Manchester United are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer as Ruben Amorim looks to reshape his squad – and a new striker is said to be a priority
As Manchester United gear up for Ruben Amorim’s first summer transfer window at the helm, certain positions seem to be in more urgent need of reinforcement than others.
Patrick Dorgu was the first major signing under Amorim’s reign, joining from Lecce in January, but it now seems a new striker is on the agenda.
Ipswich Town’s rising star Liam Delap is the latest forward to be linked with a move to Old Trafford. He’s one of five strikers believed to be on United’s shortlist, following a difficult season for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in front of goal.
Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 formation hasn’t been the easiest to implement for the ex-Sporting CP manager. However, there has been some progress, hampered only by injuries restricting how much he can put his plans into action.
The injury list is starting to shrink, though there are likely to be some exits over the summer. Christian Eriksen has hinted that this will be his last season at Old Trafford, while Kobbie Mainoo’s future remains uncertain.
The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules may curb United’s spending power over the summer, but they’re still anticipated to make some signings, reports the Mirror.
Goalkeeper and defenders
There have been whispers that Andre Onana could be deemed surplus to requirements following a series of high-profile blunders. However, Amorim appears to have faith in the goalkeeper, and a new number one is unlikely to be top of the priority list given the issues elsewhere.
Leny Yoro is set to reap the rewards of a full pre-season, having had his preparations disrupted by injury last summer. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez’s recovery from ACL surgery may slow him down, but the former Ajax star should be back in the starting line-up once he’s fully fit.
As for potential new signings, Dean Huijsen could be just the right fit for United as they brace themselves for at least one centre-back exit. The Bournemouth ace has been linked with a move, especially with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans’ contracts expiring in the summer, although Real Madrid could pose a significant challenge.
In terms of wing-backs and midfielders, with Dorgu settling in quickly, focus has shifted to the other wing-back position. Diogo Dalot has grown into the role, which might allow United to stick with their current senior options – particularly after missing out on Geovany Quenda.
Midfielders
The midfield’s future largely depends on whether Mainoo decides to stay. Even if he does, Amorim hinted that he sees the England international more as a number 10.
Manuel Ugarte has made the most of increased game time, transforming into the player United hoped they were signing last summer. However, they might be looking for a new partner for the Uruguayan.
Atalanta and Brazil star Ederson, who has previously been linked with a move, could be the answer.
Forwards
While there’s been chatter about United potentially shifting Amad to a wing-back position next season, the Ivorian has proven his worth as one of Amorim’s dual number 10s. Bruno Fernandes has mirrored this, contributing more in his forward role in the latter half of the season.
This leads us to ponder who might spearhead United’s attack next season. The links to Viktor Gyokeres persist, with Delap joining the Swede on a five-man shortlist that also features Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.
However, the fifth contender on that list could be the answer, particularly if Napoli proceed with plans to orchestrate a swap deal involving Hojlund and Victor Osimhen which would free up funds for United to invest elsewhere. Nigerian striker Osimhen, who was Serie A’s top scorer as recently as 2022-23 and has netted 20 league goals while on loan at Galatasaray this season, could be just the man for the job.