Manchester United’s summer plans are underway behind-the-scenes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ decision to stick with Erik ten Hag for the 2024/25 season.. Assessing the current squad of players provides Ten Hag and United with a number of home truths. The backline is in serious need of new blood and the blatant desire to provide Kobbie Mainoo with the perfect partner in midfield has to be addressed.. Yet, for many, United’s attack is the priority after a lacklustre year in front of goal. After Marcus Rashford’s unreal 2022/23 season, 30 goals in 56 games, the Red Devils were left to pay for the 26-year-old’s personal struggles.. READ MORE: Manchester United hatch clever FFP transfer plan to solve desperate Marcus Rashford dilemma. READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand makes Marc Guehi text admission amid Manchester United transfer links. Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund was the club’s top scorer with 16 in all competitions with Bruno Fernandes behind him on 15. But below them, Alejandro Garnacho (10), Scott McTominay (10) and Rashford (8) all failed to hit form in front of goal.. All seven teams above United in the Premier League table scored more than them with the likes of Crystal Palace, Brighton, Bournemouth, Fulham, Brentford and Luton all finishing close to their total goal tally.. Many players have already been linked with moves to Old Trafford to solve Ten Hag’s problems in front of goal. However, with the mindfulness of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), recruitment has to be smarter than ever.. With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a close look at what United’s dream attack could look like in August with a number of improvements made to Ten Hag’s options.. Xavi Simons loan. A new name linked with United, Paris Saint-Germain star Xavi Simons has more than enough attributes to improve Ten Hag’s team. Reports in France have claimed that the Red Devils are one of many clubs showing interest in the playmaker with a loan move more likely than a permanent one due to a clause in his contract.. After contributing to 28 goals for PSV in 22/23, the Netherlands international added another eight goals and 11 assists while on loan with RB Leipzig. Yet despite his good form, there is no indication that he will be part of Luis Enrique’s plans.. Capable of playing on either wing or as the No.10, Simons’ versatility makes him an attractive target for INEOS. Loaning him would mean no need to spend big and instead invest elsewhere. A no-brainer?. Michael Olise hijack. The race to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace was always destined to be a highly-contested one this summer and it’s no surprise that there has already been movement. Chelsea, Newcastle and Bayern Munich have all reportedly made their first moves but nothing is concrete yet.. Finances are obviously a concern for United for the Frenchman but much has been made about the club’s desire to spend big on Jarrad Branthwaite. As MEN Sport analysed, exploring alternatives to the Everton defender could prove frugal, meaning more money in the bank to test the water for Olise.. A reported £60m release clause is hefty, but the talent he has makes it tempting.. Centre-forward dilemma. In an ideal world, United will also sign a striker to compete with Hojlund. However, world-class No.9s come at a premium and every club is scouting the football world in the hope of signing a centre-forward for next season.. Ivan Toney continues to seem the most likely arrival for United, but his expectation over game time could prove to be an issue. Recent reports have claimed a lowball bid for Barcelona striker Vitor Roque has been turned down with the 19-year-old the exact sort of profile the club should be looking at.. His signing, whether on loan or at a bargain price, would add competition alongside Hojlund, and also time for him to grow into his potential.. Ten Hag trust. Rashford and Hojlund remain top players. Despite both struggling throughout periods of last season, they did manage 24 goals between them. That number has to improve if United are to progress but the pressure on their shoulders has to be lifted.. Players such as Amad Diallo, Antony and Facundo Pellistri have dabbled in the first team – Pellestri less than the others – but their individual quality has shined through on occasion.. Should United loan Simons and trigger Olise’s release clause, the trio would play the role of deputies to the first choice. Man City and Arsenal both boast an abundance of quality off the bench and it’s an area that United have failed in for years.. How the attack could look:. Olise and Simons’ arrivals would significantly improve United’s attack. With Anthony Martial leaving and responsibility falling on the squad members, Ten Hag would have multiple options.. Right wing: Garnacho, Antony, Amad. Left wing: Rashford, Simons, Olise, Pellestri. Centre-forward: Hojlund, Vitor Roque, Rashford
