Four smart signings that could take Manchester United to the next level this summer

Four smart signings that could take Manchester United to the next level this summer

Manchester United are set for a massive summer in the transfer market. The Red Devils are edging closer to Champions League qualification and optimism has returned around Old Trafford.

A big decision awaits on the club's next manager, with interim bossMichael Carrick the frontrunner after an impressive caretaker reign. Anticipation will soon turn to transfers, and there's expected to be serious movement.

With a likely windfall fromChampions League qualification, expected fees for players out on loan, and the offloading of high earners including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro, funds should not be in short supply.

We've profiled four potential summer signings that could take Manchester United to the next level.

Andrea Cambiaso - Juventus

A left-back is on the priority list for Manchester United this summer, amid reservations about Luke Shaw's ability to cope with the extra demand of European football. Cambiaso was heavily linked with a move to the other side of Manchester last summer, with Manchester City expressing interest before pivoting to Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Juventus are facing a fight to secure Champions League qualification and could be forced to cash in if the club fall short.

Cambiaso ranks in the 10% of Serie A full-backs for accurate crosses this season and in the top 12% for percentage of defensive duels won. Comfortable in either full-back role or as a defensive midfielder, it's a deal that makes plenty of sense.

Sandro Tonali - Newcastle

Sandro Tonali has been linked with an exit from Newcastle United with enquiries from Arsenal in the January window.

Manchester United have the midfielder on an extensive shortlist of options, as the Red Devils prioritisePremier League proven talent. Tonali is an exceptional athlete and would add the dynamism that has been lacking in the Manchester United midfield.

Newcastle would demand a huge fee for the Italian, but with a likely absence of European football, a big sale could again be necessary for a team that has been constrained by financial rules. At 25, Tonali is the perfect profile to make an instant impact and give good value.

Earlier in the season, director of football Jason Wilcox told MUTV about the need to sign players who could 'plug and play' in the Premier League.

Mateus Fernandes - West Ham

A real all-rounder who has caught the eye in a struggling West Ham team. Fernandes joined the Hammers from Southampton last summer and has spent successive seasons impressing in troubled teams.

The 21-year-old ranks fourth among all players in Europe's top-five leagues for tackles won this season, though offers far more in possession than an out-and-out destroyer. His best role remains unclear, but Fernandes has a variety to his game that can be moulded.

He has cited Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a role model, after earning his first Portugal call-up in March.

Serhou Guirassy - Borussia Dortmund

A modest release clause available to select clubs makes Serhou Guirassy a viable option for the summer, even if the 30-year-old deviates from a policy that should be focused on up-and-coming hungry talent.

Guirassy’s contract contains a release clause allowing him to depart for €35m (£30.4m), withBILD reporting that Manchester United are one of the clubs who can activate it.

Benjamin Sesko has made positive strides in season one but the addition of a more experienced frontman to complement the Slovenian would improve a squad due for substantially more games next season.

The Guinea international has scored 56 goals in 90 games for Dortmund over the last two seasons, including 17 in 24 Champions League games. For a modest fee, he could ease the pressure on Sesko as the 22-year-old develops. It's a transfer that wouldn't overly impact the ability to get major midfield deals done.