The transfer window is in full swing and, as usual, rumours regarding Manchester United’s incomings and outgoings are being frantically shared. Despite this, United are yet to officially sign a single player and, given the club will compete on four fronts next season, a lot of additions are needed. It is believed that the Red Devils are in the market for at least two central midfielders, a left winger and a left back. Andrey Santos is set to be one of the central midfielders the club recruits, with his arrival from Chelsea imminent. Although there are now doubts over whether his Brazilian colleague Ederson will follow him to Old Trafford. With a lot of work still needed to bulk out the squad, United need to act shrewdly in the market. This is where turning to an academy graduate to provide cover for Luke Shaw next season could become a masterstroke. Luke Shaw Shaw enjoyed arguably his finest season as a United player last campaign. The injury issues that have plagued so much of his career seem to be behind him and, astonishingly, he was the only Red Devil to start every Premier League game. Shaw received the reward his fine form deserved when he scored his only goal of the season against Nottingham Forest at the back end of the season and can count himself unlucky not to have been included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. Despite this, the extra games brought about by the club’s impending return to the Champions League next season are likely to present a problem for the England international and he will need to share the load. United had been linked heavily with Lewis Hall, who is a quality option, but Newcastle would likely demand an extortionate fee and, with so many other areas of the squad requiring improvement, this sort of outlay would be a mistake. Priority positions There is no doubt that the position United most desperately need to strengthen is central midfield. With Casemiro departing on a free transfer and Manuel Ugarte unfortunately picking up a serious injury at the World Cup, Kobbie Mainoo is the only senior central midfielder currently at the club. Santos will go some way to plugging this hole but, with the Ederson deal supposedly on the verge of collapse, the Red Devils need to bring at least one and ideally two more central midfielders to Old Trafford. Given the importance of the position and the lack of squad depth in that area, United must focus the majority of their funds on the centre of the pitch. Signing a left back to compete with Shaw feels like a luxury the club simply cannot afford at the moment. Harry Amass Fortunately, the answer to United’s left back conundrum may already be at the club. Harry Amass impressed last season while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in the first half of the campaign, with the youngster claiming consecutive player of the month awards at his temporary club. He then headed to Norwich for the second half of the campaign but, after making his debut, picked up an injury in training that ruled him out of the remainder of the season. Despite being just 19 years old, Amass has already played for the Red Devils on seven separate occasions, with former manager Ruben Amorim turning to the youngster amidst a defensive injury crisis. In this run, Amass often looked assured and tidy on the ball and now, with half a season of regular Championship football under his belt, he is ready to become Shaw’s understudy. This move would not only save the club money but also provide the “ridiculous” academy graduate with a clear path into the first team. The cup competitions will give Amass the minutes he needs to develop and, at the end of the season, Michael Carrick will be better informed as to whether Amass is at the level needed to be a United player. Learning from Shaw would enhance Amass’ game greatly and, come the end of the season, his performances might have impressed to such an extent that the club no longer feel it necessary to buy another left back. Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mike Walsh Mike Walsh is an experienced freelance journalist who has written about a variety of topics over multiple years. He is very happy to finally be writing about the Red Devils, especially now that his favourite player, Michael Carrick, is in charge of the team.
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