Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas expects Manchester United to overhaul their first-team squad this summer.
The World Cup winner says he has been hugely impressed with the performances of Kobbie Mainoo but he believes that the teenager needs higher-quality players around him next campaign so he can flourish:
“To help him in the summer, they need to recruit players who can gain this quality on the pitch to make him more brilliant than what he is.”
“With these talented players, the better quality they get around him, the better they get. So I am expecting a big summer transfer window for Manchester United… but next season, he needs to be a key player no matter what.”
Will United spend big this summer?
The Red Devils are in a tight spot when it comes to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). It means that INEOS are not in a position to bankroll a spending spree in the next transfer window.
However, that doesn’t rule out significant investment in the playing squad as long as players are sold to balance the books.
Which players could be signed?
United have been heavily linked with moves for centre-backs in recent weeks, and it is believed that the club have been scouting Jean-Clair Todibo, Gleison Bremer, Antonio Silva and Jarrad Branthwaite.
A replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back may also be needed, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong seems like a realistic target with his £34m release clause.
In terms of the forward line, the club will have to find cover for Rasmus Hojlund, especially as Anthony Martial is set to leave on a free transfer. A winger could be signed, with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise having been heavily linked. The midfield will have to be strengthened too if Casemiro departs for Saudi Arabia.