£55m striker signs and dream Kobbie Mainoo partner - predicting Man United's transfer window

The start of the summer transfer window will mark an important juncture in Sir Jim Ratcliffe's quest to take Manchester United back to the top step of English football's podium.

After becoming co-owner earlier this year, the transfer window will mark Ratcliffe's first meaningful opportunity to make his mark at Old Trafford. A hive of transfer activity is expected over the next couple of months, with United keen to change the landscape of their squad.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News back in February, player sales could reach double figures this summer. The club needs to raise funds via that method to remain within the boundaries of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules [PSR].

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Although outgoings are expected to outweigh incomings this summer, United have ambitions to add fresh legs to their ranks. The club has made the additions of a centre-back, a central midfielder and a forward their main objectives ahead of the new season.

With that in mind, MEN Sport's team of writers have had their say on what this summer's window could look like at Old Trafford.

George Smith

It is no secret that United need to raise funds through player sales to balance the books this summer. The squad is awash with players who could generate some much-needed cash, as well as those who have no long-term futures in M16.

You can envision the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek and Casemiro all being offloaded on permanent deals, and that would represent a step in the right direction. McTominay is the most sellable asset within that pool of talent and would command a decent fee after a strong 2023/24 campaign.

As for incomings, United need to strengthen at centre-back, in central-midfield and in attack. The club could sign two centre-backs and Jarrad Branthwaite is their top target. If he is snapped up, a secondary signing in the heart of the defence would be a low-key addition.

All in all, it is important United get as much deadwood off the books as possible and replace them with young, hungry talent that has room for improvement. Branthwaite would fit that criteria. Links with Joao Neves, regardless of how persistent they are, feel somewhat fanciful because of his release clause being worth north of £100million. United have got PSR to consider this summer and will have to box clever, especially if sales are slow.

Jake Stokes

Regardless of whether Erik ten Hag remains in charge, United will need to sign at least one new centre-back, a left-back, a midfielder, a right-winger and perhaps a striker too. If the Reds truly want to compete and rub shoulders with Europe's best once again then Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have to wheel out the war chest.

With Raphael Varane departing this summer and Jonny Evans' future up in the air, United could be left with just Willy Kambwala, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. Unfortunately, only the latter two have what it takes to start week in, week out for a team chasing top-four – which is ultimately next season's target.

Branthwaite would be an excellent addition to the squad, as would Giorgio Scalvini who impressed for Atalanta in Serie A this season. That's a pair of left and right-footed centre-backs, respectively, potentially covering the Reds for years to come.

In the middle of the park, Neves would be an exciting acquisition. However, his eye-watering price tag could be an issue. Ultimately, if Ratcliffe wants to reignite the club's flame then he needs to sign a world-class right-winger to replace Antony – so step forward Michael Olise.

United could also do with signing a striker to deputise for Rasmus Hojlund. Ironically, Cristiano Ronaldo would have been perfect in that role over the last year or so but that ship has sailed now.

Tom Doyle

United's summer will be a high-wire act: the quantity and quality of signings is almost entirely reliant on who leaves Old Trafford. A dramatic fire sale and rebuild appears out of reach: United will listen to offers for the majority of the first-team squad but the club has not sold well in recent years, while whoever is manager next season will still need a functioning team. United will aim for substantial fees for Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood along with respectable sums for fringe players.

It's no secret that United need reinforcements in every position. At least one centre-back will come in: Branthwaite for under £60m would be a steal; a cheaper alternative like Gleison Bremer or Edmond Tapsoba would also fit the bill. United need a reliable left-back, so a starting centre-back plus a young back-up who can also play on the left flank would be great business. In midfield, I would go all in for Adam Wharton. He would cost over £60m after only setting Crystal Palace back £18m in January, but United should bite the bullet and pair him with Kobbie Mainoo. Neves is a pipe dream right now for Benfica's £100m asking price, though their reported interest in Greenwood could open up a cash-plus-player swap option.

As for the forward line, Benjamin Sesko at £55m would be perfect but a move to Arsenal or Chelsea looks more likely. United need competition for Hojlund but must also give him time to develop, so I would loan an experienced, physical forward who won't rock the boat; somebody who can fill in until United's financial situation improves to then recruit the right player, regardless of price.

United will likely end the summer with a younger, slimmed-down squad with two or three quality additions that will also look a little light of bodies and depth. However, that would be a promising first step for Ineos before adding more quality in future windows as the financial situation hopefully improves.

James Quinlan

The upcoming transfer window presents a tough balancing act for whoever is in the United dugout next season. On the one hand, there is a clear need to clear out some of the deadwood and recruit some talented younger players on the verge of their prime, but then is this a realistic task to be completed within one summer? The last thing that can happen is allowing players to leave and ending up with the bare bones of a squad.

With that said, the permanent departures of Casemiro, Antony, Sancho and Greenwood must all take priority. United won't recoup anywhere near as much as the substantial fees paid out on the former trio, but they in particular take up valuable squad places.

This will call for smart recruitment in those areas. I would favour lower-priced stars that can be moulded into perfect United footballers, but if going all out then I would say do so on a right winger - Olise, to be precise. The defensive midfield market then has plenty of interesting options, though with Joao Neves' asking price quite high my alternatives would either be Wharton of Crystal Palace, Ederson of Atalanta or Khephren Thuram of OGC Nice.

On top of this, Branthwaite's arrival should be deemed as a critical piece of business for Ineos. The Everton centre-back is the future of the England defence whether Gareth Southgate thinks so or not, so just pay the asking price and get it sealed.

Tom Cavilla

A big summer is on the horizon for United as they attempt to create a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

Various players will have to be moved on to make this possible, starting with the likes of Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Eriksen, Van de Beek and Antony.

As far as incomings go, there is also plenty of work to be done in this department. Branthwaite would represent an ideal signing in defence, as would Juventus’ Bremer.

In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat’s future remains up in the air while Casemiro appears likely to be moved on in the coming weeks. Everton’s Amadou Onana could be an effective option in this area, though efforts should also be made for Neves.

Anthony Martial’s exit has already been confirmed, freeing up one space in attack, and it could also be the right time to cash in on Marcus Rashford. Ajax’s Brian Brobbey should be considered, particularly after naming United as a dream destination of his, and Lois Openda is the RB Leipzig star United should be chasing - not Sesko.