Manchester United will know that all of their progress this season will be for nothing if they fail to bring in the right players this summer.
By securing Champions League football next term, Michael Carrick has managed to achieve what was largely seen as very unlikely for much of the campaign under his predecessor, Ruben Amorim.
While it is still unclear whether interim head coach Carrick will lead the side next season, he is understood to be advising the United hierarchy on potential summer incomings.
The allure of Champions League football is likely to help director of football Jason Wilcox a great deal in attracting top players, as opposed to last season, where the Reds missed out on Europe and finished 15th in the league.
Last summer, Wilcox clearly prioritised the forward line, signing Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha for combined fees of over £200million.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page There is no question that the priority this time around is the midfield, which has been an obvious weak point all season.
That is set to become an even bigger cause for concern given Casemiro’s impending departure and the likelihood that Manuel Ugarte will also leave Old Trafford.
That leaves Carrick, or whoever is in charge next term, without a holding midfielder.
Further forward, the options are also limited, with Kobbie Mainoo and the injury prone Mason Mount being the only No.8s available.
As such, a huge spending spree is expected on two, or potentially even three, midfield additions.
Per recent reports, combative Atalanta midfielder Ederson is one of the most likely new arrivals this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United are in talks with the 26-year-old Brazilian’s agent over personal terms.
He has been one of the names on United's list of potential recruits since last year.
They can sign Ederson for a very reasonable sum of around £40m, adding some much-needed depth in the engine room.
Yet, if Ederson is the floor-raiser, United also....
