13 incredible free agents Man Utd can sign to supercharge Ruben Amorim rebuild

Manchester United need plenty of reinforcements this summer if they are to begin competing at the top level of English football after two dismal campaigns in the Premier League.

The Red Devils recorded their lowest league finish since 1989/90 by finishing eighth under Erik ten Hag last season and are now on course to finish in their worst league position since relegation from the top-flight under Tommy Docherty.

An impressive Europa League campaign still gives the Old Trafford outfit some respite in the form of a potential Champions League place but there is still plenty of work to do if United are to make the jump up to Europe’s elite competition once again while also getting themselves back into the conversation of league titles rather than solely cup competitions.

By the summer, the honeymoon period will be over for former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, and he will face the task of trying to rebuild the United team in his image and finally forge together the required pieces of his 3-4-2-1 formation, which has so far struggled to gel.

United are expected to spend big on new recruits this summer, but their PSR situation combined with the need to offload some key players means they will have to be frugal where necessary to try and get the best recruits at the right price. With that in mind, Manchester World takes a look at some of the best players approaching the ends of their contracts, that could feasibly be attracted to Old Trafford this summer.

A new-look defence

Former Red Devils fan favourite David de Gea made 545 appearances for the Red Devils - the most by a goalkeeper in the club's history - across 12 years at the club. He was released in 2023 and spent a year away from football before joining Italian side Fiorentina where he’s been excellent. With Erik ten Hag out of the door, could Ruben Amorim return to familiar face to resolve his goalkeeping conundrum?

Another player that seems set for a move is Crystal Palace ace Tyrick Mitchell. The left-back was linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer before the arrival of Patrick Dorgu but could still be a worthwhile signing amid Luke Shaw’s recent injury woes.

At the heart of defence, Jonathan Tah, a Bundesliga winner with Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to be on the move after making over 400 appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side.

Elsewhere in defence, Olivier Boscagli of PSV Eindhoven could also be a cost-effective and versatile addition to the backline, with the ability to play left back and centre back.

Another name that’s enjoying a great season is Nigerian international Ola Aina. He’s been a key player for Nottingham Forest this season but is still yet to agree a contract extension at the City Ground.

Veteran Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, a two-time Serie A winner also faces an uncertain future at the San Siro and could be a shrewd addition at Old Trafford.

Soon to be out-of-contact midfield and attackers

Former United wonderkid Angel Gomes has expressed a desire to leave Lille this summer after a successful five-year stint in Ligue 1 which recently saw him win his first England call-up. He’s been heavily linked with a move back to the Premier League and could prove a worthwhile addition in the middle of the park.

Also approaching the final months of his contract is Arsenal star Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian helped the team reach the Champions League semi-final and has been a regular since arriving from Atletico Madrid.

Forgotten ex-Chelsea midfielder Mario Pašalić, who failed to make an appearance in the capital, is also approaching the final months of his contract at Atalanta after an impressive five-year stint with the Italian side, which has seen him play over 150 league games, while winning the Europa League and reach three Coppa Italia finals.

Abdoulaye Doucouré of Everton, could also be another to consider as he approaches the end of his contract after five solid years for the Blues. He’s Premier League proven and was once praised by Carlo Ancelotti for his versatility.

In attack, United are believed to be one of a number of clubs circling around Lille goal machine Jonathan David. The prolific Canadian is likely to be on the move this summer after establishing himself consistently as one of the top strikers in French football.

Meanwhile, a less high profile addition, but one that’s fairly proven at Premier League level is ex-Arsenal man Alexander Lacazette, who has scored 17 across all competitions this term.

Finally, a sentimental, but probably unlikely signing would be Cristiano Ronaldo for a third stint. The Portuguese international publicly fell out with Erik ten Hag before the end of his last spell with the club and was linked with Sporting during Amorim’s time there before his eventual move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

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