Manchester United’s optimism going into the new season has been slightly dented after injuries to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund last weekend.
Yoro in particular has drawn plenty of excitement from United supporters with his signing seen as a massive coup after strong Real Madrid. United have signed one of Europe’s most promising defenders with his arrival resulting in jealous rival fans putting together compilations on social media of his ‘mistakes’ at Lille.
The club will be concerned though that injury issues have occurred so soon after last season’s problems. Many will be questioning whether more could be done to prevent what could derail Erik ten Hag’s plans ahead of a hugely significant start to the Premier League season for United’s manager.
The Reds return to competitive action against Fulham on August 16, nearly a week after a Wembley re-match against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Sign De Ligt
The injury to Yoro has made United’s next priority in the transfer window clear. Matthijs de Ligt must be signed before the season starts, otherwise, Ten Hag’s team will have a weakness in central defence at a time when they desperately need a good start.
Many will point to the fact that De Ligt joining would just be a lazy transfer with United signing another player Ten Hag has previously worked with. But the Bayern Munich defender was previously regarded as one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs and aged 24, he still has plenty of time to improve.
De Ligt’s experience of having played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs in Bayern and Juventus will also put him in good stead, considering the pressure of playing for United.
Seal Ugarte deal
Defensive midfield is another priority position. United cannot afford to start the season with an ageing and injury-prone Casemiro again.
Many of the club’s problems in 2023/24 stemmed from the large gaps between midfield and defence with a labouring Casemiro struggling to protect United’s exposed back four. PSG’s Manuel Ugarte has all the qualities United need with his strong mentality displayed at this year’s Copa America.
Getting a deal done for the Uruguayan could be the club’s most important signing of the summer.
Hijack Osimhen loan
Chelsea are reportedly looking to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen on loan. It’s a deal which United should seriously consider if they want to turbo-boost their revival next season.
The club may have already signed a striker in Joshua Zirkzee but the Dutchman has scored just 14 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions. Osimhen meanwhile is a goalscoring machine having netted 76 times in 133 appearances.
United, like all clubs in the Premier League, must be mindful of the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and although Osimhen’s wages could be a problem, a loan deal should take some of the costs away. It’s a no-brainer.
