Manchester United could have a squad to rival any other in the Premier League if they make just three more signings. Under Michael Carrick, the club has enjoyed an impressive resurgence, and he will hope to build on last season's momentum when the new campaign begins.
This summer, United have already welcomed Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow to Old Trafford for a combined £85million. However, that may not be enough to give Carrick the perfect squad for the upcoming season. There are still a few areas in need of improvement before the transfer window closes, and the Red Devils have around three weeks to add the finishing touches.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Senne Lammens will retain the gloves as United's first-choice goalkeeper, with Karl Darlow and Tom Heaton providing back-up options. That area is considered done, with no need for further improvement.
In central defence, United are well-stocked with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt. At right-back, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui provide cover, but the left side needs reinforcement. Luke Shaw is the only senior option, with Patrick Dorgu playing further forward and Tyrell Malacia no longer at the club.
A move for Lewis Hall seems impossible due to Newcastle's reluctance to sell key players, so United could target Antonee Robinson, who is proven in the Premier League and loves to bomb forward in attack.
Midfield and Attack
United have signed two new central midfielders but are still in the market for another. Myles Lewis-Skelly has reportedly been offered to the Red Devils, with Arsenal looking to sell after landing Bruno Guimaraes. The youngster would provide cover for Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo, and also at left-back when needed. He wouldn't take up a spot in the 25-man squad as he is under 21 and doesn't need to be registered.
Bruno Fernandes will continue as captain, with Mason Mount as cover. Manuel Ugarte is reportedly due to be sold, but his recent long-term knee injury will prevent that this window.
Up front, United have Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, Matheus Cunha and the returning Marcus Rashford. However, they could add another central striker to provide competition for Sesko and Cunha. Ivan Toney would be an ideal signing, given his Premier League goal-scoring record and experience, but he is on a massive salary in Saudi Arabia and it remains to be seen if he would give that up.
Perfect Squad List
Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Heaton. Defenders: Yoro, Martinez, Shaw, Dalot, De Ligt, Heaven, Maguire, Mazraoui, Robinson, Dorgu. Midfielders: Tielemans, Santos, Mount, Mainoo, Fernandes, Lewis-Skelly. Forwards: Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko, Rashford, Amad, Toney.
