Four Transfers Man Utd Still Need to Make After Sealing Bryan Mbeumo Deal

Manchester United’s summer transfer window has kicked into gear with the reported acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo, a move that promises to inject pace, directness, and a proven Premier League goal threat into Erik ten Hag’s attacking arsenal. While Mbeumo’s arrival marks a positive first step in the INEOS era, it barely scratches the surface of the deep-seated squad issues that plagued the Red Devils last season. The club remains in desperate need of reinforcements across virtually every department on the pitch if they genuinely aspire to challenge for top honors and reclaim their standing among Europe’s elite.

Even with Mbeumo bolstering the forward line, the most glaring and persistent void within the United squad remains in the defensive midfield. Casemiro’s decline has been stark, and while Kobbie Mainoo showed immense promise, he thrives best as a progressive box-to-box midfielder rather than a lone pivot. What United desperately requires is a robust, disciplined, and intelligent holding midfielder capable of shielding the back four, breaking up play, and initiating attacks with calm, incisive passing. This player would provide the foundational stability that has been sorely lacking, allowing more creative talents like Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo to flourish without constantly worrying about defensive transitions. Without such an anchor, United will continue to be porous through the middle, regardless of their attacking firepower.

Further back, the central defensive partnership continues to be a major concern. With Raphaël Varane’s departure and Lisandro Martínez’s injury struggles, the club's defensive spine often looked fragile and disorganised. While Martínez, when fit, is a top-tier defender, he needs a consistent, dominant partner alongside him. United needs to invest in a commanding centre-back who possesses aerial prowess, pace to cover ground, and strong leadership qualities to organise the backline. This isn’t just about depth; it’s about finding a player who can elevate the entire defensive unit, reducing the number of individual errors and providing a platform for clean sheets. A reliable, top-tier centre-back would be transformative, offering the stability that allows the team to play with more confidence and aggression higher up the pitch.

Beyond the defensive requirements, the creative hub of United’s midfield still lacks a certain dynamism and control. While Mbeumo adds attacking flair, the team often struggles to dictate the tempo of games or break down stubborn low blocks with intricate passing and intelligent movement from deep. A technically gifted, progressive central midfielder, perhaps a true number eight, capable of linking play between defence and attack, driving forward with the ball, and executing killer passes in tight spaces, is essential. This player would complement Mainoo and provide an alternative to Fernandes’ all-action style, offering more composure and vision in possession, thereby unlocking more attacking opportunities and ensuring greater midfield control against diverse opponents.

Finally, despite Rasmus Hojlund’s promising debut season, the squad lacks genuine depth and diverse options in the central striker role. Hojlund is a work in progress, and relying solely on him for a full, demanding season is a risk. United needs a reliable backup striker, or even a versatile forward who can operate centrally, offering a different profile – perhaps more physical, or more clinical in tight spaces – to provide rotation, impact from the bench, or step in seamlessly during injuries. This isn't necessarily about signing another superstar, but about ensuring consistent goal threat and alleviating the pressure on Hojlund, allowing him to develop at a sustainable pace while ensuring the team always has a potent focal point in attack. Securing Mbeumo is a positive sign of intent, but these four critical areas must be addressed with equal urgency and strategic foresight for Manchester United to truly compete for silverware.