It has been an enjoyable season for the most part for United fans this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reintroduced the fundamentals that have been etched into United’s fabric throughout the dominant Sir Alex Ferguson years. The emphasis has been on youth, and bringing through academy players has been something that Solskjaer has made a priority.
Mason Greenwood’s emergence as a first-team star could save United a fortune in the long run, while there is also a feeling that Dean Henderson and Scott McTominay are set to be regular starters for United now that their game has reached new heights. However, there is no hiding from the fact that the Red Devils will still need to do some business over the summer months, but what three players should be a priority?
Jadon Sancho
The name on every United’s fans lips over the past two years has been that of Jadon Sancho. The Borussia Dortmund winger is widely regarded as one of the best right-wingers in the world, and he is coming off the back of another mightily impressive campaign. He has scored over ten goals and made over ten assists for the second season running, and United appear set to make their move for the former Manchester City prospect finally.
The deal for Sancho won’t come cheap, with Dortmund likely to demand a figure in the region of £100 million. But, that is the price that United will have to pay for the right midfielder that they desperately crave to balance out the front three.
Jack Grealish
A move for Jack Grealish will likely depend on whether Aston Villa remains in the Premier League or not next season. However, the Villa captain will certainly add something new for Solskjaer as he can play in a variety of different positions and will certainly increase the strength of the squad. Grealish has been the crucial player in Villa’s survival bid, and if the side from the West Midlands are able to stay in the division this season, then Grealish would be an overriding factor.
Grealish can operate from deeper in midfield, as well as from the left of a forward three and a number ten. He has also played as a central striker for Villa this season. United could potentially look at bringing in a striker, but if no player fits the mould that Solskjaer wants, then buying Grealish will enable the manager to play Marcus Rashford, Greenwood and Anthony Martial through the middle on a regular basis.
Kalidou Koulibaly
There is still a feeling that United are a central defender away from being title contenders. There are doubts whether Victor Lindelof is the man to partner Harry Maguire in a title-challenging side, while Eric Bailey’s injury problems have hindered his chances. Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling will be shipped out this summer, which means United will need to bring in a defender. Koulibaly will not come cheap for United, but he would improve the defence immeasurably.
The Senegalese international has averaged 2.2 tackles per game this season, and he has made 1.2 interceptions and 2.5 clearances. He will also add an aerial threat as he wins an average of 2.1 battles in the air every game in Serie A. He may be 29-years-old, but it will be a signing that will ensure that United are a much more solid unit at the back next season.
Article contributed by Contributor Alex. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.