Man Utd want five new signings with sale opening door to THREE midfield arrivals

Manchester United's return to the Champions League next season means that they'll need a bigger squad in order to compete on all fronts, evidenced by their 0-0 draw at Sunderland

Manchester United plan to make at least five new signings during the summer transfer window - and could bring in three midfielders. The Red Devils want to bulk out their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League, giving them a minimum of eight extra games next season.

Midfield is where United's priority lies, as they prepare to wave goodbye to Casemiro upon the expiry of his contract in June. Premier League stars such as Tyler Adams, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Matheus Fernandes, Joao Gomes, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton have all been linked.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni and Atalanta's Ederson are rumoured targets. According to the Sun, United's intention is to sign two midfielders, but the sale of Manuel Ugarte would help finance a third.

The Red Devils also want a new backup goalkeeper, with Andre Onana potentially joining Turkish size Trabzonspor on a permanent basis. In addition, current No.2 Altay Bayindir is likely to want more playing time next season.

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Left-back is another area being looked at, despite Luke Shaw enjoying a largely injury-free campaign. Tyrell Malacia's contract is expiring while Patrick Dorgu has impressed higher up the pitch.

A backup striker is also on United's shopping list. Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped to leave which would leave room for a No.9 to compete with Benjamin Sesko.

Saturday's dull 0-0 draw away to Sunderland provided the Old Trafford hierarchy with further evidence that they need to invest. Interim manager Michael Carrick was forced into a couple of changes due to the absences of Casemiro and Sesko, and his side's performance level dipped.

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Anderson is understood to be United's top midfield target and will get the chance to impress Carrick, who's likely to get job on a full-time basis, when Nottingham Forest visit Old Trafford on Sunday. But Manchester City are also interested in Anderson and United are reluctant to get into the bidding war for the England international's services.

Meanwhile, it's claimed that United have held informal talks with relegated Wolves over Gomes. West Ham could follow Wolves into the Championship and be pressured into selling Fernandes.

Tchouameni may also be available after his bust-up with Real team-mate Federico Valverde. A target which would tick both the left-back and midfield boxes is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who's only recently broke back into the Arsenal starting XI after a frustrating season spent largely on the bench.

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