Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will want more transfer support in 2023.
Manchester United backed Erik ten Hag with six summer signings. However, the Dutchman knows more is needed if he is to bring back the glory days at Old Trafford. And with a takeover on the cards, with the Glazers finally set to cash in, 2023 could be a transformative year for everyone associated with the club…
Manchester United signed six players in the summer, with Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen the first to arrive.
Lisandro Martinez then joined from Ajax, with the Argentina international snubbing Arsenal in favor of a reunion with the Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
United had hoped that would be their job.
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But back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Brentford then prompted the Glazers to release more funds, with Casemiro and Antony arriving.
United also brought in Martin Dubravka on transfer deadline day, with the goalkeeper arriving on loan from Newcastle following the departure of Dean Henderson.
However, more support is needed. So Express Sport will now take a look at the club’s top four targets for next year…
A new goalkeeper
United are hoping to tie down David De Gea to a new contract, with the Spain international open to taking a cut on his £375,000-a-week wages.
But the Red Devils are also considering recruiting a new stopper, regardless of what happens to the veteran.
Although Henderson remains a United player, he is unlikely to return to No.1. He will no longer play second fiddle to De Gea, meaning a departure is on the cards.
Ten Hag’s side have been credited with an interest in Yann Sommer, who impressed for Switzerland at the World Cup.
And Diogo Costa has also been linked, although his suspect performances for Portugal could end up hampering his move prospects.
A right defender
Ten Hag insisted he has faith in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who performed well as United beat Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
But behind the scenes, the Red Devils are planning to land a new right-back to compete with Diogo Dalot for a starting spot.
Jeremie Frimpong has been linked, with the former Celtic star impressing for Bayer Leverkusen so far this season.
Norwich City’s Max Aarons was tipped to join in the summer but ultimately stayed to help the Canaries out of the Championship.
And United have been credited with an interest in Denzel Dumfries, who impressed for Holland as they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup this winter.
A central midfielder
As mentioned above, United have bolstered their midfield with bids for Casemiro and Eriksen.
But the Red Devils want more and it looks increasingly likely that Fred will be offloaded, with the Brazil international still struggling for consistency almost five years after his arrival.
They retain their interest in Frenkie de Jong despite the Barcelona star showing reluctance to move to Old Trafford earlier in the year.
And United are confident they can compete for Jude Bellingham’s signature, despite Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City also keen on the 19-year-old.
Remember, they launched a charm offensive when they tried to lure him away from Birmingham in 2020 – with the youngsters meeting club icons like Sir Alex Ferguson and Bryan Robson.
A striker
United want a striker whether or not Jadon Sancho manages to overcome his difficult situation at the club.
Even more names are being linked at this point.
Dutch pair Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, of PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona respectively, have both emerged as targets – as well aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas Portuguese duo Rafael Leao and Joao Felix.
But if United keep fire until the end of the season, when a takeover is likely to have taken place, their targets could come under even more scrutiny.
Kylian Mbappe would be one to keep an eye on, especially if he shows his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain. Something that, following his pain at the World Cup, is not completely out of the question.