- David Ornstein on Man Utd summer transfer plans
- Doesn’t expect lavish spending
- Rules out a Matheus Cunha-type signing
David Ornstein has delved into Manchester United’s thinking ahead of the summer transfer window and the kind of business to expect. Midfield is set to be overhauled ahead of Casemiro’s departure.
United have qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League after securing a top-five finish. Michael Carrick still has two more games to oversee, including a clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Carrick is set to stay on as head coach on a two-year deal and confirmation is expected from the club in due course. He will need backing from INEOS as he looks to build on his return to Europe’s elite club competition.
“I don’t expect” – Ornstein on Man Utd summer
Ornstein has revealed how United plan to attack the summer transfer window and hinted that they won’t be forking out hefy fees for players. The reputable journalist told NBC Sports Soccer:
“I don’t expect it to be a summer of lavish spending. Talk of war chests and unlimited outlay – that’s just not realistic. They will continue to be prudent, they say, and diligent and measured in what they do, as we saw last summer.”
United made four signings last summer, with Bryan Mbeumo (£71m), Benjamin Sesko (£74m), Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Senne Lammens (£18m) arriving. The Reds triggered a release clause in Cunha’s contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the window.
Ornstein doesn’t think a similar signing will occur this summer:
“There are no release clauses of players they’re looking at, from what I am aware of.”
Ornstein’s comments might concern fans, given it’s obvious that a heavy overhaul is needed in midfield. There has been talk of three new midfielders arriving, but judging by the journalist’s tone, that might not be feasible.
Where Man Utd must make signings
Other areas of the squad that need addressing are in defence, with a left-back surely needed. Luke Shaw has appeared in every Premier League game, but he’ll need to have viable competition next season.
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked and he’d be an unbelievable signing. His versatility allows him to drop into midfield and he is only 19.
Speaking of midfield, Mateus Fernandes continues to be mentioned as a top target for the Reds. Latest speculation suggests the West Ham United midfielder could cost around £60-70m.
Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson are the two big-name midfield targets. But Tchouameni needs to push for a move, while Anderson seems to be desiring a switch to Manchester City.
There is a chance United swoop for a new striker to ease the goalscoring burden on Benjamin Sesko. That could mean Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Old Trafford is over, given his struggles.
