Four may not be enough to bring Reds up to mark
UNITED expect to sign only four new recruits at most this summer.
But after seeing Chelsea win the title with 24 more points and 26 more goals than the Reds, and watching Real Madrid take apart Juventus in the Champions League final, Reds fans would be justified in wondering if a quartet of newcomers will be enough.
Manager Jose Mourinho has issues to address in all departments. WILL United back-up their stance that they don’t want to sell David de Gea if Real Madrid start offering record-breaking sums of money?
Will De Gea eventually start agitating for a move to the Bernabeu as the summer progresses?
As it stands, the goalkeeper department is one that, with Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira, doesn’t need any attention.
But if the De Gea situation changes, there has to be a contingency plan. Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Leicester’s Kasper Scheichel have both been linked. ANTONIO Valencia was United’s player’s player of the season and the Europa League final captain, but is 32 in August. Matteo Darmian is his only serious challenger at rightback, but only came good late in the season.
At left-back, Luke Shaw’s Old Trafford future is in doubt after a difficult year with manager Jose Mourinho. Marcos Rojo might not be available until late 2017 following his cruciate knee ligament injury.
Ashley Young is fighting a knee injury, leaving Daley Blind and the versatile Darmian as alternatives.
But to take the Reds to the next level, landing someone of the calibre of Monaco’s Fabinho or Danny Rose of Spurs is a must for Mourinho. THE beast that is Eric Bailly will be the cornerstone of Mourinho’s defence. But Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will be sweating on developments this summer. Axel Tuanzebe and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are both versatile and youthful prospects who want to play in the middle.
Former United Youth Cup winner Michael Keane from Burnley is set for a potential return, but more numbers could be needed. MOURINHO’S strongest department, with in-form Ander Herrera making strides and Paul Pogba set to step up after his first campaign back.
Marouane Fellaini has come out of the pack to become a Mourinho favourite.
And for the No.10 role, initially earmarked for Antoine Griezmann, United now believe they have enough choice in Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata.
Michael Carrick is staying on for another year but, at 36 in July, Mourinho won’t consider him every week.
An anchor man, a creator and a destroyer would still go down well. THE wide berths have been the domain of No.10s Mkhitaryan and Mata or out-and-out strikers Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Jesse Lingard can also operate in the role.
But there are no genuine young wingers in Mourinho’s squad and a summer purchase could be the solution. IF other areas need minor to medium surgery, this is the department that needs a major rebuild.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic might not stay, and if he does he won’t be available until mid-winter.
Wayne Rooney looks set to go. Rashford is a big plus but Martial doesn’t appear to have fully convinced Mourinho.
A team that fell shockingly short in Premier League goals needs more than one upgrade.