Despite spending just shy of £150 million in summer, Manchester United fell way short of challenging for the Premier League title this season as their city rivals romped to the most comfortable title win we have seen in decades.
Jose Mourinho clearly has work to do with his squad and the owners will back him once again as he tries to bridge the gap between his side and Pep Guardiola’s. With the attacking talent of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on the books it is clear that the weaknesses of the squad lie elsewhere.
David de Gea is, on current form, the world’s best goalkeeper whilst when fully fit, Antonio Valencia and Eric Bailly are more than capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League. Below we have listed the three players that Mourinho should go for in the summer transfer window to improve his squad’s weaknesses and put them in serious contention for the Premier League title.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
The 23-year-old box-to-box midfielder’s transfer value has shot through the roof this season as his performances attract suitors from Europe’s top clubs, but Manchester United seem to be heading that list. United scouts have reportedly been tracking his progress over the second half of the season and are keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
At 6ft 3’, he is an imposing and powerful figure in the middle of the park, as are Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. As a trio, there would not be a more powerful unit in the centre of the park and they should be able to boss games in the top flight of English football.
In 42 appearances in all competitions this season, the Serbian has registered eleven goals and seven assists. Impressive for a Lazio side who are battling for a Champions League spot in Serie A, but are way off the title race. With fellow countryman Matic protecting the defence, Milinkovic-Savic and Pogba would be free to break into the opposition box and support Lukaku up front.
He will cost upwards of £75 million, but the Red Devils are going to have to spend big again to close the gap on City.
Alex Sandro
It is clear to see that the left-back position is Manchester United’s weak spot at the current moment. Luke Shaw has been nothing short of a flop under Jose Mourinho whilst Ashley Young has performed admirably, he is approaching 33-years-old and struggles on his left foot. A natural left-footed full-back is a must and the solution lies in Turin.
Alex Sandro is reaching the peak of his career and has been an important part of a Juventus side that are close to securing a seventh consecutive Serie A title. The Brazilian 27-year-old may be behind Marcelo in the pecking order for his country at the upcoming World Cup but can provide an option at left wing-back or left midfield if the side needs him.
He has impressed for Juve down that left wing and three goals and six assists from a range of positions has strengthened his spot as one of Europe’s top left-backs. It is a position in which very few teams have a world-class player. Man City themselves made do without the injured Benjamin Mendy this season whilst Marcelo and Jordi Alba are the other notable stars.
If United can secure his signature, they will get a brilliant crosser of the ball who is as comfortable defensively as he is going forwards. A fee of £50 million should be enough for Juventus to let him go, but Anthony Martial may be used as a bargaining tool.
Toby Alderweireld
Finally. Manchester United need a world class defender who can partner Eric Bailly and form a rock-solid partnership with David de Gea behind them. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have proved they are still susceptible to mistakes whilst Victor Lindelof has shown promise but should be kept as a reserve in case of injury.
So, thoughts have turned to a Spurs man who has stalled on signing a new contract. Toby Alderweireld has proved he is one of the most reliable defenders in world football over the past few years and if Manchester United can sign him on a free it would be a much more worthwhile signing that Alexis Sanchez was.
A solid defensive partner for the talented Eric Bailly, Alderweireld would be a steal from a Premier League rival and can slot straight into the United back line. Reports suggest he is after £150k a week which is double his current salary, but both Daniel Levy and the player will not budge on their demands.
This leaves Europe’s top clubs on high alert ready to act if he does leave in the summer. A hefty wage will be a small price to pay for the 29-year-old who can command a back line and play out from the back. United will face stiff competition for his signature, but they have the funds to complete this deal.
