Manchester United’s strongest line-up next season if they complete three perfect transfers

With just under two weeks of the season remaining, much of the Manchester United conversation is already centering around the upcoming summer transfer window.

With just over a month until the window officially opens, there is a sense of intrigue around Old Trafford as to what could happen. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a collection of changes off the pitch, which means a lot is about to be done.

As reported Manchester Evening News in February, a record number of sales is planned for this summer, which means that outflows could reach double figures. United have stockpiled players for too long and need to remove a fair amount of dead wood from the books.

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In addition, United must stay within the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) rules, meaning they are open to selling some of their most important players. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were not included on an untouchable list drawn up by the club.

That doesn’t mean United will completely dismantle their squad this summer and start from scratch again. It’s impossible to make the number of squad changes Ratcliffe and Ineos might want to make in one window.

While plenty of uncertainty surrounds who could be offloaded, United have already drawn up a plan for the positions they want to strengthen. It is understood that the addition of a centre-back, a central midfielder and a striker have been identified as the main targets.

That said, Andre Onana is set to remain United’s first-choice goalkeeper. He joined the club from Inter Milan less than a year ago and has improved as his debut season in England has progressed.

He has been placed on the untouchables list, meaning United have no intention of cashing him in after just one season at the club. He was drafted in as a long-term replacement for David de Gea and it would be surprising to see the club ditch that plan so quickly.

In terms of the back four, there is a strong case for United to strengthen at both full-back and centre-back this summer. The Reds have lacked consistency in both positions this season due to a mountain of injuries.

However, United are prioritizing the addition of a centre-back. As reported Manchester Evening NewsEverton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Bayer Leverkusen ace Edmond Tapsoba are being monitored.

Branthwaite has enjoyed a superb season at Goodison Park, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after centre-backs. His price is likely to be attractive, but Everton have confirmed they will have to sell players this summer.

Diogo Dalot has been one of United’s best performers this term, meaning he could retain the right-back spot, while Luke Shaw is a more than capable option at left-back when fit. However, the latter’s injury record is cause for concern.

In midfield, United must find a replacement for Casemiro. The Brazilian has regressed at an alarming rate this season and needs to be replaced in the defensive midfield.

Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes are likely to remain key members of the engine room, leaving a space up for grabs. The Reds are heavily linked with Benfica’s Joao Neves and he could be a strong candidate to replace Casemiro at the base of midfield.

Despite being just 19 years old, the Portuguese is one of the most coveted midfielders in European football and has earned plenty of plaudits. As a defensive specialist, he is a candidate to succeed Casemiro, but his price tag will dictate United’s chances of luring him to Old Trafford.

United know they need to strengthen their attack, both through the middle and out wide. Rasmus Hojlund doesn’t have enough competition and Antony has been a complete failure, meaning United would be right to try to strengthen their right flank again.

Michael Olise has been consistently linked with a move to United in recent months and his form in recent weeks has made it easy to see why. His goal against Wolves on Saturday marked his 10th in just 18 Premier League games this season.

Rashford’s future at United is a hot topic with plenty of supporters losing patience with the academy graduate. However, it is understood the club would prefer to keep him and try to help him rediscover the form he produced last season.

If he stays, he could be in direct competition with Alejandro Garnacho for a spot on the left. The latter, however, proves capable on both flanks.