Sport
5 Manchester United transfer targets this summer
Manchester United recorded their highest league finish in three campaigns last season with their second-place. The Red Devils played with intensity and flair but also showed plenty of areas that they can improve on next season. In the 2019/20 window, United weren’t overly active, they signed Donny van de Beek and Alex Telles for a confirmed fee of approximately £70million, Edinson Cavani on a free signing and Amad Diallo as a player for the future. But if they want to mount a title challenge next season they will need to spend their funds more wisely to make direct improvements. So, who are the possible Manchester United transfer targets this summer? We look at 5 options.
5 Manchester United transfer targets this summer
Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
Ever since he began lighting up the Bundesliga, Manchester United have been interested in securing the signature of Jadon Sancho. The English winger is a brilliant prospect with heaps of potential but also one of the best in his position already ability-wise. A front four of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Sancho sat behind Cavani would terrify any defence in Europe.
Sancho has scored 38 goals and assisted 45 in 104 league appearances for Dortmund, averaging a goal contribution every 1.25 games, why he remains one of the key Manchester United transfer targets this summer. The 21-year-old is very versatile along the frontline, he is usually deployed out on the right wing but his ability with both feet and blistering pace also allows him to be used as an attacking midfielder, a left-winger and even a second striker if required.
Sancho could cost the Red Devils a fee between £70m-90m if Dortmund are willing to sell, but it would certainly be an investment for both the now and the future if they manage to get him on a long-term contract – and if he meets expectations at Old Trafford then it would really be a dagger in the hearts of Manchester City fans, who let him leave their academy after not guaranteeing him game time.
Yves Bissouma (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Although the McFred partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred is fairly sturdy, it isn’t the midfield pairing of a title-winning side and they need to go after a more attacking ball carrier in the centre of the park. Malian international Yves Bissouma has been on the radar of some of the best clubs in Europe this season after consistently outstanding displays for Brighton, and if United managed to get their bid for him in early then they could really improve their midfield.
Bissouma has been influential in the heart of the Seagulls midfield, becoming renowned for his tackles on the edge of the Albion box before driving forward and fuelling an attack. Compared to his Seagulls teammates, Bissouma recorded the most presses, the most tackles and the most dribbles completed last season, all from a role where his main aim is to protect the three centre backs behind him.
The 24-year-old could cost Manchester United a fee between £45m and £60million if he does emerge as one of their transfer targets, depending on whether Brighton’s owner Tony Bloom believes there is an apt replacement in the ranks to slot in after his departure. Bissouma could be the man that keeps the tempo ticking for Solskjaer but also prevents opposition attacks.
Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Defensively, Manchester United really need to improve in order to put pressure on the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea for the title next season. They leak sloppy goals and frequently look shaky when being hit on the counterattack, especially in the centre-back position. As controversial as it is, Harry Maguire is one of the best central defenders in the league, but he needs a partner as good as him. Step forward, Raphael Varane.
The French defender is quick, strong and reliable, and a marquee signing like him could have a significant knock-on lift on the rest of the team. The former Lens defender is expected to feature prominently for France at Euro 2020 and it hands Paul Pogba a prime opportunity to turn into Agent Pogba and persuade him to become Manchester-bound. The assurance of Varane in the heart of defence would really improve Solskjaer’s side and his experience on the European stage will be incredibly valuable in the Champions League too.
Real Madrid are expected to have a major clear out under newly-appointed manager Carlo Ancellotti, and the sale of Varane could open up some much-needed funds. It is rumoured that Los Blancos would accept £50million for the 28-year-old, which isn’t overly extortionate for a proven defender coming into their prime.
Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
It isn’t just Gareth Southgate that was impressed by Kieran Trippier last season as Manchester United have turned their attention back to bringing the full-back to Old Trafford with the Englishman now among their transfer targets this summer. Their previous interest was halted after he breached betting regulations. The former Spurs defender is contracted at Atletico until 2023 but is yet to renew his contract and is, reportedly, keen to be playing in his home nation.
The 30-year-old may not displace Luke Shaw or Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the starting eleven but his versatility in defence would provide great cover. Trippier can play as a wing-back on either side, a flat full-back or even as a third centre-back, so if Solskjaer did opt to change system mid-match then Tripper could certainly allow him to do so. The former Burnley defender made 28 appearances for Atletico last season, registering six assists and helping them to their first La Liga trophy since 2013/14.
With Atletico in significant debt and looking to lose some of their high-earning assets, no one would be too shocked to see Trippier leaving sunny Spain this transfer window. A fee of around £14million would please both parties.
Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Although bookmakers have priced rivals Manchester City as favourites to sign Jack Grealish in this window, United aren’t without a chance. Since being promoted to the Premier League with Aston Villa, Grealish has asserted himself as one of the best forwards in the league and it is no wonder that City want him to bolster their already long list of attacking players by signing him. But United need him more and if they get their cheque book out then the guarantee of game time would give them a fighting chance.
Grealish scored six and assisted 10 last season, but that doesn’t do justice to how magnificent he has been. The English midfielder glides around the pitch, slowing and quickening the match so that he can dictate how the game pans out. The 25-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder as well as a left-winger, which would give United good depth and could allow Rashford to be utilised as a striker to provide cover for Cavani. Grealish is intelligent on and off the ball, dragging defenders out of position often and drawing cheap fouls from the opposition, which means that he is regularly labelled as a diver by rival fans.
Due to how important Grealish is for Villa, it would cost Ed Woodward £100million to prize the England international away from the West Midlands, however, the Red Devils could offer some of their fringe players in a cash plus players deal. As mentioned though, it isn’t just Manchester United who might have him on their list of transfer targets this summer.
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