How many new signings do INEOS need this summer? | OneFootball

It’s a near-certainty that Manchester United will miss out on Champions League football next season after a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday left them ten points adrift of the top five.

Erik ten Hag’s job at Old Trafford remains in the balance, and the club’s recruitment campaign in the summer will inevitably depend on the Dutchman’s future.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are already working around the clock to overhaul the backroom staff, as evidenced by an ongoing attempt to make Manchester City’s Omar Berrada United’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth could soon assume the sporting director role, while Southampton’s Jason Wilcox remains the frontrunner to arrive as technical director.

Changes in the hierarchy are only the beginning.

After an abysmal campaign, Man Utd powerbrokers are aware of the necessity of strengthening the dressing room personnel as we take stock of critical areas that require INEOS’s undivided attention.

Centre-Back

With Raphael Varane on the verge of exiting the club, Man Utd must find a suitable replacement. However, one central defender may not be enough.

United’s notorious defensive leaks have seen them concede more shots on goal than any side from Europe’s top-five leagues in 2024, highlighting the importance of reinforcing Ten Hag’s options at the back.

Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire could leave Old Trafford, while Lisandro Martinez’s proneness to injuries amplifies the need for a top-class defender.

Right-Back

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot have blown hot and cold, though the latter’s versatility made him a valuable asset amidst an injury-plagued season.

But the Englishman’s attacking shortcomings have come to the fore in 2023/24, creating an urge for a dependable right-back capable of performing on both ends of the pitch.

Deep-Lying Playmaker

Kobbie Mainoo’s meteoric rise has helped him nail down a starting berth in Ten Hag’s double-pivot system as his own.

However, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are well past their prime. Scott McTominay’s form oscillations have cast doubt on his Man Utd future despite his occasional scoring impact.

Centre-Forward

Following a sluggish start to life in the Premier League, Rasmus Hojlund has started showing glimpses of his potential.

Unfortunately, the Danish prodigy has failed to live up to his £64 million price tag, leaving United’s search for a prolific marksman at square one.

Man Utd’s underperforming frontline lacks a leading figure, someone able to reinvigorate Ten Hag’s attackers, who have averaged just 1.46 goals per league game this term.

Four Newcomers Needed

Reinforcing these four areas would elevate the Man Utd squad’s quality and, in turn, increase their hopes of closing the gap on the leading trio next season.