Five potential free agents Manchester United should target this summer

It will be the first market since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder, and the Red Devils squad is certainly in need of a boost in defence, midfield and attack.

There will not be an unlimited budget, though, so the club will need to be creative when it comes to adding the players required to help them become a successful team again.

With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies five players who could be of use to Man United, and all of them may be available on a free transfer, with their contracts due to expire on June 30.

Adrien Rabiot (Juventus midfielder)

Rabiot's future is again up for debate, with the 29-year-old's Juventus contract due to expire on June 30.

It is likely that the France international will sign another deal with the Old Lady, but he continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League, and Man United are believed to be huge admirers.

Signing a player of Rabiot's calibre on a free transfer is a no-brainer, but it would be complicated deal due to his potentially-extortionate wage demands and interest from elsewhere.

Man United need to boost their midfield this summer, though, and Rabiot certainly fits the brief, boasting the experience and pedigree to be a standout signing for the Red Devils.

The Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive campaign for Juventus, meanwhile, scoring four goals and registering three assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham defender)

Fulham are unlikely to keep hold of Adarabioyo this summer due to the interest in his services, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also believed to be keen.

The 26-year-old has made 25 appearances for Marco Silva's side this season, while he has featured on 132 occasions for the Whites in all competitions, including 78 outings in the Premier League.

The ex-Manchester City youngster is a proven centre-back in England's top flight, and Man United will likely need to sign a couple of central defenders this summer.

There will not be room in the budget to spend big on two players in that area of the field, though, and Adarabioyo would be a very smart signing for Man United if they were able to get a deal over the line.

Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco striker)

Ben Yedder has again been among the goals for Monaco this season, finding the back of the net on 15 occasions in 30 appearances in all competitions.

The 33-year-old has struck 113 goals and registered 33 assists in 197 appearances for Monaco, while his record at both Toulouse and Sevilla was also hugely impressive.

Indeed, he scored 71 goals and registered 22 assists in 174 matches for Toulouse, before netting 70 goals and providing 22 assists in 138 games for Sevilla ahead of his switch to Monaco.

Ben Yedder would not be a long-term signing for Man United, but Rasmus Hojlund desperately needs support in the final third of the field, and the Frenchman is a goal machine.

The chance to test himself in the Premier League would surely appeal to Ben Yedder, who also has an impressive scoring rate in the Champions League, netting 10 times in 14 outings in the competition.

Nacho (Real Madrid)

Nacho's time at Real Madrid appears to be coming to an end, with the 34-year-old believed to be seeking a fresh challenge in the final stages of his career.

There is thought to be interest from the MLS, but Nacho could decide to remain in Europe, and a move to the Premier League with Man United might well be an option.

The Red Devils have had well-documented defensive issues this term, both in terms of performance and availability, and the fact that Nacho can play across the backline makes him so valuable.

The Spaniard is also a winner, securing 23 trophies during his time at Real Madrid, including three La Liga titles and five Champions League crowns, which could become six this season.

Nacho has made 37 appearances for Los Blancos this term, while he has represented the capital giants on 356 occasions throughout his career, proving to be a vital member of their squad.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City midfielder)

Man United are believed to have a long-standing interest in Ndidi, while the same can also be said for Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit thought to be considering offering him a contract.

The 27-year-old has helped Leicester secure a return to the Premier League, contributing four goals and five assists in 30 Championship appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.

The Foxes are desperate to keep him, but it does appear that an exit this summer is likely, with a number of major European clubs keeping an eye on his contract situation.

Ndidi is proven in the Premier League, making 192 appearances in the competition, while he also has experience in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

There will seemingly be a scramble for his signature this summer, and Man United should be looking to bring in the Nigerian as part of a midfield revamp.