Manchester United are set for a midfield revamp next summer.placeholder image
Manchester United are set for a midfield revamp next summer. | Getty Images
Manchester United may look to the free agent market to secure a top-class signing ahead of next summer.
Manchester United have high hopes for the remainder of this season under Michael Carrick and while his place in the dug-out next season is far from secure as things stand, the Red Devils will already be preparing for a big summer at the club.
With a new permanent head coach set to be appointed at the end of the campaign, Carrick effectively has a four-month audition ahead of him if he hopes to become the next long-term boss of the club he represented with such class as a player. The early signs have been impressive, with three victories from three Premier League matches including huge wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, but the work is far from done if United hope to secure a place in the top four and the Champions League for next term.
Along with the managerial question, midfield will be a key position of strengthening in the summer. Several high-profile targets have already been identified and with Casemiro having confirmed he is departing the club at the end of the season, the Red Devils may seek another experienced player to arrive in a very smart piece of business.
Leon Goretzka could be the perfect midfield signing for Man United
Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is out of contract at the Allianz Arena at the end of the season and looks set to be available on a free, following a recent announcement by the club that he will depart at the end of the campaign. He will make his next move as a seasoned pro and a winner capable of elevating the standards in any dressing room across Europe.
Particularly with Casemiro departing the club, it might appear that is exactly what United need. Capable of playing across the midfield but most comfortable in the No.8 position, Goretzka has won six Bundesliga titles, the Champions League in 2020 and countless other honours with the Bavarian giants and remains a key player for Germany.
As the 30-year-old is playing overseas, United can act quickly to secure a pre-contract agreement ahead of competitors such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. With his contract to expire in June and United in a strong position to secure a return to Europe, the Red Devils can act now to secure the signing of Goretzka as part of a major midfield revamp.
Free agent Goretzka signing might make a huge difference
Signing a player the wrong side of 30 is always somewhat of a risk but amidst the youthful range of transfer targets United are thought to be pursuing, the experience of Goretzka could prove invaluable. With the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba all heavily linked, the Bayern star could be the perfect experienced head alongside more forward-thinking signings.
Casemiro made a huge difference at Old Trafford in his first season at the club and despite a difficult couple of years, the Brazilian has returned to form this term and will leave a considerable hole when he departs in the summer.
United may be wise to learn from their past mistakes by not offering beyond their means in contractual terms to a signing such as Goretzka, but with that aside his signing could prove to be a very astute buy. As a player capable of driving standards both on and off the pitch, the German knows what it means to represent one of the biggest clubs in the world and might relish the chance to prove that he has what it takes to shine in the Premier League.
Goretzka is available on a pre-contract agreement from now and while United may decide to wait until the summer before assessing their options, they might be wise to get their first piece of summer business done as soon as possible.
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