The decision-makers at Old Trafford had finalised a three-step transfer strategy for Manchester United, and the just-concluded summer window witnessed the completion of the second step, a report said.
The first step, which was executed last season, focused on an overhaul of the attacking set-up, while the just-closed window did the same with the midfield department. The final phase, which will be completed next year, will target a defensive rebuild and could ideally mean the end of the road for some familiar names like Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martínez.
Manchester United are likely to target two full-backs and two centre-backs in the upcoming transfer windows. This means the likes of Shaw, Martínez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Diogo Dalot will come under scrutiny, as some of them will have to be sold off. Both Shaw and Martínez have had fitness issues which have caused serious trouble for the club over the years.
A new-look backline?
Former Ajax star Martínez's contract will run out in 2027, but United are likely to trigger the one-year extension so that the World Cup winner can be sold off for a decent sum, TeamTALK said in a report. However, Licha has managed to make a difference whenever he is fit, and this may ultimately go in his favour with the club deciding to offer him a contract extension.
The same cannot be said about Shaw, 31, who is struggling for form and pace. He is supposed to be the first-choice left-back for Michael Carrick, but his performance so far has not been very promising. He is without a proper backup, and United's return to the European circuit makes it far more packed for his injury-ravaged legs. It remains to be seen if Lewis Hall's predicted arrival next season will end his 12-year-long association with the club.
Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt needed surgery for a back injury and has not got a chance to play a more central role in the team's defensive setup. He is also likely to be sold off if he fails to come up with a convincing performance before next summer. Unlike Maguire, age is on the former Juventus man's side. While Maguire will be 34 next summer, De Ligt will be only 28.
Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven, and Leny Yoro, however, are comparatively safe, TeamTALK said in a report. Dalot may also make this list given his age, fitness, and room for growth. As of now, Hall remains the only player linked to the overhaul, and the club scouts are expected to keep a sharp lookout for potential young targets.
