As an abysmal season for Manchester United comes to a close, the future at least looks promising. Incoming manager Erik Ten Hag is poised to win another Eredivisie title in a fruitful season at Ajax, and he will surely be hoping to continue this success in Manchester. Interim manager Ralph Rangnick has been very vocal recently about the issues at the club, even suggesting that up to eight players could be brought in this summer- quality players who will fight for the badge. It has to be said that the current cohort have done anything but this, this season (bar Ronaldo and De Gea of course). So now we turn to speculate over who United could sign, and who they certainly should try and lure.
Who Should Ten Hag Sign For Manchester United This Summer?
Aurélien Tchouaméni – AS Monaco
A known talent since 2020, Tchouaméni has really thrust into the limelight this season with some exceptional performances. He has been a mainstay in a strong Monaco side who could still finish as runners up in Ligue 1. His performances, talent and attitude has seen the defensive midfielder linked with giants Real Madrid, Liverpool, among others. It is yet to be seen that should he choose to leave France, whether or not he would choose a falling Manchester United side over another established top side, but with a clear vacancy in the center of the park and hope on the horizon, perhaps he could be tempted. Of course United would be able to offer a financial package that others could not, too.
Pau Torres – Villarreal
Torres has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now, and perhaps this summer will finally see him make the move, with several clubs on the lookout for reinforcements at center-half. Bar a loan move to Malaga in 2018, Torres has spent the entirety of his senior career at Villarreal thus far, and it seems this could finally be coming to an end. With a release clause in his contract of €55/60m, it won’t take much to lure him elsewhere. It has to be said that United’s biggest problems start in the defense. Their side have looked very leaky at the back, conceding 4 or more goals on several occasions, including against Brighton and against relegation-battling Watford. A new center back is a necessity, with Harry Maguire having flopped this season, Varane being injured for several games at a time and Lindelof not looking up to standard. Perhaps Torres is the answer?
Antony – Ajax
22 year old Brazilian winger Antony is a top talent who will surely find himself at a top club at some stage in his career. Having amassed 9 caps for Brazil already, the future looks bright. The links for this one are obvious. Not only are United desperate for a right-winger, but Ten Hag has just managed the lad at Ajax. Just this season he has shown himself to be an integral member of the squad, and certainly a game changer. However, with reports stating that the winger could cost up to €70 Million, it could be likely that United look for cheaper alternatives on the wing.
Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan
It was left to be seen whether Martinez could bridge the gap of Romelu Lukaku’s high-profile departure last summer, and he has certainly done just that (with the help of Edin Dzeko of course). Martinez has scored 19 goals in 33 Serie A appearances this season, also registering 3 assists. This has left him in a respectable third place for top goal scorer. It doesn’t come as a surprise to hear that Manchester United will be looking for a new striker this summer. Cavani is leaving, Rashford and Martial don’t seem to be themselves in front of goal, whilst Greenwood is still suspended. Ronaldo has carried the attack this season, and reinforcements are a must. Martinez has been on United’s Wishlist for some time, and it has been rumored that a deal involving cash and Anthony Martial could help persuade a cash-strapped Inter Milan to part with their star striker.
Kalvin Phillips – Leeds United
Phillips has been linked to United for some time now, despite the intense rivalry that the two clubs share. United desperately need a defensive midfielder, and Phillips could be the right man. He controls the game and seems to be the guardian of the defense that United are crying out for. Not only would he be a cheaper option than West Ham’s Declan Rice, but he could be tempted should Leeds be relegated this season. Phillips has come out and said how he would like to stay at Leeds, but if they were indeed relegated, for his international career to continue, he must surely transfer clubs. We all remember Alan Smith’s controversial move to Manchester United, after stating he wouldn’t, so we could still see this one happening.
