Adrian Clarke looks at what Manchester United need to do in the summer transfer window to improve their squad.
Manchester United
After finishing eighth last season, their lowest Premier League finish, a major rebuild is expected at Old Trafford this summer.
The work must start on a defence that conceded a club-record 58 goals; and that is a figure which would have been significantly worse had goalkeeper Andre Onana not made as many excellent saves.
Since Opta began recording the number of shots faced by teams in 2003, Man Utd had never come close to facing 667 in a single campaign, but that was their figure in 2023/24.
| Man Utd seasons | Most shots faced (inc. blocks) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 667 |
| 2021/22 | 511 |
| 2011/12 | 506 |
| 2018/19 | 496 |
| 2012/13 | 485 |
Finding a new centre-back partnership feels an absolute must, having used 14 different combinations last season, largely because of injuries. If he is fit, Lisandro Martinez should have a summer signing start alongside him in August, especially with Raphael Varane leaving the club.
Injuries and inconsistent displays at full-back also mean United may be in the market for a left or right-back in the coming weeks too.
United also struggled badly at the other end of the pitch, registering 57 top-flight goals, their third-lowest Premier League return.
Aside from teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho, none of Man Utd’s forwards enjoyed a good campaign, so there are could be moves made for a wide forward and a No 9.
Ten goals in 30 appearances is an acceptable return for 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund in his debut season in England, but he will need somebody else to compete with him for a starting berth. On the flanks they also require a far more consistent output than Marcus Rashford or Antony provided.
While Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence has been a huge bonus for Man Utd, you do sense they will seek an upgrade for Casemiro or Sofyan Amrabat this summer. Mainoo is an all-round midfielder, so they are likely to buy a more athletic, defensive lynchpin if the budget allows.
Key areas to target: Centre-back, defensive midfielder, wide forward, centre-forward
Ins and outs so far
| Player | Transfer Type | Club | Full Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raphael Varane |  Released |
- | Details |
| Alvaro Fernandez | Transfer Out |
Benfica | Details |
| Anthony Martial | Released |
- | Details |
| Tom Huddlestone | Released |
- | Details |
| Brandon Williams | Released |
- | Details |
(Last updated: 7 June)
