Man Utd identify FOUR major signings for summer 2022
Martin Macdonald
- 24 Jan 2022 12:59 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United are hoping to make at least four major signings in the summer transfer window.
After a poor first half of the season from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Norwegian was sacked and replaced by Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick has been appointed on a temporary basis as manager until the end of the season, but after that, he will remain at the club in an advisory role.
There are numerous areas that Man Utd are looking to strengthen this summer, and are prepared to wait until then for big deals rather than panic-buy in the January transfer window.
What positions are Man Utd looking to improve?
TRENDING
Goalkeeper
Man Utd are currently well-stocked in the goalkeeper department with David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Lee Grant and Tom Heaton.
However, Henderson is desperate for first-team football and could leave on loan or permanently, while Grant's contract expires this coming summer.
Should that pair leave, United will target a backup for De Gea.
Right-back
Aaron Wan-Bissaka may be a decent one-on-one defender but his attacking output has long been a concern not only under Solskjaer, but Rangnick as well.
In fact, the England international is arguably second choice at right-back now, with Rangnick preferring Diogo Dalot in recent matches.
It remains to be seen whether the Portuguese is a long-term solution, but according to Manchester Evening News, a new right-back is desired.
Kieran Trippier was wanted before he signed for Newcastle, so Man Utd may turn their attentions to Brighton's Tariq Lamptey.
Central midfielder
The midfield of Man Utd has long been criticised and it is this area which is the main cause of concern and the main area for improvement.
It will likely be the most costly area to improve, too, as Man Utd are desperate to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.
Rice played against Man Utd for the Hammers this past weekend and was magnificent, and that has only enhanced his reputation at Old Trafford.
While on England duties, Rice reportedly asked Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw about how things were at the club, so it certainly seems like a move interests him.
Depending on how greedy West Ham are feeling, he could cost between £80m and £100m.
Rice remains Man Utd's number one transfer target for the summer.
Centre forward
Man Utd could face an exodus of forwards over the next six months as Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard have contracts that expire in June, while Anthony Martial has also requested to leave due to a lack of game time.
Attacking reinforcements are then desired for the summer and Rangnick wants one of the best reinforcements available in the form of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian is one of the hottest commodities in world football and is wanted by every major European club, but Man Utd are hoping to use Haaland's prior relationship with Rangnick to give themselves an edge in negotiations.
Real Madrid remains a more likely destination for now, however.
