Manchester United may find themselves caught in the crossfire of several Premier League transfers this summer.
Director of Football Jason Wilcox will be thinking of Manchester United’s summer transfer plans at this very moment, but unlike in previous years, he also must think of which head coach will be in charge to lead the new signings and the current squad.
The days of signing players exclusively for one manager’s system appeared to die when Erik ten Hag was dismissed in 2024, but it will be difficult to convince players to sign for the club when they don’t know who their boss will be.
No matter who is in charge of United next season, though, they will be after new midfielders in the summer, with Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of the season. Manuel Ugarte has been touted with a move away, too.
As it stands, United seem to have a five-man defensive midfield shortlist – to replace Casemiro as the starter – they are: Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Amadou Onana, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton.
All seem likely to cost upwards of £70 million, so deciding on the right option is much easier said than done, especially with the latest twist in the tale.
Newcastle could disrupt the market
Whether it’s United or someone else, it seems like Tonali will leave Newcastle United in the summer, while Bruno Guimaraes has also been linked with a move away from St. James’ Park.
As per TeamTALK, Newcastle could yet spring a “surprise” on United and Manchester City and make a move for their former academy star, Elliot Anderson. That would be to replace the outgoing Tonali or Guimaraes.
This leaves United in an awkward position. They are said to have a “strong interest” in Anderson, although City are in “pole position” to sign the midfielder, but if they go for the England international, a move for Tonali may become impossible.
Alternatively, if United choose to look at one of Baleba, Onana or Wharton, it would leave Anderson and Tonali open for the likes of City and Arsenal to sign.
The best option for United may be attempting to agree a deal with Newcastle for Anderson, where United would be given a free run at the midfielder, and in turn, they won’t make a move for Tonali.
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United must balance summer priorities
Anderson seems to have been linked with a move to Old Trafford for the longest time of any midfield transfer target. So, it seems he will be the priority.
Therefore, the next priority shouldn’t be another defensive midfielder, as United could end up spending as high as £200 million on just one position.
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Do United need more than one new midfielder? Yes. Should they both be high-profile, £70+ million signings? No.
United need to focus on more than just central midfield, with potential issues at central defence, left-back and left-wing.
It’s going to be a big summer for United, even after the new head coach joins.
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