Manchester United will prioritise a midfield refresh this summerplaceholder image
Manchester United will prioritise a midfield refresh this summer | Getty Images
Man Utd did not sign anyone during the January transfer window but could go big in the summer.
Manchester United ended the January transfer window without any new signings, but they are expected to make up for that in the summer.
United sources consistently reiterated the focus was on a refresh in the summer, with no major business ever anticipated for the winter window. They wanted to sign Antoine Semenyo because they viewed him as a market opportunity that represented great value for money. When he opted to move to Man City, it was decided that the money would be saved until the end of the season, unless another similar target suddenly became available.
There was never any interest in signing a short-term option midway through the season and United stuck to their guns that any new arrival must be part of their long-term plan, regardless of who the next permanent head coach might be. United gave some consideration to adding another central midfielder to their first-team squad, but ultimately decided it was not required when they plan to refresh the position as a priority this summer.
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Manchester United already know their dream summer transfer signing
Manchester United will prioritise a midfield refresh in the summer, with two additions expected in the position.
Manchester World revealed as early as last year that United could look to sign two midfielders at the end of the season, and they are prepared to spend big to secure a marquee name. The club will look for the best deal possible but acknowledge it might require a club-record fee to sign a star name who is already proven in the Premier League.
At the moment, Nottingham Forest ace Elliot Anderson is viewed as the dream midfield target, and he is one player who could command somewhere in the region of a club-record fee if his side avoids relegation and he also shines at the World Cup with England. The current transfer record remains the £89 million spent to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus a decade ago.
United also have an interest in Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, with the preference to sign at least one player who is already proven in the English top-flight. The club believes there is 'less risk' attached to those who are already established in the Premier League, as has been proven by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha since they signed last summer.
It is understood United will also look to sign a left winger this summer to bring better balance to their forward line after they sold Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford is expected to leave permanently. RB Leipzig ace Yan Diomande is one player of early interest to the club for that position.
United could also look to strengthen at full-back and would need better cover in those positions at the very least if they qualified for European competition. They could also look to sign a back-up goalkeeper should Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir leave, while Tom Heaton could retire. There is a chance United could integrate loan stars Radek Vitek and Harry Amass into the first-team fold to bolster their options, though that decision will be made by their next permanent head coach.
GALLERY:Every deal Manchester United completed in the January transfer window
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