Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was asked questions about his thoughts on the plan for the summer transfer window.
Manchester United's summer transfer window is sure to be one of the busiest of the Premier League clubs. The return to the Champions League will force the Red Devils to act in the transfer market. More so than they may have been planning to do.
The first point of call will be establishing exactly who will lead the club into pre-season and the campaign beyond, with Michael Carrick making an excellent case for himself, despite the disappointing performance against Sunderland. Luis Enrique seems to be the top target after Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel signed new contracts with Brazil and England, respectively, but Michael Carrick has done everything he can to give himself a chance at the job.
The next assignment will be to find a replacement for Casemiro. The Brazilian has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford once his contract expires at the end of this season. Manuel Ugarte also seems likely to leave the club, so signing at least two defensive midfielders may be necessary.
Elliot Anderson is one who has been mentioned time and time again by Manchester United, but it will not be easy to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder. Manchester City, who United's U18s will face in the FA Youth Cup final on Thursday evening, are also eyeing a move for Anderson. Director of football Jason Wilcox may be forced to explore other candidates, while other positions should still be prioritised.
Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana look set to leave the club, meaning at least one new goalkeeper will be needed. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez have struggled for fitness this season, so a new central defender may be on the transfer list. Neither Matheus Cunha or Patrick Dorgu are natural on the left flank, so there is another position. And Benjamin Šeško will not be able to play 60 games as the only striker at the club next season, so another forward is needed, too.
Senne Lammens makes transfer plea
Senne Lammens was a shining light among a poor performance against Sunderland, with several impressive saves to keep the score level and add a clean sheet to his tally. After the game, he spoke with Steven Railston of the MEN, who asked him about United's upcoming summer.
"It's a very hard league. Next year will be a hard programme," the Belgian said. "So you want to get as many, or you want to have people in there who can come in when it's needed.
"I think personally we have a lot of quality already in the squad this year. But of course, next season is going to be a lot. And you also want to include injuries and stuff that can happen, just like today.
"A couple of guys injured, a couple of guys who normally always play. So those guys who are coming in and helping us out as well are very important. So we want to make a good and strong squad for next season. But also this season I think we have been able to do that as well."
United will be guaranteed a minimum of 48 games next season, while many of the squad will be at the World Cup this summer. Squad depth will be key.
Where should United prioritise?
Signing everyone that United need next season is unlikely to be possible, even after the huge commercial bonus from the Champions League qualification.
A high-profile central midfielder - to replace Casemiro - has to be the main focus for Wilcox this summer, while another option should not be far behind. However, rather than signing three midfielders, the club could look to promote from within. Jacob Devaney has had a brilliant loan spell in Scotland, while Jack and Tyler Fletcher were both named on the bench against Sunderland.
Left-wing should be next on the list. If United want to compete in the Champions League, they need more consistency from their frontline. Signing another attacker will not only bolster their options, but it will push everyone already at the club.
They will be three expensive additions, so selling players will be important. It is sure to be a very busy summer.