What’s the story?
Manchester United are set to bring back their former player Michael Keane to Old Trafford next season, according to the Daily Mail.
The centre-back is also a prime target for Liverpool, but United are expected to beat their rivals and sign the 24-year-old for £25m.
In case you didn’t know…
The England international joined United when he was 11 years old but couldn’t make It to the first team. He was loaned out to different clubs to ensure his development. In the end, he was sold to Burnley for €2.56 million in 2015.
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However, since joining the Clarets, the defender has taken his game to the next level, and at the moment, he is one of the best English defenders in the Premier League. Keane has 0.8 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season.
The 24-year-old also made his debut for the England international team against Germany in March.
The heart of the matter
Even after spending a significant amount of money in the last transfer market to bring high-profile players like Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Red Devils have failed to make it to the top 4 in the Premier League.
Jose Mourinho had openly criticised his defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling and their disappointing performances this season and don’t be surprised if they sign a centre-back this summer.
If they can successfully negotiate with Burnley for Keane, it’ll be the second time in two summers that they’ll bring back a former player.
United’s back four have been weak for the past four seasons, and it is time for them to improve their defending if they want to compete for the League title next season.
Apart from Keane, United are also targeting Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk in the next transfer window.
The England international is also a top target of Jurgen Klopp the upcoming season as his team have failed to defend with consistency and conceded too many goals this season. Klopp wants to bring the 24-year-old to Anfield this summer as he is planning to build a squad which can compete for the League title next year.
What’s next?
The Red Devils must win the Europa League final against Ajax and qualify for the Champions League next season because if they fail to do so then, Keane might join a club who can offer him exactly that.
Also, the 24-year-old has to perform and earn Mourinho’s trust if he wants to be a regular starter for the Portuguese next season.
Author’s take
Manchester United should focus on signing a defender at his peak if they want to compete for the Premier League title next season. Having said that, they also need a striker who can guarantee them goals, so you can already assume what sort of a transfer window it’s going to be this summer.
