As great as business has been so far, the list of things still needing to be done or clarified in the next month is horrenduous.
- Goal. Are we really going into another season with two GKs who both think they should be No 1? Indications are Henderson is the preferred choice, but De Gea apparently wants to stay and fight for his place. Can he nevertheless be moved, or at least loaned out? where? His reputation has devolved to the point where he may no longer be seen as good enough for the kind of clubs who could conceivably afford at least most of his astronomical salary.
- Loan for Axel Tuanzebe. Here things seem to have been happening, so high hopes for that.
- Is Eric Bailly going to be a happy camper, after having signed a new contract and been promised more playing time only to find himself dropped to 4th on the depth chart? He knows he can look forward to getting roughly the same number of opportunities Tuanzebe got last season, barring any major injuries to other players.
- Phil Jones. Apparently some interest (West Ham), but United wants a transfer fee, which no one so far has been prepared to offer
- Do we bring in Kieran Trippier, or another RB? Clubs miles apart in public valuation, but that may not mean that much if it comes to it. Atletico must know they're not going to get that kind of money, if Trippier insists on leaving.
- What do we do with Dalot? There's apparently real interest from AC Milan and possibly others, but if we don't buy a RB, he's the obvious fallback option.
- Loan for Brandon Williams? It looks obvious he's plateaued and is not going to benefit from another season of barely making the United bench. Southampton keen, but balks at 2m loan fee.
- Does Pogba stay? If PSG want him, how much can they afford to pay for him? When would the offer come, and would it allow us to replace him? Can he be persuaded with a bigger contract offer? can he be kept and then signed during the season if things go well?
- Pogba replacement, if necessary. Talk of Goretzka, which I'd applaud. And of Saul Niguez, which I find it really hard to feel good about. Can a deal for a major player be done quickly enough if Pogba goes?
- Defensively inclined midfielder. If OGS is serious about moving to 433, we seriously need one. Actually, we need one in any case: Someone who is more a natural in the sitting role than McTominay or Fred is. Sadly, Camavinga does not seem to want a PL move. Declan Rice appears to be priced out of range.
- Nemanja Matic. Is there still a role for him?
- Knock-on effects in midfield. If we keep or replace Pogba AND bring in a defensive midfielder, then it's not just a question of whether there's a place for Matic, there's also a question if there's a place for someone like DvdB.
- Jesse Lingard: West Ham interested but won't pay the 30m United is asking for, Lingard himself sounds like he wants to stay.
- Andreas Pereira: United want 10m, not finding any takers.
- Anthony Martial: Agent have been told to explore possible destinations, nothing concrete so far. Guessing this is a deal United would do if the right offer comes in, but don't feel they have to do. I'm also guessing that if he leaves, we'll keep Elanga for depth and otherwise rely on Greenwood and Rashford as alternatives to Cavani.
