Six free transfers Man Utd could target in the summer window
By Tom Gott
Phase one of Erik ten Hag's Manchester United rebuild went, by and large, pretty well.
The Dutchman did some valuable trimming of the squad and instilled an intriguing playing style which delivered some solid results, but there's still work to be done and the summer transfer window represents a real opportunity to keep building.
With expensive targets all across the pitch, United may have to get a little creative as they seek to plug some of the holes in their squad. With that in mind, here are some free agents United should be looking at to save some money.
1. Marcus Thuram
Previous/current club: Borussia Monchengladbach
United's need for a new striker has long been clear. Anthony Martial is not the man for Ten Hag and the January loan for Wout Weghorst clearly didn't solve the problem either.
Harry Kane, who appears unattainable, and the incredibly expensive duo of Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani are both under consideration, but there's a proven goalscorer waiting to be picked up for free in Marcus Thuram.
Thuram, comfortable both centrally and out on the wing, bagged 16 goals and seven assists in all competitions. Add in the fact he's only 25, and you'll see why many of Europe's top sides are tracking the Frenchman.
2. Stefan de Vrij
Previous/current club: Inter
Inter have been trying to tie Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij down to a new contract for months but, for whatever reason, they're still waiting. The clock is ticking.
At 31, De Vrij wouldn't be a long-term option for United but he would be an experienced stop-gap to help cover for Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, all while allowing one of Victor Lindelof or, most likely, Harry Maguire to leave the club.
With close to 500 senior appearances to his name, De Vrij brings wisdom and experience, and that could be huge to fellow Dutchman Ten Hag as he continues to build a new culture at Old Trafford.
3. Evan Ndicka
Previous/current club: Eintracht Frankfurt
If Ten Hag prefers a younger option at the back, he won't find better in the pool of free agents than Evan Ndicka.
At just 23 years old, Ndicka came close to 200 appearances for Frankfurt before electing to take his talents elsewhere this summer. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of suitors for a defender whose ability with his left foot only makes him more valuable.
Whether he's ready for an immediate starting role or not is up for debate, but Ndicka looks like a superstar-in-waiting and United would be wise to snap him up.
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4. Youri Tielemans
Previous/current club: Leicester
Premier League experience is proving more and more valuable in today's game, when expensive imports routinely fail to adjust to life in England's top flight.
While Youri Tielemans' time in the division ended on a rotten note, there are few who believe his slump with Leicester is actually a true reflection of his talents.
When Leicester were ticking a few years ago, Tielemans looked like one of the best midfielders in the division. It may be a bit of a risk to snap him up, but if confidence is all that has been missing from his game, then the rewards could be enormous. A younger Christian Eriksen, perhaps?
5. Adrien Rabiot
Previous/current club: Juventus
Adrien Rabiot has divided opinion at Juventus. While some have questioned his consistency, others have pointed to his unicorn frame and ball-carrying abilities to highlight the special talent possessed by the 28-year-old.
Comfortable deep or further forward in attack, Rabiot can score goals and create them for those around him. When he finds his groove, he's incredibly difficult to stop - not unlike another French midfielder who used to call Old Trafford home.
United need help in midfield and Marcel Sabitzer's January move was supposed to inject some physicality and edge to that area of the pitch. Taking a chance on Rabiot could be a smart shout.
6. Wilfried Zaha
Previous/current club: Crystal Palace
Run it back.
Wilfried Zaha, as United already know, is a versatile forward who can play anywhere in attack and knows how to make a real difference in the Premier League. That's an incredibly valuable skillset.
Does he start over Marcus Rashford? No. Could he help Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho grow into their roles as auxiliary stars? Absolutely.
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