The £263m Manchester United transfer spree that could give them a new spine with five signings

Paul Scholes thinks Manchester United will have to spend big if they are to address their issues in the summer transfer window. United will continue their rebuild under Ruben Amorim at the end of the season, though they face a tight financial situation and could well have to sell before they are in a position to buy.

United's precarious financial situation will be significantly strengthened if they manage to win the Europa League, and subsequently qualify for the Champions League, but failure to do so could leave them with a limited budget to reinforce their squad. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Antony are certain to be up for sale this summer, while a high-value academy graduate like Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho could also be reluctantly sold to help raise funds.

Speaking on The Overlap, United legend Scholes highlighted the need for a strong spine to the first-team squad and claimed they need as many as five key signings this summer. “When you look at teams, you look at their spine,” Scholes said. “Liverpool – great goalkeeper, great centre-halves, forwards. Wherever it is, I do not think United have any in that position. I think a new goalkeeper is needed – two centre-halves, one midfielder, and one centre-forward with a bit of stature and quality, and really create a spine. When you have got that spine right, then you can add bits to it.”

It is wishful thinking from Scholes, particularly when you realise it could cost roughly £263 million to make his dreams come true.

Five signings to strengthen the spine

If we start off in goal, this feels like the least likely position to be upgraded this summer. It is true Amorim would like to sign a goalkeeper at some point, but United only recently invested £47.2million in Onana and have more pressing issues to attend right now. With Tom Heaton out of contract and continued interest in Altay Bayindir, there is a chance United could sign a back-up option in goal this summer, but not necessarily a new starter. Leeds shot-stopper Ilian Meslier has regularly been linked with a move to Old Trafford and would cost somewhere in the region of £20million.

United are likely to be in the market for a centre-back this summer, though Scholes is unlikely to get his wish of two new signings in that position. They are still interested in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, who was valued at £75million last summer and would command a similar fee this year. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is another player of interest, but is valued at roughly £55million, while Sporting star Gonçalo Inácio is believed to have a £50million release clause in his current deal.

In terms of midfield reinforcement, Atalanta ace Ederson is an option to United and would reportedly cost another £50million to sign this summer. A cheaper option would be Middlesbrough youngster Hayden Hackney, who could be signed for as little as £20million at the end of the season.

If there is one position United can't afford to cut corners with, it is in attack. Even after signing Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, there is a serious lack of firepower in the forward line and Amorim is desperate to add another striker to his squad at the end of the season. It is understood Viktor Gyökeres could be available for roughly £63million, while it could cost a similar fee to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli at the end of the season.

It means United might need to spend £263million on a new spine. Even with Champions League qualification that seems highly unlikely.

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