5 Positions Manchester United Need to Fix this Summer

The March international break is often when teams begin to finalise their shortlist of players to try and sign during the summer transfer window. Despite an uptick in form under Michael Carrick, Manchester United still doesn’t know who its head coach will be next year, which makes things much more difficult.

Last Word on Football provides you with five positions that Manchester United must target in the summer.

Where do Manchester United Need to Improve?

Defensive Weaknesses

There are certainly defensive weaknesses within the current set-up at Manchester United. The players currently at the club have had to adapt from three centre-backs to two after the departure of Ruben Amorim, have suffered with several injuries, and some are just below the level required to win titles. This is Manchester United’s aim by 2028 under ‘Project 150’.

Current Picture at Centre Back

As things stand, the club have five senior centre-backs. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are the two most experienced centre-backs. Both have captained big clubs, represented their countries at international tournaments and have seen it all. Next, we have Lisandro Martinez, who, despite being experienced, is less experienced than the two men previously mentioned. He offers something different from Maguire or de Ligt, being left-footed and stepping into midfield with ease.

The two young prospects, Lenny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, are reliable, but certainly still on there way up.

The problem is, Maguire’s contract expires this summer, and although he’s likely to extend, he’s 33 and doesn’t have a long, illustrious career left. De Ligt and Martinez have suffered huge injuries throughout their time at Old Trafford, especially this season. A combined 124 games throughout their time in Manchester. The worry for United is that these two men could potentially suffer repeat injuries due to the nature of their current problems.

Centre back is a position that Manchester United must improve. An experienced, reliable, preferable left sided centre back would be ideal in the current set-up.

Left Back

Although Manchester United have four left-backs on their books, only one is currently fit and firing. Luke Shaw’s injury-hit career has certainly stunted his overall potential, and at 30 with a year left on his contract in the summer, it’s time that United moved on. If he’s happy to stick around Old Trafford as a back-up, he’s of value. He’s not a Premier League-winning left back. His inability to get forward and dominate in attacking positions is what’s let him down this season.

Patrick Dorgu has been more effective in a more attacking role this season, and it’s possible that if he’s moved back to a more static left back, it could stunt his progress. Diego Leon was signed in the summer as an exciting prospect; however, he has not broken into the first team, featuring in the under-21s. The 18-year-old Praguian has a future, but not next season. 19-year-old Harry Amass is highly regarded and has experienced two Championship loans this season, although an injury has likely ended his season.

Manchester United’s summer targets must include a left-back. A reliable left back who can get up and down the pitch, whip in a cross and help develop youth would be perfect.

Back-Up Striker

Although the Red Devils haven’t struggled to score goals this season (56 league goals, the third most in the league), their striking options have been unconventional. With Rasmus Hojlund set to leave the club in the summer, it leaves United with just two out-and-out strikers – Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman, like Hojlund, could be on his way out of Old Trafford in the summer.

Bryan Mbuemo has operated as the striker more often than not under Michael Carrick; however, he wasn’t brought to United to play that role.

Chido Obi isn’t ready to compete week in, week out for the sude; however, as they potentially have four competitions to compete in next term, he could see first-team minutes.

With Hojlund and Zirkzee potentially exiting Manchester United, a reliable striker must come into the squad. The ideal fit would be someone who offers something different to Sesko, a quick striker who can drop in deep to midfield to pull defenders out of position.

Back-Up Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens has cemented his spot as the outright and deserved #1 for the team. The 23-year-old has impressed with his ability to command the box, adapt to different playing styles and remain calm in an extremely pressurised position.

We know that Andre Onana will be leaving Manchester United in the summer, and it appears that the current back-up keeper, Altay Bayindir, will also be on his way out the door. Tom Heaton will be 40 next month, and if anything were to happen to Lammens, he won’t be an appropriate replacement.

This signing comes with a caveat, however. If Radek Vitek is willing to fight for the #1 spot or be happy to be a back-up, United shouldn’t need to sign a new player. The 22-year-old goalkeeper has enjoyed a season-long loan at Bristol City and has proven himself to be more than capable in the Championship. He’s kept nine clean sheets this season and, if he wants to return to Old Trafford, he’d be more than welcome.

The Most Important Position to Fill – Central Midfielder

We have previously looked at options to replace Casemiro, who will be leaving in the summer. Whilst those options are still Manchester United summer targets, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has emerged as a potential option for The Red Devils. The Italian could offer much-needed support for Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of midfield and could slot straight into the United system.

He’s only 28 and having played over 100 times for The Magpies, knows the league well. He’s also had experience of playing in the Champions League, something that United must consider going forward.

There is no doubt that the most important position to fill this summer is the central midfield void left by Casemiro. Whoever replaces him must be combative, willing, and able to work in a pivot with Mainoo and progress the ball quickly from defensive positions. A lot to ask, but this is why it’s a premium position.