Reputable journalist lists the four positions United will look to bolster this summer with one target already shortlisted

 Manchester United are preparing for their first-ever transfer window of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe/INEOS era this summer.

As we enter the business end of the campaign, speculation will only continue to grow each week over how Erik ten Hag’s squad may look next term. Of course, that’s assuming the Dutchman is still in the dugout by then, but reports at the moment suggest that will be the case.

Once his minority stake was officially ratified by the Premier League and announced to supporters, Ratcliffe delivered a spirited speech detailing his desires to knock the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City off their perch. He’ll know that to start doing so as quickly as next season, reinforcements will be necessary across the team.

An Old Trafford overhaul is needed

As such, The Telegraph has confirmed that a new centre-half ranks high on United’s shortlist. The backline was perhaps the area affected the most by this term’s debilitating injury crisis, while the likes of Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane will be leaving when their contracts expire in June, as it stands.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been heavily linked with the club in recent weeks, though any pursuit could largely hinge on whether Everton remain in the top flight or are relegated. If it’s the latter, they could be forced to sanction the exits of numerous players, with the Englishman undoubtedly one of their most valuable assets.

Elsewhere, a new midfielder could be acquired if Casemiro opts to leave, as well as a striker to lessen the goalscoring burden on young Rasmus Hojlund. 

Surprisingly, United will reportedly be scouring the market for right-backs despite Diogo Dalot’s resurgent form in 2023/2024. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, however, has suffered with long-term injury setbacks.