Manchester United 'want to sign at least three players this summer'

The Red Devils are expected to be active in the upcoming market under the leadership of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is now in charge of the football department at Old Trafford.

Man United are chasing FA Cup success this season, while they are bidding to secure Champions League football for the 2024-25 campaign, currently sitting sixth in the Premier League table.

According to The Telegraph, the club have identified three priority positions for the summer, with a centre-back, right-back and striker expected to arrive.

The report claims that a central defender is at the top of the club's shortlist, as Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans could both leave when their contracts expire at the end of June.

Branthwaite viewed as leading centre-back target

Serious offers for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are likely to be listened to, meanwhile, with neither guaranteed to be at the club heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite continues to be heavily linked with a switch to the Red Devils, and the Englishman is said to be Man United's leading centre-back target.

The 21-year-old is allegedly 'highly regarded' by senior figures at Old Trafford, but a deal could be difficult if Everton avoid relegation from the Premier League, as the Toffees are thought to value him somewhere between £60m and £75m, which could price out interested parties.

Diogo Dalot is currently Man United's first-choice right-back, and the Portugal international has been one of the club's most consistent players during the current season.

However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka's future is the subject of speculation, and he could leave this summer, which would put the club in the market for another right-sided defender.

Man United want a forward but midfield situation depends on Casemiro

Rasmus Hojlund is currently Man United's only available centre-forward, with Anthony Martial on the sidelines through injury, and the latter is set to leave in June when his contract expires.

Joselu, who is on loan at Real Madrid from Espanyol, is believed to be a target, while Brentford's Ivan Toney is also being linked with a move to the 20-time English champions.

However, the club's midfield plans will allegedly depend on Casemiro's future.

Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich has reportedly been identified by Man United as their number one target to replace Casemiro, with the Brazil captain being heavily linked with an exit.

Clubs from Saudi Arabia are said to be looking at Casemiro, and a departure for the experienced midfielder would seemingly open the door for Man United to bring in a new player in that area of the field.