Manchester United’s summer strategy: who to keep, who to sell and who to sign

Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt come into a grey area. The former is dependable but does not obviously fit the system, and the latter’s back injury is a cause for concern, De Ligt having not played since November.

Should stay

The list of people who cannot leave has grown considerably since last summer, when pretty much everyone was available for sale at the right price. Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha joined and impressed almost immediately, and Benjamin Sesko has grown into an integral member of the squad.

The football writers’ men’s player of the year, Bruno Fernandes, was at his best, whether holding together Amorim’s team or driving United forward under Carrick. His experience alongside Harry Maguire is key in a relatively young squad. Luke Shaw becoming an ever-present was not on anyone’s bingo card last summer but his fitness has been a great boost, and Tom Heaton’s homegrown qualification is vital, despite the goalkeeper having entered his fifth decade.

Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu have made progress, and a fit Lisandro Martínez is another valuable asset.

What is needed

Central midfield will be the focus of transfer business as United seek greater depth. Elliot Anderson is very high on the agenda but Manchester City are regarded as favourites to acquire him from Nottingham Forest, and Atalanta’s Ederson, Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are also in contention.

Adam Wharton (left) has helped Crystal Palace to the Conference League final but may move this summer. Photograph: Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Regardless of Maguire staying, a centre-back should be sought, especially with the concerns over De Ligt’s fitness. Forest’s Murillo would be a sensible option, and Micky van de Ven may have become bored of relegation battles with Spurs. Both have learned the complexities of managing domestic and European football this season, which is advantageous.

Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalothave not pulled up many trees, which may result in refreshing the full-back areas. West Ham’s left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf is a potential target.

Another goalkeeper may be part of the thinking but Radek Vitek is likely to return from his successful Bristol City loan as No 2, which would free up funds.

With Zirkzee not good enough, finding another forward would be ideal. The conundrum is whether to get a more typical No 9, in a similar mould to Sesko, or someone who will add variety. Real Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea is a name being thrown around in certain circles and the winger would bring a very different profile.