Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s arrival as Manchester United owner would likely spark an exciting summer of investment into Erik ten Hag’s squad. Express Sport explores how United could line up next season if the Qatari completes a takeover and lures one of his ‘dream’ signings, Kylian Mbappe, and three more high-profile names to Old Trafford.
Goalkeeper – Costa
David de Gea’s future is a significant talking point entering the summer transfer window, with just over two weeks left on his United contract.
Ten Hag needs a long-term goalkeeper who suits his style of play. FC Porto’s Diogo Costa fits the criteria and has been the subject of several scouting trips over the last year.
Defence – Wan-Bissaka, Kim, Martinez, Shaw
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot showed glimpses of development this term and are expected to battle for a starting spot again in Ten Hag’s second campaign.
Ahead of Harry Maguire’s expected exit, United have been heavily linked with a move for Napoli centre-back Kim min-Jae, whose £42million release clause activates on July 1.
The Serie A Defender of the Season can provide strong competition for Raphael Varane to partner Lisandro Martinez.
Luke Shaw enjoyed an impressive maiden campaign under Ten Hag and will want to push on further to cement his status as England’s left-back at next summer’s Euro 2024.
Midfield – Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes
Casemiro joined Martinez as two of the signings of last summer, helping revolutionise the United team.
Ten Hag wants more fresh blood in midfield, though, and wantaway Chelsea star Mason Mount is widely expected to land at Old Trafford.
United have all but agreed personal terms with Mount, and Sheikh Jassim would likely be happy to meet Chelsea’s transfer fee demands.
He would partner Bruno Fernandes as the two advanced midfielders in Ten Hag’s system, similar to Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan’s roles in Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning Manchester City side.
Attack – Antony, Rashford, Mbappe
A striker is viewed as a priority for United this summer, but Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly adamant that Harry Kane won’t be sold to a Premier League rival.
Enter Mbappe, who is set to leave PSG this summer after confirming he has no intention to extend his current deal beyond 2024.
Antony showed promising signs in his first season in England, and Ten Hag will be keen to see the Brazilian star continue to improve next term.
He will also hope Marcus Rashford commits his future to his project by signing a new contract. The opportunity to interchange positions with Mbappe in an all-star attack should help convince him to stick around.
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