Speaking to a small group of reporters at the Carton House Hotel in Kildare district this week, Harry Maguire took the opportunity to send a message to the Manchester United leadership.
In Ireland, with a squad led by Michael Carrick in a short-term training camp to recover fitness before the sprint towards a Champions League spot, Maguire - who just extended his contract for another year - has begun to talk about the future.
I think this summer will be very important. We need to transfer really well" - he shared.
It feels like Maguire is representing the voice of the entire dressing room, which has benefited from contracts like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, but still wants to have more quality additions to compete for titles.
However, if this message is aimed at Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, Football Director Jason Wilcox and Transfer Director Christopher Vivell, then inside the club believes that it is unnecessary.
Sources revealed that successfully implementing the summer transfer window is more important than appointing a new head coach to replace Ruben Amorim.
After more than two years of operation, Ratcliffe and his associates realized that fixing mistakes in the transfer market is much more difficult than changing coaches. And they are still dealing with the consequences of previous decisions.
One of the big issues is Andre Onana's future, as his salary could increase sharply if the team wins a Champions League ticket, making it difficult to find a new destination after a loan spell at Trabzonspor.
The sale of players, especially cases like Onana, is considered the financial key. Man United is expected to use this revenue to recruit a central midfielder to replace Casemiro - who will leave the team at the end of the season.
Barcelona has the right to buy Marcus Rashford outright for 26 million pounds, while Napoli is expected to spend about 38 million pounds to own Rasmus Hojlund. Joshua Zirkzee may also leave, while Altay Bayindir receives interest from Turkey.
If completed, 4-5 player sales could bring in 80-90 million pounds - enough to recruit a top central midfielder. The "Red Devils'" target list is very diverse, including Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Bruno Guimaraes and Carlos Baleba.
However, each deal has its own barriers. Tonali was once banned from playing, Guimaraes did not want to leave Newcastle, and Baleba was valued at over £100 million. Man United is also clearly aware of "United Tax" - clubs pushing up prices when negotiating with them. Mbeumo's case is an example when the price increased from £55 to £70 million in just a few months.
The salary fund is also an issue that needs control. The departure of Jadon Sancho, Rashford and Casemiro will help Man United significantly reduce the financial burden. A typical example is the Antoine Semenyo deal, when demanding a sharp increase in salary after the participation of Manchester City, causing Man United to withdraw.
In addition to the central midfielder, the Old Trafford team is also looking for a left winger. Options include Joao Gomes and Mateus Fernandes if Wolves or West Ham are relegated.
They are also monitoring a new goalkeeper, left-back to replace Tyrell Malacia, and considering adding a left-footed center-back like Murillo. However, with current options such as Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, the center-back position is not a priority. However, De Ligt's prolonged injury may change the plan.
Man United is also considering the free agent market to increase the squad depth without affecting the budget. The biggest priority is still a world-class midfielder. Other targets will depend on financial resources.
Currently ranked third after the revival under Carrick, Man United believes they are on the right track to build a team to compete for titles. Ratcliffe, Berrada and Wilcox understand the importance of this summer, and the work has begun to accelerate.
