[LONG THREAD] In part 2 of our analysis of Man United’s rebuild, we identify potential transfer targets to address the issues we identified in part 1.

We recommend you go through part 1, if you haven’t done so already, before going through this thread. https://twitter.com/FTStands_/status/1295575315830513665

Before signing any player, it is crucial to evaluate how they would fit into the current tactical system. Below you can see a simple example of how MUFC position themselves with the ball.

Before we dive into the targets, it is crucial we explain our methodology, which we’ve attached here.

You can also find the initial 10-man shortlist (for each position) we identified. We have assumed a budget of €150m+ 50% of transfer sales revenue.

The first position of need is a deep-lying midfielder who excels at progressing the ball forward, and defending transitions, someone similar to Matic. Here are our top 3 targets, T. Koopmeiners, T. Partey, & M. Brozovic, compared to the incumbent in that position.

The 22-year old Dutch midfielder is already captain of his AZ Alkmaar side. He possesses an excellent passing range, and is extremely intelligent in defensive situations. He ticks all the boxes for United.

T. Partey has had an outstanding campaign for Diego Simeone’s side. An all-round midfield powerhouse, the Ghanaian excels in many facets of the game. Rumored to be on his way out of the Spanish capital, Partey could be a brilliant signing for United.

Brozovic has been crucial to Conte’s Inter Milan side. A pressing machine, Brozovic will add much needed dynamism and energy to United’s press. With a tendency to pick out pinpoint passes from deep, Brozovic will also help United in build-up situations.

The second position of need, is a creative ball carrying right-winger. In our analysis, we identified J. Sancho, O. Dembele, and M. Edwards as our top 3 targets. This is how they compare to the incumbents at the position.

Jadon Sancho has taken the world by storm over the past 2 seasons. The Englishman’s development has been nothing short of remarkable, & would be an excellent signing.

A fit and firing Ousamane Dembele is the exact type of forward this United team is lacking. His health is not a guarantee however, and United would need to negotiate a lower risk deal (loan with option to buy), to make this transfer a safer bet.

Marcus Edwards fulfills most of United’s needs at the position, and would undoubtedly be the cheapest of the 3 options. Signing him would buy United time to re-evaluate their needs at the position again in the near future, depending on the development of their current options.

Another area of need is the center-back position. United need another high quality option who would complement Maguire better and who would better suit their highline. Here is how R. Dias, J. Kounde, and D. Upamecano compare to the team’s current incumbent.

Ruben Dias’ build and height make him an ideal Premier League CB. Excellent with the ball at his feet, Dias has limitless potential at the position. There is reason to question whether he would be the ideal partner for Maguire however.

J. Kounde has quietly had an excellent season for Sevilla. The 21-year old is remarkably composed for his age, and combines intelligence, pace, and technique to great effect. With that said, his height & build are of slight concern for a league as physically demanding as the PL.

Upamecano has had a truly remarkable season for RB Leipzig. The sky truly is the limit for the 21-year old. Having signed a contract-extension a few weeks back, the Frenchman will undoubtedly be an expensive commodity.

Lastly, United will need a quality back-up creator. The 3 options we identified are all very good and versatile players that will provide both depth and competition for places. Here are how Grealish, Buendia, & Brooks compare to United’s current options.

Buendia is a creative dynamo. Capable of playing centrally, or down the right, the Argentine could be a valuable addition to this United side.

In his first top-flight season since the 2015/16 season, Grealish has taken England by storm. His dribbling and ball carrying abilities are truly remarkable, and a rare commodity in this United side.

Brooks meanwhile will offer United an additional space invader, and a more than capable option. The Welshman is capable of operating down the right or in the centre.

Given United’s somewhat extensive needs, the financial situation of the football world, and budget limitations, we would recommend the following 4 signings:

Edwards (€15m)
Koopmeiners (€27m)
Upamecano (€67m)
Buendia (€28m)

Total spend: €137m

Regarding the RW position: if Dembele is available on a loan with option to buy, then that would be the preferred option.

Marcus Edwards represents a low risk move from a financial point of view and would allow United to revisit the Sancho deal if they wish to do so.

Special thanks to @AshwinRaman_ & @barca_natics for their advice here.

There were plenty of good options & some tough decisions so would love to hear everyone's thoughts on their ideal transfer window for United!