‘He’s like Casemiro but with fresher, stronger legs’ Gary Pallister on who Manchester United need to sign this summer

With Manchester United homing in on Champions League qualification this season, Red Devils are already licking their lips at the prospect of a summer of much-needed squad improvement.

Top of most fans’ wish lists is a pair of new central midfielders, but there is a consensus that upgrades needed to be made elsewhere as well. While the Manchester United manager’s position is still yet to be resolved long term - Michael Carrick having done an admirable job since taking charge in February - the club’s decision makers will already have drawn up potential transfer targets.

Former Man United defender Gary Pallister, who won four Premier League titles and three FA Cups during a glittering spell at Old Trafford, has had his say on who he would like to see signed.

Gary Pallister calls for Manchester United to add 'more leaders' in midfield

“The midfield is still an area everyone has talked about,” Pallister tells FourFourTwo on behalf of BetBrain. “I think someone like Sandro Tonali has got the ability, the creative ability but also the mental ability and toughness, to be a real hit at Old Trafford.

"Casemiro is leaving after a great final season – not long after he came under a lot of criticism, remember – and so having a leader in the middle of the park will be massive.”

Pallister believes Italian midfielder Tonali, who has dazzled in the Premier League since joining Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2021, has all the right ingredients to fill Casemiro’s void when the Brazilian leaves on a free this summer.

“Tonali would give you a bit of what Casemiro gives you but with fresher, stronger legs,” explains Pallister, who also wants to see improvements made elsewhere in the squad.

“Another centre forward would also be good,” continues Pallister. “Benjamin Sesko has done OK but he hasn’t pulled up trees. He’s still in a learning curve and a real Man United forward would be huge for the club. Those are the two areas I would target if I was Manchester United this summer.”