Top 5 free transfers that would transform Manchester United squad in the summer

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United celebrates after victory in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on August 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United celebrates after victory in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on August 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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A debt of almost £1 billion, Financial Fair Play concerns hovering above the head, and a squad that still has a lot of holes which need fixing. The summer transfer window has the potential to be a real nightmare for Manchester United.

After a more than expected spend of nearly £250 million last summer, the effects were felt in the January window as well. Only three players arrived, including a third-choice goalkeeper, all on loan, while compromising on the quality of the player.

Both Weghorst and Sabitzer have done their best to plug the gaping holes, but Manchester United certainly need more to become title challengers.

An attacker, a centre-back depending upon the outgoings, and potentially even a goalkeeper, considering David de Gea’s uncertain future should all be on the shortlist. That is before considering potential upgrades at right-back, a progressive central midfielder, and a marquee striker.

When the needs are more, and the resources are less, teams need to be smart. Barcelona showed the way last summer, signing players like Kessie and Lewandowski on free transfers. The batch of players out of contract in the coming summer also contains some gems United need to be all over.

Here are the top five free transfers United should target to get themselves a head start in an inflated transfer market-