As one of the biggest clubs in world football, Manchester United have always been an attractive destination for players – and that allure has increased greatly over the past few months.
The team’s fortunes have been transformed since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in the dugout and a finish in the top four this season is a real possibility.
9
Solskjaer has improved United markedly
Solskjaer has not been given the full-time job yet, but given the Norwegian has done so well it’s surely a matter of time before he becomes manager on a permanent basis.
United fans should therefore feel optimistic during the summer, especially with some of the top names in world football linked with moves to Old Trafford.
The latest reports claim the Red Devils have entered the race to sign Chelsea’s wonderkid winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is also wanted by Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund
9
United reportedly hope to win the race for Chelsea starlet Hudson-Odoi
They are reportedly also ‘front runners’ to sign Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and have also been linked with fellow Frenchman Adrien Rabiot.
Former Manchester City winger Jadon Sancho is also rumoured to be on United’s radar as the England international’s stock continues to rise following his spectacular 2018/19 campaign with Borussia Dortmund.
9
Could ex-Manchester City man Sancho move to Manchester United?
However, there are potential departures too with Paul Pogba claiming playing for Real Madrid under their reappointed manager Zinedine Zidane would be a ‘dream’.
The Daily Star further claim Alexis Sanchez, Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valenica could leave in the summer, meaning the upcoming transfer window is sure to be a busy one.
talkSPORT.com have gone through all these transfer reports and have attempted to build a Man United line-up featuring these targeted superstars.
You can see the potential Manchester United XI, below…
LATEST TRANSFER NEWS
ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK – 4-2-3-1
United as a club were suffering from an identity crisis under Mourinho, with the Portuguese’s sometimes ultra-defensive tactics conflicting with the attacking football they played during the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Solskjaer, who played under Ferguson between 1996-2007, has restored some of that positivity and there is a feeling among United fans that they’ve got their club back.
Goalkeeper
If the club are to become title contenders again, they have to keep hold of David de Gea, whose deal was set to expires in June.
However, United activated a one-year extension on the Spaniard’s contract meaning he is likely to stay for another season.
9
De Gea is one of the world’s best goalkeepers
And United will be hoping they will have progressed enough during that time to convince him to extend his time at Old Trafford.
Defence
They’ll also have to improve in defence and ideally get a world class centre-back in.
Enter Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, who is reportedly considering his future at the Bernabeu and United are one of the few clubs who could afford the player and his wages.
9
Varane won the World Cup with France last summer
He may only be 25 but his ability is so great that his effect on the defence could be similar to the effect Virgil van Dijk has had at Liverpool.
Varane could be partnered in the back line by Kalidou Kouliably, the Napoli star, who is widely considered one of the best centre-backs in world football.
The Mail claim United could pay £130million to sign Koulibaly this summer, as Solskjaer looks to create one of the best defensive units in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof are suitable backup options, while Luke Shaw and Ashley Young remain capable of playing at left-back and right-back respectively.
Midfield
United fans won’t want to hear it, but they may have to prepare for life without Pogba as the Frenchman appears keen for a move to Madrid at some point in his career.
9
Pogba may well have his sights on Spain
It’s not clear when this will happen but if Pogba departs soon then United will have to change things up in midfield promptly.
And according to Calcio Mercato, Rabiot’s proposed move to Barcelona is looking doubtful due to his wage demands, putting United on red alert.
Should Rabiot come to England, he could play alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield, with the Frenchman having some licence to get forward.
9
Can United hijack Barcelona’s move for Rabiot?
Attack
It’s in the final third where the magic could really be happening, with Griezmann, Hudson-Odoi and Sancho potentially joining an attack that already includes Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku.
As already stated, United are ‘front runners’ to sign Griezmann and he would play in the no.10 role, with aforementioned targets Hudson-Odoi and Sancho flanking the France superstar.
9
Griezmann is wanted by a number of clubs
The Evening Standard says United are free to pursue Sancho as there was no ‘United clause’ when he left Manchester City in 2017.
United are one of the few clubs who could afford his £100million price tag and to have an England player of his quality among their ranks could be something the club’s top brass consider greatly.
Him and Hudson-Odoi are both capable of playing on either flank, though it’s likely Sancho would feature on the right with Hudson-Odoi on the left, with Anthony Martial used in rotation with the targeted pair.
Lukaku and Rashford are then both able to lead the line, with Solskjaer able to choose who he prefers based on United’s opposition.
9
Is this Man United’s line-up for 2019/20?
Why Paul Pogba transfer talks with Real Madrid have 'stalled' as Man Utd star eyes exit. Zinedine Zidane is targeting Paul Pogba after reports that he has agreed a deal for Chelsea winger Eden Hazard
Game of Thrones star Sean Bean made Neil Warnock's wife cry with X-rated rant The Hollywood actor was beheaded in the hit fantasy show but was once keen to see the ex-Blades boss get the chop
When Game of Thrones star Sean Bean rowed with Premier League
Dortmund sign Liverpool target Julian Brandt Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of winger Julian Brandt from Bayer Leverkusen on a deal until June 2024. The 23-year-old Germany international had been a target for Liverpool, who are looking to sign a versatile forward this summer to bolster their front line.
Who is transfer target Julian Brandt, and is he a good fit at
Plays Report is all sport website getting news from across the Globe. Our coverage includes live sports coverage, breaking news, results, video, audio and analysis on Football, F1, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby and many other sport games.
Liverpool news: Without James Milner, it wouldn't work, says
Live preview at Anfield Stadium with Rodrigo Lara (LIVERPOOL vs WOLVERHAMPTON) Premier League Title race Final Day. Check Rodrigo Channel
LIVE LIVERPOOL VS WOLVERHAMPTON LIVE STREAM - trend24h.net
~ Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils 'make offer' for former Barcelona youth player Toni Quetglas amid Chelsea interest ~ Kenya Latest
News list for red devils make offer for former barcelona
ARSENAL target Cristian Pavon is being linked with a cut-price move to LA Galaxy, according to reports in Argentina. The Boca Juniors winger was wanted by the Gunners in the January transfer window.
Arsenal transfer report: Cristian Pavon linked with cut price
Ole Gunnar Solskaer has a 73.7% win rate in all competitions as United manager The Solskjaer effect. Solskjaer is United's fourth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Manchester United set to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is reportedly seeking assurances from Chelsea over more regular playing time before signing a new contract with the club.. The England international started just six Premier
Chelsea news: 'If I get a pay rise, that'll be great
Women's World Cup 2019 schedule: Fixtures, kick-off times, TV channels, final and venues in France. Everything you need to know for the 2019 Women's World Cup
When is Women's World Cup 2019? Full schedule, England and
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has insisted his players can do no more in their bid to end a 29-year wait for another league title after seeing them scrap their way to victory at Newcastle.
Liverpool players can do no more, says Klopp - rte.ie
Felipe Anderson and West Ham take on Southampton today. West Ham vs Southampton: How to listen. Full coverage from the London Stadium will be live on talkSPORT 2, with our programme getting underway from 12pm. Russ Williams will bring you all the build-up and for commentary just click here for the live stream or click the radio player below.
West Ham vs Southampton live on talkSPORT 2: Full commentary
Virgil van Dijk helped Liverpool win the Champions League in Madrid ESPN FC claim that the 27-year-old wants to further underline his commitment to the club by signing another new deal - surpassing the length of his current deal.
Virgil van Dijk 'keen to commit' future to Liverpool by
fussboll.com/2019/06/05/virgil-van-dijk-keen-to-commit-future-to-liverpool-by-signing-new-contract/
Virgil van Dijk helped Liverpool win the Champions League in Madrid ESPN FC claim that the 27-year-old wants to further underline his commitment to the club by signing another new deal - surpassing the length of his current deal.
Virgil van Dijk 'keen to commit' future to Liverpool by
Continent's top clubs and UEFA set to introduce price cap on
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains Manchester United team selection vs Man City. Man Utd have made five changes from the side which lost to Everton ahead of their Premier League fixture against
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Pep Guardiola unhappy
No comments:
Post a Comment