After 18 months of scraping the bottom of the barrel, the tide is finally turning at Manchester United. Champions League qualification is secured, a strong Premier League finish under Michael Carrick has restored some pride, and for once, the mood around Old Trafford is positive heading into the summer. But there's no time for patting backs—the real work starts now.

The squad needs a serious reset ahead of what could be a defining campaign. With the right moves, this team could realistically challenge for silverware next season. So what does a perfect transfer window look like?

First up, the hard decisions. Manuel Ugarte's time at United simply hasn't worked out. Ruben Amorim was left stunned by the Uruguayan's regression since arriving, and it's become painfully clear he can't deputize for Casemiro, let alone replace him. The Red Devils need to cut their losses while they can still recoup some of what they spent on this midfield liability.

Joshua Zirkzee can at least say he gave it a go. But nine goals in 73 appearances isn't good enough for a United striker. Yes, many of those were brief cameos, and yes, he sees himself more as a "9.5" than a traditional centre-forward. But he's a saleable asset, and it's time to move on.

The trickiest one might be Andre Onana. His wages are massive, and his goalkeeping has been anything but. Rumor has it he fancies himself as the number one next season, but United would be mad to entertain that. Finding a way to shift the Cameroonian—even on another underwhelming loan—has to be a priority.

The key is balance. Experience to steady the ship, youth to ignite the spark. Get this summer right, and United might just be back where they belong.