Six signings Man Utd can make to win next season’s Champions League | Football | Sport

Manchester United will return to the Champions League next season but are miles off winning it as things stand. While they have come on leaps and bounds under Michael Carrick, not many will be predicting the Red Devils to secure European glory in 2026/27. The likes of Arsenal, PSG, Inter Milan and Manchester City are much more likely to achieve that goal heading into the new campaign.

However, it’s possible that United could force themselves into that conversation with an outstanding summer transfer window. There is plenty of room for improvement in key positions in spite of their resurgence over the last few months. As such, it will be crucial to make a number of strong signings to stand a chance of securing their first Champions League triumph in nearly two decades.

Express Sport picks out six players who could help United win the biggest prize in club football next season…

It’s no secret that United are looking to sign at least one, if not two, central midfielders in the summer window. To win the Champions League, they need to control the engine room in almost every game, especially against world-class opposition.

Tonali would be a brilliant signing and he is thought to be Carrick’s first choice when it comes to midfield recruitment. Newcastle are believed to value their man at around £100million, but it remains to be seen if they can be convinced to accept a lower fee.

United could also reap the rewards of signing Anderson, who is among the Premier League’s best midfielders and ran them ragged at Old Trafford a couple of weeks ago.

He will likely build up some chemistry with Kobbie Mainoo at this summer’s World Cup, which would further help United next season. However, it would be another expensive signing with Nottingham Forest thought to be demanding an eye-watering £115m.

While it won’t be a priority for United to strengthen on the wings this summer, a move for Diomande could take them to the next level. The youngster is one of Europe’s hottest talents and boasts plenty of potential for future growth at the age of just 19.

United have already been credited with an interest in the RB Leipzig forward, who reportedly has a release clause worth around £86m. They aren’t the only club in the race, though, with the likes of Liverpool and PSG said to be stepping up their enquiries.

Even though Tottenham have been terrible this season, they still have a defender with world-class potential in Van de Ven. His blistering pace, excellent positioning and ball-playing ability make him well-suited to United’s style under Carrick.

The towering Dutchman also has an imposing aerial presence and would be the perfect replacement for Matthijs de Ligt, if the injury-prone defender is moved on between now and the start of the new campaign.

There is no way that Diogo Dalot will ever be a Champions League-winning right-back, meaning United must upgrade in this area if they are serious about challenging Europe’s elite.

While he isn’t the biggest name on this list, Mukiele has proven himself as a shrewd operator with Sunderland and would be more than capable of making the step up. He’s solid at the back, adventurous in possession and has a monstrous long throw to boot.

United could also benefit from signing another left-back to provide quality cover for Luke Shaw. They could do far worse than to land Brown, who looks destined to leave Eintracht Frankfurt for bigger and better things.

The talented 22-year-old would offer a long-term solution on the left side of defence and would help United with his electric pace, technical dribbling and relentless pressing out of possession.

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