Planning is the key to a successful transfer strategy. Man Utd frequently begins planning for the next window as soon as the previous one closes, compiling a long list of potential targets into their bespoke database system.
Summer months when United has decided well, they get their work done early and efficiently. Last year, they added Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to their team after lengthy pursuits, and they took advantage of a lapse in their strategy to make an unexpected move for Cristiano Ronaldo.
In summers when United has not planned well, they rush to complete their tasks. They signed four players on deadline day a year ago: Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles, Amad and Facundo Pellistri—none of those have been particularly successful.
The evaluation will be even harsher this summer as the Erik ten Hag regime starts, and the club is eager to demonstrate that they have changed for the better by bringing him in as soon as possible so that transfer strategy can be speeded up.
United’s manager-in-waiting met with club officials in Amsterdam earlier this week for an employment meeting, where he was joined by Mitchell Van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, two men set to join his coaching staff at Old Trafford.
Midfield options will undoubtedly be at the top of their priority list, with club sources previously acknowledging it is their ‘main issue’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
The departure of Paul Pogba, combined with the unexpected departure of Nemanja Matic, has only increased the need for at least one new midfielder, with the preference being for two, one who is a defensive specialist and another who can enable them better control matches.
United are considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, and Ten Hag is said to have contacted the player’s agent, Ali Dursun, to see if De Jong would be interested in joining his project.
In addition to De Jong, the club has been working on a deal for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Leeds had hoped to keep the 26-year-old for another year, but they are now tipped to be relegated with only two remaining games left.
With the summer spending limit heavily influenced by player sales, it is difficult to plan a specific plan of action for the first few weeks of the summer, but regardless of what happens, it is clear that signing a defensive specialist in midfield must be the priority.
Many fans are excited about the prospect of a reunion between Ten Hag and De Jong, and while he would be an important addition, he is not the type of midfielder United requires.
Under the worst circumstance, United may only sign one new midfielder this season, in addition to the returning Donny van de Beek and James Garner, and if that is the case, they will have to make amends next year.
However, it may work in their favor in the longterm.
While signing De Jong would be a statement signing this summer, luring teenage sensation Jude Bellingham to the club would be an even stronger statement of intent.
Prior to his move to Germany, United attempted to sign the 18-year-old, but he turned down an offer two years ago because he saw a much better and clear progression plan in the German league.
It definitely paid off, with Bellingham shining for his new club in the Champions League and establishing himself as a regular England international.
The young sensation revealed this week that he has no intention of leaving Dortmund for at least another season, with the Bundesliga club reluctant to part ways with both him and Erling Haaland in the same transfer window anyway.
“The only thing I think about in the future is the next game for Dortmund.” “He told Ruhr Nachrichten BVB about it. “I’m looking forward to the next season. I’m looking forward to it starting. “But, yes, I will be here next season and prepared.”
However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be available in a year’s time, when United may still be looking for a midfielder to help them gain a tighter grip on games.
As a result, United may still have a chance to attract Bellingham to Old Trafford, with the timeline of their own long-term overhaul ideally intersecting with the teenager’s own career plans.
