Are Manchester United just two or three key signings away from title contention?

Manchester United are only two or three key signings away from competing for the title? Experts explain in detail the blueprint for reinforcements this summer

After experiencing relatively successful signings in the 2025 summer window, Manchester United is steadily on the right track of reconstruction. Many observers believe that the Red Devils may be only two to three suitable players away from returning to the Premier League title race. As long as they continue to adhere to the current clear and rational recruitment strategy, Manchester United is fully capable of truly challenging for the championship next season.

The left wing is in urgent need of an "all-round" left-back

One of the most obvious shortcomings in Manchester United's current lineup is the left corridor. Luke Shaw is experienced but his physical fitness and condition are not as good as before; Diogo Dalot has failed to realize his potential for many years; young player Patrick Dogu is still immature and cannot take on a big role.

In this context, Antoine Semenho has become a target of much attention. Although he is not a wing-back in the traditional sense, he has played in this position many times and has the speed, explosiveness, confrontation ability and high-position pressing awareness required by the top league.

If they can form a rotation or partnership with Cunha, who is also good at the left, the two will create an offensive corridor that combines speed, creativity and pressing intensity, making it difficult for any defense to parry.

On the right, the combination of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo is expected to provide an offensive and defensive balance, helping coach Ruben Amorim create the high-intensity, two-wing pressure system he pursues.

It is urgent to strengthen the midfield

If the wings are the "short board", then the midfield is the core area that urgently needs to be upgraded. When facing strong ball-controlling teams, Manchester United's lack of stability and control in the midfield has been repeatedly exposed.

Experts generally believe that the following two players should be priority targets:

Elliot Anderson: Shined in the game against Manchester United at Nottingham Forest. Not only does he dare to break through with the ball, he also has the tactical discipline and game reading ability required by a modern midfielder. He is the type who can "change the rhythm of the game."

Conor Gallagher or Angelo Stiller: The former is full of physical strength and tough style. He is a typical B2B (Box-to-Box) midfielder, which can perfectly support Amorim’s high pressing system; the latter is better at rhythm control and organizational connection, and can provide the much-needed "glue" role for the midfielder.

Manchester United needs to introduce at least two of these three to truly solidify the foundation of the midfield.

A crucial summer in the INEOS era

All eyes are now focused on the helmsman behind Manchester United - INEOS Group. In the summer window of 2025, they have initially demonstrated their professional, efficient and visionary operational capabilities by introducing players such as Cunha, Mbeumo and Ramens.

But the real test will come in the summer of 2026. By then, INEOS must complete the "last piece of the puzzle" of Amorim's team building blueprint:

a world-class left back

two high-quality midfielders

and a clear long-term development plan

This is not only a transfer operation, but also the ultimate definition of the club's ambitions.

If INEOS can continue the rationality and execution of last summer, Manchester United will no longer need excuses such as "reconstruction" and "transition". A Red Devils team that truly has the strength to compete for the title, is disciplined, and has a balanced offense and defense is expected to return to the top of the Premier League in the near future.