Manchester United’s focus will now turn to this summer’s transfer window after the season ended with a defeat in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag’s men were inferior for large parts of the game but missed a flurry of chances in the dying moments, with Manchester City edging closer to a treble after winning the first-ever all-Manchester FA Cup final.
United are expected to be active in this summer’s transfer market but it is believed that the impending takeover of the club will affect their spending power.
Regardless of incomings, Ten Hag will be expecting several of his first-team regulars to leave as they are approaching the end of their contracts.
Speaking after the FA Cup final, Manchester United hero Roy Keane identified two positions his former side must strengthen, as well as taking aim at two of the Reds playing.
“Fred has got [De Bruyne] where he wants him, he has his back to goal. It’s just the height of stupidity. We have seen that so many times over the years,” Keane told ITV, via Balls.ie.
“We have seen Man City do this set-piece before, they look for someone at the edge of the box. Gundogan doesn’t quite hit it cleanly and it goes through a lot of bodies, but Man United have got to get a new goalkeeper.
“They need a new striker and a new goalkeeper. They need some other players and some strength in depth, but they need to get a goalkeeper and a world class striker. I’m sick of saying it.
“I’ve played with some top goalkeepers and they get you over the line in certain games. That could have been the difference today. You’re expecting your goalkeeper to save that and he didn’t.
“Man United need a world class goalkeeper, and he isn’t. I’m not saying they’re not decent lads, they probably are, but they’re not good enough for Man United in tight games.
“That’s why they will be chasing Man City for the next few years, unless they go and spend the money to get the players that Man United deserve.”
SN’s verdict…
Undeniably, United are in desperate need of reinforcements if they want to further bridge the gap between themselves and the sides above them in the table.
Last summer did, however, show that Ten Hag’s instinct can be trusted. Most of his summer signings have had a sizeable impact and vastly improved the output in each position.
Thus far, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is among the players to be heavily linked with a move to United. The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge and is believed to be looking for an exit.
