Manchester United’s 2024 summer transfer window was one of significant importance for the club, as they looked to rebuild following a disappointing eighth-place finish under Erik ten Hag. Operating under their newly structured football hierarchy, the Red Devils made six major signings to bolster their squad and challenge for higher positions. However, despite the ambition shown in the transfer market, the start of the 2024/25 season has not gone as smoothly as fans had hoped.
A notable trend under Ten Hag has been his reliance on players with whom he has previously worked. In keeping with this approach, United brought in two of his former Ajax players, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. These signings were seen as a way to strengthen the team’s defense, bringing in players familiar with Ten Hag’s tactical philosophy. Alongside these acquisitions, United also secured Joshua Zirkzee, a promising striker and teammate of De Ligt from the Netherlands national team. Further additions included highly-rated young defender Leny Yoro from Lille and dynamic midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, all with the aim of rejuvenating the squad.
However, despite these efforts, uncertainty still clouds the club’s future. Erik ten Hag, under mounting pressure due to inconsistent results, faces questions about his long-term position as manager. With the club struggling to find form, it remains unclear how Manchester United will approach the 2025 summer transfer window. Yet, speculation has already begun, and the club has been linked with a potential game-changing signing.
Reports suggest that Manchester United are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich’s young sensation, Jamal Musiala. The 21-year-old German international is widely regarded as one of the most talented attacking midfielders in world football. Known for his creativity, dribbling, and vision, Musiala has established himself as one of the best number 10s in the game, drawing attention from top clubs across Europe. With his contract set to expire in 2026, there is growing speculation that Musiala could depart Bayern Munich within the next 18 months.
According to reports from The Mirror and The Express, Musiala has already turned down Bayern’s latest contract renewal offer, sparking a flurry of interest from elite clubs. Manchester United are reportedly at the front of the queue, but they face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, as well as La Liga giants Real Madrid. The potential transfer fee for Musiala could be astronomical, with estimates suggesting it may surpass £120 million, potentially setting a new record for these clubs.
At just 21, Musiala’s achievements are already impressive. Since breaking into Bayern’s first team during the 2020/21 season, he has made 171 appearances, scoring 46 goals and contributing 34 assists. His performances have been consistently outstanding, and his versatility in attack has made him a key player for both Bayern Munich and the German national team. This season, he has started in fine form, scoring three goals and providing two assists across all competitions, with the majority of his contributions coming in the Bundesliga.
For Manchester United, the potential signing of Musiala could be transformative, especially as they face ongoing concerns over the form of their current captain, Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker has struggled to find his best form this season, failing to score in 11 appearances. While he has provided four assists, two of those came in the Carabao Cup rout of Barnsley, and only one assist has been registered in Premier League play. Fernandes’ inconsistent performances have raised questions among fans and pundits, with many wondering whether the 30-year-old’s influence on the team is beginning to wane.
As a result, Manchester United may soon find themselves in need of a successor to Fernandes, and Jamal Musiala could be the ideal candidate to fill that role. While Fernandes is known for his high-volume passing, attempting ambitious through balls and intricate passes in the final third, Musiala offers a different skill set. The German international is renowned for his exceptional dribbling ability, effortlessly gliding past defenders, and excelling in tight spaces. His quick, fluid combination play makes him a perfect fit for modern, high-tempo attacking football, and his intelligent movement allows him to link up effectively with forwards.
Although Fernandes has been a pivotal player for Manchester United since his arrival in 2020, his current dip in form has led many to speculate about the club’s future planning. Musiala, with his ability to unlock defenses and his eye for goal, could provide the spark that United’s attack has been missing this season. His arrival would not only add depth and quality to the squad but also potentially serve as a long-term replacement for Fernandes as United look to build for the future.
As it stands, the interest in Musiala is only growing, with top clubs across Europe vying for his signature. For Manchester United, securing the services of such a highly sought-after talent would be a statement of intent. Whether or not they can fend off competition from their rivals and convince Musiala to join the ranks at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but the 2025 summer transfer window could be a defining moment for the club’s
future ambitions.