As the Premier League season nears us on the horizon, one of the biggest storylines of all will be the fortunes of Manchester United during Erik Ten Hag's second season in charge.
Though United managed to return to the Champions League and claim their first trophy in six years last season, there were glaring defficiencies in the squad which needed to be addressed if the club were to push on and challenge for major honours once again.
The summer transfer window has, as always, seen a major focus on Manchester United's dealings but, if the rumours surrounding their final moves in the market are to be believed, it could mark a huge step forward in the quality of their squad.
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Harry Maguire set for West Ham move
There have been solid arrivals at Manchester United this summer thus far, with Rasmus Hojlund the latest addition. The young Danish striker signed from Atalanta for €75 million, following Mason Mount's arrival from Chelsea and goalkeeper André Onana from Inter Milan.
Northern Irish veteran Jonny Evans has also signed on a short-term contract, but is rumoured to be on the verge of signing a permanent deal to return to United for the coming season.
Arguably as significant as the arrivals at Old Trafford this summer have been the departures, and there are rumours of another significant one coming in the days before the season kicks off.
Days after being booed by small sections of the Aviva Stadium crowd during Sunday's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao, Harry Maguire is reportedly on his way to West Ham, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the two clubs have reached an agreement on a £30 million fee for the English centre back.
West Ham have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United for Harry Maguire on £30m fee 🚨⚒️
The verbal agreement is subject to final, key points on deal structure still under discussion but fee now agreed, as per Sky.
Personal terms, to be discussed soon. pic.twitter.com/cIcr0L5fR4— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
Though Maguire was a pivotal member of Manchester United's squad during his first two seasons at the club, his form has dipped over the past two seasons, and he has been stripped of the captaincy ahead of the new season. It is, therefore, not surprising to see the Englishman departing the club, and fans will feel his move marks another major shift in the mentality of the club.
One of the most decisive moves this summer was the sudden release of David de Gea. The stalwart between the posts for Manchester United had been expected to sign a new contract but, after poor performances last season, was unceremoniously released at the end of his previous deal, leaving the club free to upgrade on the Spaniard.
Elsewhere, Alex Telles has left for Al-Nassr (with Eric Bailly reportedly set to follow him), and Anthony Elanga has signed for Nottingham Forest.
Fred is widely expected to depart, while he could be joined by either Scott McTominay or Donny van de Beek in leaving Manchester United. Dean Henderson's return to Nottingham Forest should be confirmed in the coming days, in what would signal a major clearout of the existing squad.
6 August 2023; Donny van de Beek of Manchester United in action against Mikel Vesga of Athletic Bilbao during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Reports have linked United with further signings in the transfer window, with Fiorentina and Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat heavily rumoured to be pushing for a move to Manchester. Elsewhere, depth is being sought at centre-back, with Nice man Jean-Clair Todibo mentioned by Sky Sports as a potential signing.
The team "dead weight" has rather mercilessly been used to describe some of the departing players but it cannot be denied that their moves away, combined with the acquisition of clear upgrades, marks a change in strategy from Manchester United's previous transfer strategies.
Though United have once again arguably paid over the odds for some of their summer signings, the players they have signed fit their playing style, are of a young age profile, and address key problem areas in the squad.
Too often in the past, players on the wrong side of 30 have been signed in areas where the squad was already strong, with little thought given to how they fit with the current style of play (funnily enough, the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo is a prime example of all three issues).
Now, Ten Hag's squad feels stronger than last season, without the weight of some of the poorer performers of recent seasons. If the signings of Amrabat and Todibo can be confirmed in the coming week, it will be a major statement of intent for the season ahead from Manchester United.
Of course, it remains to be seen how these players will work out as Manchester United players, and there is the potential for underperformance. But, on paper at least, the strategy this summer has been far more efficient than that seen for the past decade.
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