Manchester United's summer transfer plans now seem to be in motion three weeks after the 2023/24 campaign ended. The decision to stick with Erik ten Hag means the process has started in shaping the squad.
As well as a new central defender, United need another holding midfielder and striker. There are also some doubts over the options out wide with Antony failing to discover any consistency and Jadon Sancho likely to leave. His sensational form resulted in PSG triggering a £5m buyback clause in his contract last summer before he was immediately loaned out to RB Leipzig. His form continued to fly high with an impressive eight goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga.
Due to a clause in his contract at PSG, a permanent deal would see a large sum of that fee be paid to PSV. Right now, another loan move is more likely meaning United would avoid having to splash big to sign him. As the heat map above shows, Simons spent much of his time in the left third of the pitch. From that position, he managed to complete 102 passes into the final third and 187 progressive passes. His influence in Leipzig's attack was key with him recording an impressive 5.97 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.
The player himself inserted a clause in his PSG contract that means he decides which club to play for if he has options. With a Dutch manager in charge, United may be in a greater position to sign the playmaker this summer - even if it is just temporary for one year.