With Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton) close to be confirmed as the 1st signing player for the next Season, it’s time for us to delve into United’s Shopping List for this Summer.

One thing can’t be argued – a lot of changes are needed!

And the list must be filled with players with working standards at the top, that can deliver performances, experience, athleticism and serious improvements to the current squad.

I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these players arriving would be a mix of experienced players coming from big-European Clubs (perhaps not playing that much at the moment) and younger players coming up the ladder.

They will need to be hungry!

Naturally, this Shopping List can increase or reduce in accordance with the sales volume the Club can reach from the players that can leave.

A list of players to leave the Club will probably include:
. Marcus Rashford

. Tyrell Malacia

. Jadon Sancho

. Antony

. Alejandro Garnacho

. Rasmus Højlund

. Andre Onana

. Altay Bayindir

. Luke Shaw

And, probably others, some with more importance in terms of market value and to create the right atmosphere, than others.

For example, Casemiro, has proved to be a player with value for the squad in terms of levels of professionalism and work-ethic.

However, if the Club can find a solution for him and gain space for an important new player to reach the Club, what would be the decision?

There are a few questions around players like him, similarly to Luke Shaw’s situation.

If the Club can have an extra sum from the sale of these players, in a minimum of 200M Euros should be easily achievable, the transfer market can face both a revolution and an opportunity for the team under Ruben Amorim.

The Coach knows exactly what needs for each position, but the market will define if they can achieve all players – and the absence from European Competitions may have an impact on some players’ decision to move to Manchester, or not.

Starting from the Goalkeeper, I’m expecting some changes, as both Onana and Bayindir haven’t showed the stability the team needs in the back.

Therefore, the Club needs a replacement (or 2) there.

I have defined a few targets to keep an-eye on, as:
. Diogo Costa (FC Porto)

. Emilian Martinez (Aston Villa)

. Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia CF)

. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

The choice needs to be within players of this level, with the first 2 names being a complete priority.

The Defenders list should be slightly more complete, as it includes players that can operate in different positions, however, I would definitely try to close another CB and a Right winger. Names as Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP), Ronal Araujo (FC Barcelona), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen) or Yann Bisseck (Inter Milan) have to be considered for the Center of the Defensive line, just as Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan) or Vanderson (AS Monaco) to play on the right-wing.

In the Midfield, power and stamina are needed, to help on the pressing moments, just as to alleviate the attacking players to have more freedom and a sustainable supportive net behind them. Although all different, but complementary to the ones existing in the squad, players as Ederson (Atalanta BC), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Hjulmand (Sporitng CP) or Joāo Palhinha (Bayern München) must be considered as vital.

At the attack, I’m expecting multiple changes to face the need of goals.
Therefore, to join Matheus Cunha on those positions behind the striker, we should expect to have 1 or 2 real candidates joining those spaces, depending on who’s leaving the Club. Players as Rayan Cherki (OL Lyon), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Kubo (Real Sociedad), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) or Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) should be at the top of the list.

For the central position, there are less options, in different cost efficiency as well. If we all know that Ruben is a fan of Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) skills, the true is that after spending around 70M Euros on Cunha, the budget needs to be managed well to face all the team needs. Therefore, players as Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Joāo Pedro (Brighton), Samu (FC Porto) or Jonathan David (LOSC Lille) can provide the right support and be more cost efficient.

Where are the choices going to land?
Hard to say, honestly.

But between the team needs, Ruben’s Game Model and the budget constraints and efficiency, there will be multiple challenges. 

The team is now on an Asian-Tour and should start the Pre-Season shortly after that with a guarantee that Ruben Amorim will want the team as complete as possible, which will be a challenge because sales will take longer.

The Club has no leverage, everyone knows the Club intentions and the potential interested Clubs will play with United as much as possible to reduce the cost of any of them. This will create a direct impact on the Club’s ability to attack the market with the mentioned players, or others that may be missing here.

Tough times ahead, definitely challenging.

But, looking at the positives, United will have time to train, to prepare and concentrate on national competitions and prepare a brighter future.

Funny, or not, it all seems to be a deja-vu to Ruben’s tenure at Sporting.

From 1st months to 2nd Season more than half of the team is moving (at Sporting were more than 20 players moving out of the Club), no European Competitions in the first full-Season at the Clubs, and the rest was history.

Shall it happen the same at United?

You know my opinion on that.

Ruben is the right man.

No doubts.

What’s your opinion about United’s strategy for Summer?
Can you see other profiles matching the positions mentioned, or others?

Let me know at the comments!