list last summer. With Jason Sancho now back in the frame too, the Red Devils look well-stocked in the final third unless Anthony Martial is sold.