Four players Manchester United should focus their summer transfer window around

Manchester United are preparing for a huge summer transfer window as Ralf Rangnick expressed his desire to strengthen his squad.

Following their 3-0 win over Brentford, the interim manager told Sky Sports the club needs to improve in every part of the pitch except the goalkeeper position.

 “Apart from goalkeeping where we have three excellent goalkeepers in Tom Heaton, Dean Henderson, and David de Gea, in all other areas there will be players leaving the club. I wouldn’t put focus on special areas of the pitch- it should be through the whole team.”

Rangnick also said that the club has not spoken to Erik ten Hag yet about specific transfers as the Dutchman focuses on his final games at Ajax.

Despite many expected exits this summer, here are four players that ten Hag should consider building his future squad around.

Raphael Varane

Although many have criticised United’s defence this season, Varane has been the anomaly. He has been a solid figure at the back, but injuries have limited his playing time as he has only played in 21 league games this season, starting 19 of them.

In those 21 games, Varane averaged 3.4 clearances per game, 1.3 tackles, and only gets dribbled past once in every two games. Most importantly, the Frenchman has made zero errors leading to a goal or even leading to a shot and has not given away any penalties.

The 29-year-old has won 68% of his ground duels and an impressive 73% of his aerial duels. He has been successful in 67% of his dribbles and wins more fouls than he concedes, receiving no yellow or red cards this domestic campaign.

The four-time Champions League winner scored his first Premier League goal in their victory over Brentford and can be an important figure in the spine of this team with the right partner.

James Garner

Even though Garner is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, it seems like a risk worth taking for the Red Devils.

The midfielder has been a pivotal figure in helping Nottingham Forest in their fight for promotion back to the top division of English football. His ability to create from midfield is something ten Hag could with Paul Pogba likely to leave in the summer.

His recent performance against Swansea perfectly epitomised what he brings to a team. Garner picked up two assists in their 5-1 win, completing 95% of his passes including eight key passes. He also made four tackles, won seven of his eight duels, and drew two fouls.

The 21-year-old is known better for his playmaking than his defensive nature, so pairing him alongside a more defensive midfielder could help Garner thrive in the upcoming season.

Antony Elanga

Elanga has been Manchester United’s breakthrough player this season and his work on the pitch has led him to 19 appearances in the league.

The winger has scored two goals and assisted twice in his 12 league starts and has gained invaluable experience as he leads the forward line with Cristiano Ronaldo. He has also shown his versatility as he can play across the front three, whether it is as a winger on either side or as a striker.

The 20-year-old also made his international debut in March during Sweden’s World Cup playoffs but could not do enough to avoid defeat to Poland in the final round.

His pace and dribbling ability give him the basic attributes needed for a forward and with finishing that can be polished by a manager prolific with helping youngsters, his development next season can be crucial for the club.

Jadon Sancho

The £76.5 million signing of Sancho has not started the way many expected. He only averages 66 minutes per game in the Premier League this season, grabbing three goals and three assists.

The 22-year-old’s playmaking from wide areas has still been proficient after making his switch from the Bundesliga. He averages a pass completion rate of 84% in the league, with an impressive 81% in the attacking half, and makes 1.4 key passes per game.

Depending on the future of Bruno Fernandes, playing Sancho in the ‘number ten’ role could be an effective move from ten Hag. Sancho played well in this role for Borussia Dortmund and with wingers such as Antony linked with moves to the club, his time could be even more limited on the wing next season.

It would be a bold move to give up on Sancho after one ‘poor’ season. The England international will need to have a good start to the 2022/23 campaign to gain his place back in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Qatar World Cup.

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