SUMMARY
- Manchester United need to boslter their options going into the 2024/25 season.
- The club has recently undergone a change in administration with INEOS coming in to make transfer decisions among other things.
Manchester United is still transitioning itself back into a world-class club since taking a dip in its stature. In the past few years, a lot has been changed on the field with big-name signings and big-money signings but stability has not been achieved. Even after appointing different types of managers, United has not been able to recreate its peak. Finally, a change has been made behind the scenes recently.
Although the change is small, INEOS being able to dictate transfers and appointments could finally be a turning point for United. Changes are already underway in the club’s medical and administrative departments. Now, it’s time to take a look at the players.
Manchester United reaches agreement for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, to acquire up to a 25% shareholding in the Company.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 24, 2023
Reports have suggested that INEOS are shortlisting players that they want to pursue in the coming summer. United needs to fill up three positions. Central defense, central defensive midfield, and striker.
Let’s take a look at three players Manchester United should pursue this summer to transform themselves into their past selves.
Jarrad Branthwaite – Young blood in the center of defense
Jarrad Branthwaite is already a top target for Manchester United in the central defense spot. The Everton man has been phenomenal this season. The Premier League has taken notice of the young 6 ft 5 in defender.
The Englishman loves to get stuck in. He is particularly strong in interceptions, tackles, and breaking the play. He is physically strong and with his height, there is no doubt that he is aerially a menace as well. Although Everton are 16th in the league this season, they are fourth best in the league defensively. A lot of it comes down to Branthwaite’s performances.
🚨 Manchester United are working to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
(Source: @CorSport) pic.twitter.com/biwqcCMUdV
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 29, 2024
Manchester United could be his likeliest destination next season as Everton will be looking to make some cash out of him. The Merseyside club has been hit a point deduction due to the breach of financial rules. Everton will surely look to cash in and save themselves from further trouble.
The only problem Manchester United could face is the fact that Branthwaite is also left-footed like Lisandro Martinez. It is rare to see a partnership of left-footed center-backs. It is not impossible to play both of them together but it will be interesting to see how Erik ten Hag approaches this problem if United signs the 21-year-old defender.
Joao Neves: Anchoring the Manchester United midfield
Manchester United’s midfield has lacked a true holding midfielder for years. While Casemiro offered experience for a year, United and Ten Hag tried to back him up with Sofyan Amrabat. As of now, Amrabat has been a flop. United struggle with positional discipline and calmness under pressure. Joao Neves provides the perfect counterpoint.
🚨🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes on João Neves linked with Man United move: “I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump”.
“He is an excellent player, he’s with the National team… that’s also why the big clubs are after him”, told @sporttvportugal. pic.twitter.com/2sxrsxH9BJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 18, 2024
The Benfica player’s ability to read the game, win tackles, and dictate play from deep will solidify the center of the park. Neves’ passing range will be crucial in breaking lines and supplying attackers. He can also chip in with long-range goals, adding another dimension to United’s attack.
Midfield pivot of Mainoo and Neves
I need that, Manchester United do something 🥺 pic.twitter.com/mcY1hxhRFC
— CYPHER✌️ (@Utdcyph) March 23, 2024
Although still extremely young at 19, Neves has shown great potential. Neves will also provide good support to United’s wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.
Serhou Guirassy: Sharpening Manchester United’s attack
Manchester United’s attack relies only on the young shoulders of Rasmus Hojlund as of now. It is not sustainable to provide Hojlund with the complete load. Enter Serhou Guirassy. The 28-year-old striker possesses blistering pace, exceptional athleticism, and a knack for finding the back of the net. He could be the perfect man to play second fiddle to Hojlund.
His off-the-ball movement will create space for Fernandes and others to operate, while his ability to stretch defenses will make United a much more dangerous attacking unit. Guirassy also possesses physicality. It will be a weapon in the box, allowing him to win aerial duels and create havoc for opposing defenders.
Manchester United are monitoring Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy ⏳🔴 pic.twitter.com/OcrcCPq3nZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2023
The Guinean striker currently plays for VFB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. He has wreaked havoc in the league by scoring 22 goals in 20 games as of March 2024. He can also play alongside Hojlund as well if Ten Hag is looking to try that two-striker combination.