13 free agents Man Utd could target this summer - including 145-goal hero, Newcastle United man & Lille star

It's set to be another busy summer on the transfer front at Manchester United as Ruben Amorim aims to get to grips with his new role and rebuild the team in his image after a difficult first few months in the dugout at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are currently experiencing their worst season to date - and after a 1-0 defeat to Spurs are facing up to the dim reality of potentially playing no football on the continent next term.

In the past former United boss Erik ten Hag was able to spend big on the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Mathjis de Ligt, Casemiro, Andre Onana and Mason Mount while predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also able to make a splash with the high-profile signings of to bring in the likes of Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Aaron Wan Bissaka.

However, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm it now appears unlikely that Amorim will be granted the same luxury to spend excessively. Instead the Portuguese boss will have to be much more frugal and adhere closely to the constraints of profit and sustainability which are becoming increasingly close to being breached.

As per The Athletic, there may be a ‘temptation’ for United to ‘look’ at the free agency market in the summer given their financial position. With that being said, Manchester World takes a look at 13 of the best soon-to-be out-of-contract players for United to keep an eye on.

Goalkeepers and defenders Man Utd could target

David de Gea - Veteran goalkeeper David De Gea was the last surviving player of the Sir Alex Ferguson era before leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2023. He remains United’s second highest all-time appearance maker, having played in 545 games in all competitions for the club.

He has impressed for Fiorentina this season after a year long hiatus from the sport, but given his wage demands it is unlikely that he would return to Old Trafford unless Andre Onana was sold in the summer.

Jonathan Tah - Jonathan Tah was a pivotal player in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign last season. The German international is blessed with great strength, aerial ability, defensive awareness and crucially the ability to thrive in a three-man-defence when needed. He would be an astute signing for the Red Devils but would likely attract interest from a number of top European clubs.

Tyrick Mitchell - One of a number of talented left-backs that was linked with the Red Devils in January. England international Tyrick Mitchell is still only 25, has potential to improve and is comfortable at playing as wing-back. Another that would fit nicely into Amorim’s style of play.

Ola Aina - Chelsea academy graduate Ola Aina is enjoying a stellar campaign for Nottingham Forest this season. The 44-time Nigerian international has been solid defensively for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and is also comfortable at getting forward and causing problems from the right wing-back role.

Fabian Schär - Newcastle United stalwart Fabian Schar is still yet to sign an extension to his contract at St James’ Park. The Swiss defender is excellent at playing the ball out from the back, is composed in possession and has an incredible ability at striking the ball from distance and getting forward to help his team. However, at 33, he is approaching the twilight years of his career.

Eric Dier - Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier has fallen down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany but did form a key part of the team which reached the Champions League semi-final last term. The England international is blessed with versatility and can play either as a defensive midfielder or a centre back. Useful in an injury crisis.

Midfielders Man Utd could target

Angel Gomes -A former Carrington academy graduate. Angel Gomes is expected to leave Lille on a free transfer in the summer after a series of solid performances for the Ligue 1 side. He is capable of playing both as a defensive midfielder and further up the pitch and is renowned for his excellent ball control and composure in possession. Was handed his first England call up earlier this season by interim boss Lee Carsley.

Joshua Kimmich - A 97-time German international and a Bayern Munich legend. Joshua Kimmich is capable of thriving as both a right-back and a central midfielder and is renowned for having excellent passing qualities, defensive awareness and an ability to chip in with goals. His leadership qualities would make him very appealing but his wages are likely to be too high for United at this time.

Frank Anguissa - Tough-tackling former Fulham midfielder Frank Anguissa has been in terrific form for Antonio Conte’s title-chasing Napoli team this season but could be tempted to make the move back to England at the end of his contract.

Forwards Man Utd could target

Jonathan David - In-form Lille striker is expected to leave the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer this summer. At 25 years of age, the Canadian international, who has scored 20 goals in 35 games - including match-winning goals against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.

Leroy Sane - Former Manchester City fan favourite Leroy Sane is currently in the final few months of his contract at Bayern Munich and faces an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena. The German international is blessed with excellent speed, skill and the ability to create chances for his team-mates, which is something the Red Devils have lacked this season.

Lionel Messi - Even at the age of 37, Lionel Messi remains one of the most talented footballers on the planet. He has scored 21 goals in 22 games for Inter Miami this season, but could seek a new challenge when his deal expires.

Cristiano Ronaldo - They say third time's a charm, and 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 145 goals in 346 appearances for United across two spells at the club, faces an uncertain future in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. He left Old Trafford on a low after a fall-out with Erik ten Hag, but remains revered by most fans for the talent and goalscoring qualities he possesses. Could fellow countrymen Ruben Amorim tempt him back?