Manchester United have some big decisions to make this summer.
The potential for high-profile exits – Paul Pogba and David de Gea are being consistently linked with moves away – is looming large at the moment following a recent form dip. But the current media talk goes heavy on United’s determination to spend big and address issues that have been holding the team back for years.
United fans will certainly hope their club can spend in the right places, and the latest reports suggest they could be ready to axe as many as six players, while signing another five.
Saw some footage of him on youtube. He’s class
— Hambali Ramly (@HambaliRamly_) April 4, 2019
Figures from between £200m-£300m have been floated as the potential outlay on the playing staff. Perhaps more dependent on player sales – maybe a Chinese Super League club will pay £100m for Alexis Sanchez
Remember, this is fantasy and in no way are we saying this is going to happen. But nevertheless, we’re going to try and build a team that works, and a system that has balance, basing it on the speculation that’s come and gone around United’s likely business.
They want an “English core”, y’know…
David de Gea
United have problem, and that’s David de Gea’s contract. It’s up next summer, but the club are determined to dig their heels in and work out an extension – even while the player is looking to become one of the best paid players at the club.
It’d take a huge offer to convince United to sell this year, but they’ll need to be careful – the Spaniard could walk away for free in 2020.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Crystal Palace full back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is
Roy Hodgson has admitted Palace will sell for the right price, so it’s all about getting this one done quickly. United may have Diogo Dalot’s promise to nurture, but they don’t have much else to rely on. Right back is a crucial position to strengthen.
You want Ashley Young playing in this position next season? No, of course you don’t.
Victor Lindelof
The Swede has proven himself as United’s first choice central defender this season. He’s been very good barring the odd below-par game (most of which have come recently) and looks to have all the tools to actually succeed at Old Trafford.
He’s only 24, remember, so there’s still plenty more to come – but Lindelof could do with someone of the highest quality alongside him.
Kalidou Koulibaly
And no, we don’t mean Chris Smalling or Phil Jones. United must spend big on a centre half this summer – a man at the top of their game – and Kalidou Koulibaly will fit the bill.
He won’t come cheap. The touted fee is in the region of £90m at the moment, but United need someone to have an impact on their defence at the levels that Virgil van Dijk has hit at Liverpool – as painful as it is to say. It’ll make a world of difference, and potentially take them up a level.
Latest talk is that the Senegalese has switched agents with the ambition of leaving Napoli, so watch this space.
Luke Shaw
Shaw has been one of United’s most consistent performers this season, winning the club’s player of the month award three times, and he should retain his place next season regardless.
United do need cover at left back, but it’s not the most crucial part of the squad to address at the moment.
Declan Rice
Nemanja Matic turns slower than it takes Earth to do one full rotation on its axis, so Manchester United need a new defensive midfielder for next season. Declan Rice looks the real deal, he’s English – not Irish – and he looks an actual realistic target. He’s excellent at bringing the ball forward from deep, distributes well and his first touch is exemplary.
West Ham have, similarly to Palace, admitted they’ll sell the 20-year-old for the right price (going to pluck £50m out of the air here) so it’s a worthwhile investment.
Saul Niguez
Okay, we’re entering dreamland now. United’s latest high-profile transfer target is Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez, and he will cost a lot, a lot (a lot) of money if they do end up landing him.
How much? Anywhere between
Andrew Headspeath has written this excellent piece on why he’d be the perfect fit.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba might have his head turned, his agent might be turning it for him, or he might be completely happy in Manchester. You can expect this transfer saga to run and run as Real Madrid try and spend £8bn of “their own money” throughout this summer transfer window.
However, the World Cup winner is a huge commercial asset for United, as well as a huge asset on the pitch, and he has two years (with an option to extend for a third) on his contract.
Good luck trying to buy him.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho has been dubbed “Manchester United’s number one transfer target” for a number of weeks now, and you can see why.
England’s latest international star is
Anthony Martial
Having signed a new contract recently, it’s now time for Tony Marshall to get down to business and start showing his quality on a consistent basis.
United fans know he’s got it in his locker, but it’s time to deliver on that potential for the Frenchman. He’s got his chance now.
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United’s golden boy has come into his own since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment. He’s the club’s number one forward and he’s got levels to hit as he continues to mature in the central striker’s role.
Expect Rashford to lead the line for a long time to come.
So, how could it actually look? Well…
Let’s see how they manage to do this summer…
Let’