Manchester United are planning to continue strengthening the squad in 2025, with focus still leaning towards young players.
The Reds landed Leny Yoro from under Real Madrid’s nose when the 18-year-old joined from Lille in the summer. This was an example of United emphasising young talent; a tradition fans are proud of.
You only need to look at the current squad to see the influence of young players under Erik ten Hag. Several of our star players came from the academy and two of the latest emerging stars – Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – have been nominated for the 2024 Golden Boy award.
United develop the best young players, which is why Yoro’s signing excites me more than most.
A report from GiveMeSport claims the focus will remain on United’s midfield, despite signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. United also have to consider the long-term futures of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. I wouldn’t bet on either of them being at Old Trafford next season.
Dean Jones writes: “But Manchester United are set to make two key midfield signings, with one expected during the January transfer window and the other planned to come in before next season gets underway. These moves are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the squad while focusing on emerging talent, in line with a long-term vision for the team’s future.”
Manchester United identify midfield targets
GiveMeSport list five midfielders United are keeping tabs on in their report. The list includes Morten Frendrup (23), Morten Hjulmand (25), Sverre Nypan (17), Richard Rios (24) and Chris Rigg (17).
Danish midfielder Frendrup has been impressing in Serie A with Genoa, while fellow Dane Hjulmand is one of Sporting Lisbon’s key players.
United’s exact stance on Rios is not known, although they scouted the Palmeiras star in the summer.
The list includes two 17-year-olds – Nypan and Rigg – which shows how young they’re willing to go for new first-team additions.
In terms of a having a strategy, it’s clear the shift has been to sign the best young players in the world. Not a bad way to build for future success!
Other midfielders on United’s list include Atalanta’s Ederson, Javi Guerra from Valencia and PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman.
