The curtain has come down on the 2023/24 Manchester United season, and with many saying it was one of the worst in Red Devls history, it certainly didn’t have too bad of an ending. That’s because, despite finishing down in eighth place in the Premer League, the Old Trafford club still managed to secure Europa League qualification and win a Manchester Derby after defeating cross-city rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final. First-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were enough to secure the victory, leaving fans optimistic that a brighter future is just around the corner.
Whether that is with Erik Ten Hag or not remains to be seen. The Dutchman has picked up two trophies in the last two years after having won the League Cup last term in addition to the recent FA Cup success. That’s the best record of anyone except Jose Mourinho in the post-Sr Aalex Ferguson era. But still, the woeful league performances have left much to be desired, and the club may turn n a different direction, especially because one-time target Mauricio Pochettino is available following his sacking by Chelsea.
Whichever man is in charge for the first game of next season in August will certainly have a task on their hands in leading Manchester United back towards the summit of English football. But their first job is navigating the summer transfer window. and here are three deals that are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s time at Manchester United has been a disaster since his high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. The winger arrived with immense expectations – especially considering the £80m price tag on his head – but injuries and inconsistent form have impeded his progress. As a result, he returned to Signal Iduna Park, and his fortunes transformed almost instantly.
The former Manchester City academy product was immediately thrust into the first team in North Rhine Westphalia, and he hit the ground running right away. He netted two goals and provided a further three assists as he helped De Schwarzgelben to a top-five finish in the Bundesliga. He has also been instrumental in helping Die BVB reach the UEFA Champions League final against all odds, securing victories against PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid, and finally Paris Sant-Germain along the way.
Of course, they are huge underdogs for that Wembley showpiece against Real Madrid, which is scheduled to be Sancho’s last game for the club. Online soccer lines have made Los Blancos the overwhelming -340 favorites to lift the trophy, with the Germans pushed out to +265. But regardless of the result, there is a very real chance that Sancho will make a permanent move back to Dortmund in the summer.
The German outfit is known for rejuvenating players’ careers, and the 24-year-old’s familiarity with the Bundesliga could see him quickly regain his best form, just as he has with his current loan deal. For United, this transfer allows them to cut their losses on a player who isn’t the right fit at Old Trafford. Transfermarkt currently values him at £20m, and while that isn’t much compared to the £80m they paid three years ago, it’s better than nothing.
Michael Olise
Should Sancho indeed leave the club, that would open the door for United to bring in a new winger, perhaps in the form of Crystal Palace’s Michael Olse. The Frenchman has been one of the Eagles’ standout performers since joining from Reading in 2021, with his career trajectory going in the opposite direction to that of his Dortmund-bound counterpart. The 22-year-old’s creativity, dribbling skills, and vision make him an exciting prospect for any top club, and Old Trafford could be the perfect step up from Selhurst Park.
Olise’s versatility allows him to operate anywhere across the front line, while his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and take on defenders at will would complement United’s attacking options. Palace will undoubtedly be reluctant to part with their rising star, especially considering the progress the club has made under Olver Glsaner. They secured a top-half finish last term and they may well be hoping to push towards Europe next season.
However. a substantial offer from the Red Devils could be hard to refuse. Olise himself might find the prospect of playing for a club of Unted’s stature – the most successful in the history of English football – with Champions League ambitions too enticing to turn down.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Manchester United’s defensive frailties have been a recurring theme in recent years, prompting the club to scout for promising center-backs. With Raphael Varane leaving the club following the expiry of his contract, Jarrad Branthwaite could be the perfect option to fill the void The 21-year-old impressed throughout the recently concluded campaign, showing maturity beyond his years and winning Everton’s Young Player of the Year award. He also secured a spot in England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad, and he’s expected to get the nod when it comes to spots on the plane to Germany.
Branthwaite’s youth and potential align with United’s strategy of building a team for the future. His performances with the Toffees have shown that he can handle the pressures of the Premier League, and a move to Old Trafford would represent a significant step in his career.
Partnering with experienced defenders like the rejuvenated Harry Maguire or Lisandro Martínez could accelerate Branthwaite’s development and solidify United’s defense. And considering Everton’s financial woes at present, an agreement with the Merseysiders could be quite easy to reach.
