We’re still waiting to learn when the Man United ownership situation will be resolved one way or the other. Moreover, so is Sheikh Jassim, one of the two frontrunners to buy the club from the Glazer family.
There’s little doubt, however, that he has already identified at least some of the players he’d love to see at Old Trafford if he takes over.
We can’t possibly know the details of his plan but, given that the Qatari royal family member is reported to be a passionate Man United fan, there would most likely be a lot of spending.
So, we have decided to look at the current Man United squad and predict how it could change in the next two or three years if Sheikh Jassim does take over. Let’s start from the front.
Attack
If Sheikh Jassim follows our previous recommendation and signs Kylian Mbappe, the World Cup winner would occupy the No.9 role and dovetail with Marcus Rashford off the left. A new right winger could be on the agenda, but the way Erik ten Hag trusts Antony suggests that the Brazilian is here to stay.
However, there’s also Rasmus Hojlund who is joining this summer for £72 million, a huge price tag for a 20-year-old who only scored nine goals in Serie A last season. The potential is massive, however, and if Ten Hag succeeds in helping him fulfil it, the No.9 position should be settled for years to come.
Midfield
Bruno Fernandes has just been appointed the club captain, while Mason Mount was signed after a specific recommendation from Ten Hag. If the Dutchman remains in charge, these two attacking midfielders are likely to remain starters in the nearest future.
Casemiro is the player we’re looking at here more closely. The Brazilian is already 31 years old, and while he’s been relatively injury-free in recent years, there’s no guarantee that he will remain at this level by the time his contract expires in three years.
If Casemiro needs a replacement, Man United could do worse than look at Aurelien Tchouameni. Real Madrid have too many top-class midfielders, and the Frenchman could become available if he does not play regularly.
Goalkeeping and defence
Andre Onana looks to be a safe bet from Man United and should be their long-term No.1. The line in front of him, however, could face dramatic changes.
The only player whose long-term future is certain under potential new owners is Lisandro Martinez. His centre-back partner, Raphael Varane, is ageing and rather injury-prone. If Sheikh Jassim wants to pay a premium, he could do worse than go for Matthijs de Ligt, another former Ajax star who is well familiar with Ten Hag’s playing style.
Staying with Bayern, Alphonso Davies is rumoured to be open to leaving Allianz Arena. The Canadian left-back is just 22, meaning that he’s yet to enter his peak years. Luke Shaw who is six years older could still be going strong - but the appeal of Davies marauding down the left wing is hard to resist.
Finally, Diogo Dalot is a very fine servant but hardly one of the best right-backs in the world. Meanwhile, one of Mbappe’s closest friends happens to be Achraf Hakimi who would be an instant upgrade in that role.
So, here’s what Man United’s starting XI could look like in 2–3 years with Sheikh Jassim as a new owner:
