If the summer goes as planned, Manchester United might have three new players in their starting lineup for the upcoming campaign, which would make for an intriguing starting lineup.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are both being tracked by Man United (Image: Everton FC via Getty Images)
Just Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund are off limits in this summer’s transfer market; all four are likely to keep their spots in United’s strongest XI next season. United has decided that they wish to bring in two new center-backs this window, with Raphael Varane departing at the end of his contract and Jonny Evans’ deal currently expiring this month. In the meantime, a new midfielder and an attacker are wanted.
Hojlund is the only natural center forward now that Anthony Martial left at the conclusion of his contract, and Casemiro is widely predicted to leave Old Trafford this summer following a disappointing second season. If all goes according to plan, United may add three new players to their lineup. They definitely need to reload.
Onana will undoubtedly remain in goal if Erik ten Hag continues in his position. Prior to making a decision regarding the Dutchman’s future, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reviewing the season’s results with his inner circle.
One of United’s most reliable players from the previous campaign, Diogo Dalot fills in admirably at right back after providing ample coverage at left back throughout Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw’s lengthy injuries.
Lisandro Martinez is probably going to start at center back, maybe next to a pair of new defenders. United is monitoring Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen and Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.
Jarrad Branthwaite is a target for Manchester United
Branthwaite is a long-term player at age 21, having already gained Premier League experience. Despite their financial struggles, Everton is willing to let him go for the right price and is not going to be intimidated into a low sale. Although he would not be inexpensive, he would be a wise investment.
Shaw, who turns 29 next month, is still the team’s top left-back even with Malacia expected to return after missing the entire season due to knee surgery complications last summer. United has adequate coverage there with Dalot as an additional option.
Despite only turning 19 in April, Mainoo proved to be one of United’s top assets last season and is a must-start. A recent signing who was perhaps bought with the money earned for Casemiro could play with him in the middle of the field.
Amadou Onana, Branthwaite’s Everton teammate, is being watched by United, and the 22-year-old is also attracting interest from Arsenal as well. United needs to add more players to their defensive midfield since Sofyan Amrabat is expected to return to Fiorentina at the end of his loan.
Michael Olise, a standout for Crystal Palace, has been connected to the team in the meanwhile. The Frenchman is scheduled to compete for his nation in the Olympics, but United has more room to negotiate because he was left off of France’s Euro 2024 roster.
He might cost around the same as Branthwaite; reports place his asking price at £60 million.
Should he remain, captain Bruno Fernandes would take up his offensive midfield position. The playmaker has stated that he wants to stay at Old Trafford, but if the correct money and chance present itself, he might leave, according to sources.
Hojlund and Garnacho would round out the front line in a starting lineup capable of contending for a top four finish.
Possible Man Utd starting lineup: Andre Onana; Olise, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund; Dalot, Branthwaite, Martinez, Shaw; Amadou Onana, Mainoo.
