Manchester United are just one week away from the start of the Premier League season and the squad is shaping up to be much better than last year
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Manchester United are just one week away from the start of the Premier League season and murmurings of optimism are starting to filter through the fanbase.
The arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this weekend has provided excitement and arguably completed United's first choice attack for the upcoming season. A front three of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Sesko means there's plenty to look forward to.
However, Ruben Amorim cut a disappointed figure after the clash with Fiorentina on Saturday. He admitted that his side needs to be better in the forthcoming campaign and, ultimately, for all the positivity surrounding the club, there is a feeling that United still need to tick a few things off the Portuguese head coach's wishlist if they are to confidently state that this has been a good window for the Reds.
First up, and arguably the only necessity left, is to bring in a central midfielder. Sadly, United are still lacking that bite in midfield behind the two No.10s at present.
Bruno Fernandes is more than likely going to be playing deeper this season to accommodate Mbeumo and Cunha so United need an impressive defensive midfielder who is going to do the dirty work. Currently, those options are Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
Firstly, Mainoo is not that kind of player and would much rather be used as competition for Fernandes in that position or further forward still. Casemiro is arguably too far past his best to be doing that role week in, week out in the Premier League.
He excelled at times in the Europa League last season but if United want to progress, it is probably without the Brazilian in their team. The jury is still out on Ugarte and there is a sense that he could do that role having played under Amorim before but, even if this is the case, he will need competition.
Step forward Brighton's Carlos Baleba who is considered to be one of the Premier League's best in that position. The trouble is that the Seagulls are desperate to keep hold of the Cameroonian even if it is claimed that the 21-year-old is not fully shut off to the idea of moving to United.
Morten Hjulmand of Sporting looks on
Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United
(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
A potential alternative could be Morten Hjulmand having played that role most recently for Amorim at Sporting. In truth, he could be the more likely option for United.
Next on the wishlist is the centre-forward position. Yes, we know United have just strengthened there but bear with us.
Rasmus Hojlund looks set to be pushed out of the club against his own wishes now Sesko has arrived. If this is the case, United would be left with Joshua Zirkzee and Chido Obi as the realistic cover for the Slovenian.
Zirkzee arguably plays better in the deeper No.10 role so only Obi is a recognised centre-forward and, in truth, we imagine that Amorim would rather let him continue his development in the youth system. The back-up striker addition would likely be a cheap option considering how much has been spent so far.
It has been reported this weekend that Dominic Calvert-Lewin has sacked his agent in a bid to negotiate a move to Old Trafford, so he could be an option. Jamie Vardy on a short-term deal may also be seen as an alternative.
Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin(Image: Getty Images)
Finally, and marked firmly in the 'nice to have' category is a new goalkeeper. There is no big budget for one but the Reds would be looking to bring in a new shot stopper if Altay Bayindir was to leave.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been heavily linked with United and it seems destined that he will leave now PSG have signed a replacement for him. The French club are believed to be expecting United to bid for him but perhaps a loan is the most likely scenario.
If that was the case, the Reds could sign Donnarumma for a nominal, goodwill fee in the summer considering his contract expires in 2026. Were that business be concluded, United could definitively state they had a good transfer window.
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