Manchester United are preparing for a big summer transfer window after keeping their powder dry in January, David Ornstein has now confirmed.
It was a quiet January transfer window for the Red Devils, both on the incoming and outgoings front. United allowed multiple players to head through the exit door, but only on loan, with Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, and Ethan Wheatley joining Hull City, Norwich City, and Bradford City, respectively, for the remainder of the season.
The Manchester club failed to complete any incoming additions, which is hardly a surprise considering how difficult the winter window is to do business. United were also focused on their managerial situation in the early days of the window, with Ruben Amorim sacked before being replaced by Michael Carrick as interim boss until the end of the campaign.
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Man Utd Preparing for Summer Window
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Speaking live on Sky Sports, The Athletic reporter Ornstein has shared an update on what we could see from United in the summer transfer window. Ornstein suggests that a central midfielder, left-sided attacker, and centre-back could be their three priorities as they prepare for a big summer.
"We say crazy, it often doesn't materialise to be as literal as that, but I do think there's a lot that they want to do. Most importantly, central midfield, and that's why we are going to see continued links to the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba, and there will be others in the frame, because that is such a critical position, especially after Casemiro has confirmed his departure. There is also intrigue around the left-sided attacking position. They were obviously in for Antoine Semenyo, didn't get him. They have Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho departing, so that's an existing aim for that part of the pitch. Will Harry Maguire be leaving the club? He's been so important, but this is his option year, and he's due to leave. No news on a new contract, so central defence will be an area of focus."
A lot could depend on the future of some of their current stars, such as Maguire, but there's an argument to suggest that the positions mentioned need prioritising regardless.
Central Midfield Has to be Man Utd's Priority
Manchester United's Casemiro holding a football
With Casemiro announcing that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, central midfield has to be the priority position for United to strengthen. Although the Brazilian international has been inconsistent over the last few years, he's still been a key player for United this season.
Thankfully for them, Carrick has reintegrated Mainoo into the fold, which is a huge boost for the Red Devils going forward. The English midfielder was being linked with a departure after falling out of favour under Amorim, but he could now stay after coming back into the side.