Manchester United are preparing an exciting £140m double transfer swoop ahead of the summer window, according to the Athletic.
Aside from Premier League title challengers Arsenal and Manchester City, Man United are currently in pole position to qualify for next season’s Champions League given they lie third in the table heading into the weekend’s fixtures.
The Red Devils’ recruitment team were already planning a big midfield rebuild in the summer regardless of where they finished in the league, but what they are able to do will only be strengthened if they do return to Europe’s elite club competition.
Not only will they be boosted financially, but the carrot of having Champions League football is something they haven’t been able to offer to targets since the 2023-24 campaign, and will make a switch to Old Trafford more attractive.
United could drop to fifth before they host Brentford on Monday should Aston Villa and Liverpool beat Fulham and Crystal Palace respectively on Saturday, but Michael Carrick’s side can regain the position by beating the Bees.
Victory against Keith Andrews’ men would put them on the verge of securing their Champions League spot.
Man United Could Spend £140m on Key Position
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
According to The Athletic, Manchester United’s priority position to strengthen this summer is in midfield, with two new signings expected to arrive in that central position this summer.
United already know that they will be losing Casemiro when his contract expires at the end of the season, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen for the club to sell fellow South American Manuel Ugarte too, after an underwhelming spell with the club.
According to the report, United could spend £140m, similar to the £70m price point on each of their major signings last summer, to boost their midfield, although funds will be needed for other positions in the squad too.
As well as qualification for the Champions League, it’s added that removing Casemiro’s wages will also free up significant funds in their budget.
Which Midifelders are Man United Targeting?
GIVEMESPORT sources have already revealed that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is their top midfield transfer target ahead of the summer, but they face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City for his signature.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is a new name mentioned this week as a possible summer target, although it remains to be seen if the La Liga giants would be willing to sanction a move.
Elsewhere, United continue to be linked with midfielders with Premier League experience, like Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
The Red Devils are looking at strengthening other positions too, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven mentioned as a target by the Athletic as the club consider bringing in a new centre-back, while they are also being linked with a new left-back, experienced striker and a left-winger.
United have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks who could play on the left wing, including Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, and Rafael Leao of AC Milan.