Erik ten Hag’s team has only managed to score 24 league goals so far in 2023–24, which speaks volumes about how poorly they have performed on the pitch this season.

Thankfully, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to join the team, things are beginning to get better off the pitch.

Finally, Richard Arnold has been replaced, with the Red Devils luring one of Manchester City’s brightest minds away from the Etihad.

In fact, rumours circulated over the weekend indicating Omar Berrada will soon take over as CEO of United. Considering his history at City, this is a really exciting hire, even though no official start date has been disclosed yet.

He made a record-breaking profit from City Academy players while assisting in the brokering of deals for players like Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, and Rodri. Berrada is obviously a skilled negotiator. To put it another way, under his supervision, it’s improbable that United would have paid £86 million for Antony.

Alright, enough prattle. Who could he sign? After the club’s new CEO gets his feet under the table, these three dream purchases are available.

Man, Rasmus Hojlund, United Champions League one Joshua Zirkzee is one of them. Erling Haaland

Munich-Bayern-Zirkzee
Increasing the offensive depth of Old Trafford will be one of Berrada’s first concerns upon his arrival. Although Rasmus Hojlund is obviously very talented, his consistency as a goal scorer has been questioned since he signed.

Only two goals in the Premier League, the first of which had to wait until Boxing Day, have been scored by the Dane, who has five goals in the Champions League.

Joshua Zirkzee could be able to help. The Dutchman is reportedly a target for the Red Devils; if his Bologna team agrees to a summer sale, the cost is estimated to be £50 million.

With eight goals in 22 games this season, the 22-year-old has been called “out of this world” by pundit Ben Mattinson. Though his potential speaks for itself, you might not believe the team needs another raw attacker.

The Turkish football journalist Süleyman Öztürk made a stunning statement about Zirkzee, stating, “He is better than Erling Haaland in almost everything, only the monster in him is missing.” Zirkzee is a player who has also been named in the same breath as Haaland.

Second Michael Olise, a Jack Grealish of their own

Michael Olise Crystal Palace announced his transfer to the Premier League.
The enticing name Michael Olise, a French wonder at Crystal Palace, has also been linked to a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks.

The Eagles star has flourished on a squad that has far less possession than the elite teams, much like a certain Grealish, and he appears to be a player poised for a major move. Olise’s release clause, which is now set at £60 million, means that United will save £40 million compared to what Grealish spent.

Despite having a terrible season due to injuries in 2023–24, the winger has managed to put on some incredible performances, tallying five goals in nine league games thus far. Last season, he was just as amazing, but he was undoubtedly more inventive—11 assists in 37 appearances in the top division.

Olise is equally amazing with the ball at his feet as the previously mentioned City star. The Palace sensation has attempted 4.90 take-ons per ninety minutes over the past 365 days, as opposed to Grealish’s 4.81. In that regard, they are undoubtedly similar.

3 Martin Zubimendi, who is Rodri’s own

Zibumendi, Martin, Reality, Society
Berrada also has to work on strengthening his midfield position. This season, Scott McTominay has scored six goals in front of goal, but let’s just say that his prolific scoring has covered up some sloppy performance in other areas of the pitch.

Their troubles in the middle have been so great that Kobbie Mainoo, a youngster, is now counted on to set the game’s pace.

However, United may be able to lessen their reliance on him if they sign Martin Zubimendi, a player they are apparently considering for the summer.

The Real Sociedad player should be considered in the same breath as Rodri, who scored the winning goal in the previous season’s Champions League final, according to Spain’s coach Jose Luis De La Fuente: They are, in my opinion, the top midfield players in the world for their position. and they get along just great.

Zubimendi’s La Liga 2023–2024 Stats

Statistics (per 90)

Zubimendi

Spain’s ranking

Objectives without penalties

0.21

Top 11%

Passes obtained (middle)

19.35

Top 15%

% of passes completed (medium)

89.2%

upper 22%

enters the final third

4.61

upper 33%

Interceptions

1.22

upper 26%

Verifications

1.80

Top 20%

Statistics through FBref

Even if the Sociedad midfielder isn’t a tackle monster—he ranks among the bottom 30% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles per ninety minutes last season—there are undoubtedly similarities given his preference to direct plays and break them up from deep. What then does he provide? Zubimendi ranks among the top 12% of midfielders in Europe for passes blocked, demonstrating his exceptional reading comprehension of the play.

If he could get these three players across the finish line, Berrada would have himself a fantastic first acquisition. You have it now, Omar.