Man United Preparing To 'Narrow List Of Midfield Summer Targets' To 15, Three Players Have Already Been Revealed

The Red Devils did not make any major signings in the January transfer window and are expected to put their focus on landing a new central midfielder in the summer.

United have also appeared weak in midfield this season, with the partnership between Scott McTominay and Fred often met with fierce criticism.

The Red Devils will aim to bring their list of midfield targets down to ‘around 15’ and will subsequently cut it down again to ‘around 10.’

ESPN reports that United will push ahead with negotiations with agents and clubs once the final three-man midfield shortlist is confirmed.

West Ham star Declan Rice, Leeds United playmaker Kalvin Phillips and RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara are ‘all being considered’ by the Red Devils.

Ronaldo made his blockbuster return to Old Trafford after leaving Juventus, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not initially part of United’s plans.

United made a late swoop for the 37-year-old Portuguese forward after cross-town rivals City ‘firmed up their interest,’ according to ESPN.

With Ronaldo under contract until 2023 (and with the option to extend), United no longer consider a centre forward to be a priority position for the club.

United interim manager Rangnick, who will take on a consultancy role after his caretaker spell, will have detailed recruitment meetings each month at the club.

The meetings will be held after the January window closed, with United keen for talks over a new manager to pick up pace before the end of the season.

It is planned for Rangnick’s successor to have ‘input into the players who arrive’ at Old Trafford.

And the new United manager and the recruitment department will adopt a ‘veto’ when it comes to what signings are made at the club.