Top five players Manchester United should target in summer 2023

The Red Devils are searching for a striker

Manchester United are in desperate search of quality players in order to stay close to the competition around them. The Premier League is always heavily active in the transfer market, and the upcoming summer window will see a battle for some top talents across Europe and the world. The Red Devils will hope to land their transfer targets to give manager Erik Ten Hag a better chance at success in the 2023–24 season.

The tactician got Manchester United a third-place finish in the 2022–23 Premier League and a League Cup win in his first full season as manager. However, he had to work with a shallow squad that lacked quality beyond the starting eleven. In order to challenge for the league title and win more silverware, MUFC desperately needs to sign better players in the summer transfer window.

As the clubs begin to flex their muscle in the market, here are five players that Manchester United should target in the summer transfer window:

5. Mason Mount - Chelsea

Mason Mount seems to be the priority target for Manchester United according to reports coming out of England. The club had been working to get the deal done way before the transfer window officially began. Personal terms are not an issue as the midfielder wants to make the switch from Chelsea to the red part of Manchester.

The stumbling block is the fee which the clubs are not in agreement with currently. While Chelsea demands a fee in the range of £70-80m, the reports suggest MUFC are not willing to meet the requirement. It remains to be seen when does this deal get over the finishing line. 

4. Declan Rice - West Ham United

Declan Rice is one of the biggest transfer targets in the ongoing summer transfer window. Several clubs are chasing the midfielder, who won the UEFA Europa Conference League with West Ham United. The Hammers demand a fee in the region of £100 million for a player who is a brilliant defensive midfielder and is set to improve even further given his potential.

Manchester United are in desperate need of a new midfielder. They bought Marcel Sabitzer on loan in January 2023 as a temporary fix. With Christian Eriksen losing his ability to perform for 90 minutes, Casemiro needs a partner who can go toe-to-toe with the opposition. Arsenal is currently leading the race to sign Rice, and MUFC needs to act and make a better offer to sign the highly-rated midfielder.

3. Victor Osimhen - Napoli

Manchester United needs a striker. Anthony Martial’s injury record and passion to succeed came into question several times in the 2022–23 season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure meant that the Red Devils had to sign Wout Weghorst on loan in January, and with all due respect, he is not the kind of player that would deliver 30-odd goals like Harry Kane or Erling Haaland.

Victor Osimhen had a brilliant season with Napoli in Serie A, helping the club win the league title and securing the golden boot with 26 goals and four assists in 32 appearances. He also scored five goals in six UEFA Champions League appearances. In order to sign the highly-rated forward, MUFC will need to pay around €120 million.

2. Andre Onana - Inter Milan

David de Gea’s weakness with the ball in his feet is one that most clubs exploit. Add to that, his inability to leave his line in set-piece situations to grab the aerial crosses adds another point of concern for the coaching staff. Despite winning the golden glove in the Premier League for the 2022–23 season, many sections of fans are unhappy with the Spaniard’s performance.

Andre Onana is one of the goalkeepers that Manchester United should consider, with reports suggesting that David de Gea is heading towards the exit. The custodian was exceptional for Inter Milan and helped them reach the final of the UEFA Champions League. He is exceptional with the ball in his feet and has previously worked with Erik Ten Hag at AFC Ajax. His transfer value is somewhere in the region of €35.00 million to €40.00 million.

1. Rasmus Hojlund - Atalanta

Manchester United have Rasmus Hojlund on their transfer list but face stiff competition for the striker, who plays for Atalanta in Serie A. Popularly known as the "Danish Haaland", the 20-year-old is one of the hottest properties in the market. He is an option for the Red Devils if the attempt to sign Osimhen does not come to fruition.

Having said that, signing Rasmus Hojlund is not a walk in the park. Atalanta have slapped a €100 million asking price on their young striker, who has incredible potential. Considering MUFC needs additions in other areas too, splashing such a huge sum of money on a young player will be a definite risk.