4 Euro 2024 stars Man Utd should sign
- INEOS are overseeing their first transfer window at Old Trafford
- Erik ten Hag has continued at manager
- Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna; multiple centre-backs targeted
INEOS undoubtedly would've been keeping a close eye on Euro 2024 amid their first transfer window at the helm of Manchester United.
The new hierarchy has opted to stick with Erik ten Hag despite an indifferent 2023/24 campaign which was brightened up by FA Cup glory. Thus, this United squad will continue to be built in the Dutchman's image, and multiple moves need to be made if the Red Devils are to bounce back in 2024/25.
United have been busy already this summer, signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, and inroads have been made in their pursuit of multiple centre-backs.
However, there's no doubt that several standout performers over in Germany this summer would've caught United's eye. With the club requiring reinforcements in multiple areas of the pitch, there are an array of options to consider.
Here are four impressive performers from Euro 2024 that should be on Man Utd's summer wishlist.
1. Ferdi Kadioglu
United, on paper, aren't shy of options at left-back. Luke Shaw returned to full fitness at Euro 2024, while Tyrell Malacia is back in action after a year out. Diogo Dalot has also proven his competence on his weaker side.
However, Shaw and Malacia's fitness woes means they can't be relied upon, and United are reportedly in the market for Turkey and Fenerbahce's Kadioglu.
The 24-year-old left-back shone at the Euros for the surprise quarter-finalists, offering remarkable dynamism down the left flank. Kadioglu is a technically sound defender with an impressive burst of pace. He can affect games in the final third and has been utilised in multiple roles at club level.
Kadioglu is comfortable down the right and has even shown glimpses as a holding midfielder. He will, however, be primarily used as a left-back were United to make the move. Other Premier League clubs are lurking, and he's available at a seemingly bargain price of £30m.
2. Dan Ndoye
United have already moved for Ndoye's former teammate, Zirkzee, this summer and they could venture back to Bologna in order to secure the services of the Swiss international.
The 23-year-old was typically used off the bench by Thiago Motta last season, with Ndoye notching just over 1,700 Serie A minutes from 32 appearances. He did come on strong down the stretch without ever being prolific, and he carried his improved form into Euro 2024.
Ndoye operated as a key outlet for a tactically impressive Switzerland team. His burst of pace meant he was able to make darting runs in behind, but he also showed off his ability in the opposition's box. Ndoye scored smartly against Germany and cleverly teed up Breel Embolo in their quarter-final defeat to England.
He's a tricky customer who can play across the frontline, and United wouldn't need to break the bank to sign him. According to the player's agent, the Red Devils have an interest, but they may merely be testing the waters.
Ndoye's potential signing could depend on the future of Jadon Sancho.
3. Fabian Ruiz
Erik ten Hag had reportedly considered Fabian as an alternative to Frenkie de Jong two summers ago, but the Spaniard opted to join Paris Saint-Germain having emerged as a star at Napoli.
Fabian hasn't exactly set the world alight during his two years in the French capital, although he certainly benefitted from Luis Enrique's coaching and the defined role he had within his compatriot's set-up last season.
The best work of the midfielder's career arguably arrived at Euro 2024, though. Having scored twice and set up another two goals for the eventual champions, Fabian had a great claim to be named Player of the Tournament.
When he wasn't crashing the box and getting on the end of Lamine Yamal's crosses, Fabian was masterfully bypassing opponents in the middle of the park with elegant turns and subtle twists. He always has so much time, and his influence in a deeper position was stark against England in the final.
Whether United want a player of Fabian's profile remains to be seen, but the club will make a big midfield signing this summer. The Spaniard has reminded us all of just how good he is.
4. Aymeric Laporte
A move that would ruffle a few feathers on the sky blue side of Manchester. Laporte won five league titles with City, but a reduced role in 2022/23 saw the centre-half depart for Saudi Arabia the following summer amid a lack of interest from European clubs.
Now 30, Laporte may not be the budding superstar United are targeting this summer, but the Spaniard proved at the Euros that he hasn't lost a step despite playing his club football in a far less competitive division. He was one of the standout defenders of the tournament, playing a key role in Spain's telepathic and progressive build-up.
Laporte can still break lines at will, and he's a far better box defender than he was ever given credit for. Europe's elite must be considering the Spaniard if he fancies a return to the continent, and United, who have their eyes on Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite, must at least have the 30-year-old on some sort of emergency list if priority targets aren't snapped up.