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Man United Identify 3 Transfer Priorities With Timeline Set
Manchester United have already mapped out the main areas of the squad they want to improve in future transfer windows, according to journalist Andy Mitten. However, he has warned that significant change will not happen quickly and could take several windows to complete – provided there is no managerial change along the way.
United remain in the middle of a long-term rebuild, and while recent recruitment has reshaped parts of the squad, Mitten believes there is still considerable work to do before the team resembles what the club ultimately want it to be.
Three key areas identified
Mitten revealed that United’s recruitment focus is currently on three specific positions across the pitch.
“United know which areas they want to try and improve,” he said. “United want a couple of central midfielders, another attacker on one of the wingers and a central defender.”
That outline suggests United are looking to strengthen through the spine of the team as well as out wide. The need for two central midfielders points towards a desire to add control, legs and possibly depth in the middle of the pitch, while the call for another winger highlights the club’s continued search for more consistency and output in wide areas.
The addition of a central defender also reflects the club’s intention to reinforce at the back, with stability in defence still viewed as a key part of building a competitive side.
No quick rebuild expected
Mitten was clear that even though United know what they want, change will take time.
“These won’t happen over night,” he added. “It’s still probably two or three more transfer windows before the squad looks as complete as how United want it to look.”
That sets expectations for supporters hoping for rapid progress in the market. Even with clear targets, securing the right players, moving others on and integrating new signings into the team is a process that is expected to stretch well beyond a single summer.
It also suggests that the current squad is still some distance away from the final version the club are aiming for, with multiple phases of recruitment still required.
Coaching stability could define the outcome
Mitten’s final point focused on the importance of continuity in the dugout during this process.
“If United can get it to that point without changing coaches.”
That comment reflects the reality that long-term squad planning often depends on who is in charge. A change of manager can quickly alter recruitment priorities, playing style and even the type of player the club targets.
If United are to follow through on their current plan – across two or three more windows – it would require consistency in approach and direction. Any managerial change could force the club to reassess that strategy entirely.Overall, Mitten’s comments paint a picture of a club that knows where it wants to improve but is not expecting fast results. Central midfield, wide attack and central defence are the three priority areas, but meaningful change is being framed as a multi-window project rather than an immediate overhaul. Whether United are able to complete that process as intended may depend just as much on what happens off the pitch as on it.
