United are currently in the midst of a three-horse race for the final top four slot, despite the fact that they have returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.
Since Aston Villa’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur by a score of 4-0, the distance between the two teams has shrunk to eight points from eleven, although United is still in the process of catching up.
For Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plan to get the club back on track, securing a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season will be something that is very necessary.
In addition to providing United with huge financial benefits, United’s participation in Europe’s premier club competition will also make the club’s offer more desirable to potential players in the transfer market.
It gives the impression that each of the ten obstacles that stand between United and the finish line will be a significant struggle. In the eleven games that came before the triumph over Everton, Ten Hag referred to each of his team’s prior matches as cup finals.
It is quite improbable that his perspective has shifted since then.
Nevertheless, alterations to the M16 are on the horizon, and this is true regardless of where United finishes this season. According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United is planning to become more proactive in the seller’s market, and they are predicting a record number of sales during the summer window.
This is because the selling market is favorable to sellers.
A number of players who are not included in Ten Hag’s starting eleven of choice, in addition to one or two additional players who have the potential to help balance the books in the fight against Financial Fair Play (FFP) legislation, are required to step down from their positions.
Undoubtedly, those predicted departures will result in voids that will need to be filled when they occur.
There is a consensus among many people that United has to make some adjustments to their roster this summer, both in terms of increasing the depth of their roster and improving Ten Hag’s first-choice XI.
Even though United had already compiled a list of positions that they desired to reinforce as early as September, it is probable that further roles have been added since then.
On the first list, United intended to make reinforcements at every position, including right back, center back, central midfield, and attack.
It is not unreasonable to believe that they may be considering acquiring a new left back as the season has progressed, given the number of injury concerns that have been received on that side of the back four that they have received.
Despite the fact that Diogo Dalot has been playing the right back position for the majority of the past few months, United’s interest in Jeremie Frimpong, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, indicates that the Reds are still looking to reinforce that position.
When looking at the defensive line as a whole, only Lisandro Martinez is guaranteed to start in Ten Hag’s strongest eleven, which eliminates the possibility of the left-sided center-back position being filled.
Before the most recent derby match, Lisandro Martinez was seen at the Etihad Stadium wearing a tracksuit that was used by Manchester United officials.
In the course of this season, Manchester United has been suffering from a severe lack of Lisandro Martinez for extended periods of time. Image courtesy of Danehouse/Getty Images and taken by James Gill.
This season, United has used a variety of different combinations of center backs, and the club has not yet made a decision regarding Raphael Varane’s future.
It is possible that Harry Maguire, despite his progress, may be sold, and Victor Lindelof may also be sold.
United needs to find a long-term replacement for Casemiro before they can move to the midfield position.
Despite the fact that Bruno Fernandes is still in the driver’s seat to keep his position as head architect at No. 10, Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as a mainstay, making it tough to dethrone him.
Mainoo has been suggested as a potential replacement for Casemiro, which would make it possible for Mason Mount to return to United and attempt to restart his career after suffering from injuries during his first season with the club.
On the other hand, Mainoo is maturing into a forward-thinking and progressive midfielder who has the potential to become a dangerous striker at the eighth position.
Due to the fact that Rasmus Hojlund was acquired from Atalanta in August with the purpose of being United’s long-term striker, it is highly doubtful that the club will chase a high-profile No. 9 player during the summer transfer window.
Absolutely nothing can be assured in terms of broad areas at this point in time.
Neither Jadon Sancho, who was signed in 2021, nor Antony, who was drafted the following year, have submitted applications to claim the right-wing position.
This indicates that the issue will continue to be a long-term one.
There is no doubt that Alejandro Garnacho is the most obvious candidate; but, at the age of 19, he is not certain to start every week.
This is especially true in light of Marcus Rashford’s lackluster performance this season and the constant rumors that he is linked with Paris Saint-Germain.
It would appear that Andre Onana, along with Martinez, Mainoo, Fernandes, and Hojlund, has successfully cemented his place in the opening starting eleven. In addition, everything else is a mystery.
