“The last transfer was not really fruitful for us because we mostly got flops. The best thing to do is to get good players during the next transfer window. The obvious best choice is a young lad that’s killing it in the Bundesliga and he would replace our struggling Bruno Fernandes perfectly” – This is according to Manchester United legend Gary Neville as he advises Manchester United to move on from Bruno Fernandes by signing a £120m-rated player, who is considered a future Ballon d’Or winner.

Manchester United’s 2024 summer transfer window marked a pivotal moment for the club as they aimed to rebuild following a disappointing eighth-place finish under Erik ten Hag. With a restructured football management system in place, United made six key signings to reinforce their squad and push for a stronger position in the league. Despite their aggressive moves in the transfer market, the 2024/25 season has not started as smoothly as fans had hoped.

A common theme during Ten Hag’s tenure has been his preference for players he’s previously coached. This was evident when United signed two of his former Ajax players, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, to bolster their defensive line with individuals who are well-versed in his tactical approach. Alongside them, the club also added promising Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, a national teammate of De Ligt. In addition to these familiar faces, United brought in Leny Yoro, a talented young defender from Lille, and Manuel Ugarte, a dynamic midfielder from PSG, all in a bid to revitalize the squad.

However, despite these efforts, questions still loom over United’s future. Erik ten Hag is facing increasing pressure due to inconsistent results, leading to uncertainty about his long-term role as manager. As the club struggles for stability, their approach to the 2025 summer transfer window remains unclear, though rumors of a potential game-changing signing have already surfaced.

Reports suggest that Manchester United are targeting Bayern Munich’s rising star, Jamal Musiala. The 21-year-old German international is widely regarded as one of the most promising attacking midfielders in Europe. Known for his creativity, dribbling skills, and playmaking vision, Musiala has established himself as a top-tier number 10, attracting interest from elite clubs across the continent. With his current contract at Bayern set to expire in 2026, speculation is growing that Musiala could leave within the next 18 months.

According to sources from The Mirror and The Express, Musiala has rejected Bayern’s latest contract renewal offer, igniting interest from several major clubs. Manchester United are reportedly leading the race for his signature, but face fierce competition from Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Spanish giants Real Madrid. A transfer fee for Musiala could potentially exceed £120 million, which would break records for many of these clubs.

Musiala’s career achievements are already notable at just 21 years old. Since breaking into Bayern’s first team in the 2020/21 season, he has made 171 appearances, scored 46 goals, and provided 34 assists. His versatility and impact have made him a crucial player for both Bayern and the German national team. This season, he has continued to impress, with three goals and two assists in all competitions, primarily in the Bundesliga.

For Manchester United, the potential signing of Musiala could be a game-changer, especially with concerns over the form of current captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has struggled to find his rhythm this season, failing to score in 11 appearances. While he has contributed four assists, only one has come in Premier League matches, raising questions about his consistency and influence on the team.

If Fernandes’ performances continue to falter, United may soon be searching for his successor, and Musiala could be the ideal replacement. While Fernandes is known for his high-risk passing and creative play, Musiala brings a different dimension with his exceptional dribbling, ability to navigate tight spaces, and quick combination play. His versatility and intelligent movement could provide the attacking spark that United has been lacking this season.

Though Fernandes has been a vital player for Manchester United since his arrival in 2020, his recent struggles have sparked debates about the club’s future direction. Musiala, with his knack for unlocking defenses and scoring goals, could be the perfect long-term solution as United plan ahead. His arrival would not only boost the squad’s depth but could also represent a changing of the guard in the club’s midfield.

Interest in Musiala is only growing, with top European clubs vying for his signature. For Manchester United, landing a talent of his caliber would signal a strong intent to compete at the highest level. Whether they can fend off competition and secure Musiala’s services remains to be seen, but the 2025 summer transfer window could prove decisive in shaping the club’s future trajectory.