Manchester United need key additions in all areas of the pitch if they are to stand any chance of rising up the Premier League table during the 2025/26 campaign.
The Red Devils have showcased in recent times that they’re no longer one of the sides to be feared in the division, with Old Trafford no longer the fortress it once was.
Ruben Amorim’s side slid down the table last time around, ending the season in 15th place, a finish that was the club’s lowest since the division’s formation back in 1992.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts
However, it remains to be seen how much funding the boss will have at his disposal this window, potentially needing to rely on outgoings before he can make the desired additions he craves.
The likes of Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were all released at the end of their respective deals, freeing up needed budget to allow Amorim to get busy in the market.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Midfielders have seemingly emerged as key targets for United in recent days, with Lyon star Corentin Tolisso being named as a potential addition this summer.
Reports in recent days have linked the 30-year-old with a £20m move to Old Trafford, after the hierarchy entered talks with his current side over a deal for his signature.
Olympique Lyonnais' Corentin Tolisso celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
However, he’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz still remaining as a possible target, according to Football Insider.
Their report claims that the Red Devils are leading the race for the Brazilian midfielder, who looks almost certain to leave the club this summer, after making just three starts following his £42m move last year.
It also states that they could face competition from Everton and Nottingham Forest for the 27-year-old’s signature, leading to a loan-to-buy offer currently being mooted.
Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Pogba
Paul Pogba is a player who will remain in United's history for a very long time, after he joined the club in a record £89m deal from Juventus back in the summer of 2016.
paul-pogba-man-united-juventus-arsenal-arsene-wenger
The Frenchman rejoined the club just four years after leaving them on a free transfer, with his return costing them a pretty penny and one which certainly raised eyebrows.
He made over 200 appearances during his second stint with the Red Devils, lasting just under six years, scoring on 39 occasions - including a superb strike against Swansea City.
However, Pogba would ultimately fall down the pecking order once more, leaving on a free transfer for the second time in 2022, re-joining former club Juventus in the process.
There’s no doubt he possessed a lot of quality, something which can also be said about current target Luiz - who could follow in the 32-year-old’s footsteps in joining from the Old Lady.
douglas-luiz-juventus-serie-a
He also possesses a superb strike on him, but the Brazilian’s underlying stats from his time in Serie A could make him a superb piece of business for Amorim’s side next campaign.
The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Gary Lineker, registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.
Douglas Luiz's stats for Juventus in Serie A (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Progressive passes
Progressive carries
Tackles won
Tackle success rate
Take-on success
Aerials won
Stats via FBref
He also won 2.1 tackles per 90, whilst winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, capable of regaining possession before handing chances to those in forward areas - as seen by his superb tallies with the ball at his feet.
Luiz would be the perfect box-to-box option, as demonstrated by his 79% take-on success rate, having the capability to drive forward before making the killer pass to a teammate.
Given the interest from elsewhere, United will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal for his signature, with one of their rivals subsequently strengthening as a result.
If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by Pogba during his time at Old Trafford, it would be a superb addition and one that could catapult the side up the table next time around.
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