3 possible signings for Manchester United this summer

With domestic football less than a month away and all the major clubs across Europe now involved in pre-season, the transfer market is now open and booming. With major clubs across Europe linked to a host of players, Manchester United is no different.

The Red Devils finished second last season and would be looking to win their first title in the post Alex Ferguson era in the upcoming season.

With the team on tour in the US and the club having confirmed 3 signings prior to the tour, it is possible that Mourinho and Ed Woodward would be looking to add reinforcements to the squad before the regular season starts back at home.

While there is a new player linked everyday with Manchester United and some deals looking too good to be true, not all transfers are relevant to the team or the manager's philosophy. Following is a list of players that I feel would boost the depth of the squad without burning a big hole in the club's pocket.

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#3 Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic in action in a pre-season friendly

It is a surprise that United haven't been linked to Pulisic already. An ideal player on the right-wing, young and a marketing dream, given how Manchester United have been trying to capture the American market in the past few years.

Such is the case of the 19 year old Borussia Dortmund and USA starlet Christian Pulisic, whose career has skyrocketed since he first broke onto the scene in January 2016.

With the hype around players who have shone at the World Cup, Pulisic has flown under the radar this summer and would be a comparatively cheaper buy.

The teenager has primarily played on the wing for Die Schwarzgelben, but recent encouraging performances in a more central position have indicated his ability to play anywhere across the midfield.

Pulisic who is signed with Dortmund till 2020 had a great last season, as he made a total of 42 appearances for them, scoring 5 and assisting 7.

With the future of Martial still a doubt and United lacking a natural right winger, they should go ahead and pursue him, considering he has most of his career ahead of him and is nowhere near his peak years.

All stats via transfermarkt

#2 Harry Maguire

Maguire in action against Belgium

This transfer gossip was surely coming. International tournaments always throw up surprise heroes and surprise performances. While it hasn't come home for England, no shock is bigger than the remarkable rise of Maguire who has gone from unlikely outsider in this England team to fans’ favourite.

Maguire was a formidable presence in the heart of Southgate's 3 man defense, and was clinical with his clearances as well as his passing range, not to forget his aerial threat in the opponent's box.

The 25-year-old proved to be a threat on both ends of the pitch, and Leicester City stand a chance of making massive profit on the £17 million they paid Hull City for their star one year ago.

His enormous presence makes him an incredibly difficult player to mark in the opposition box, and as for his defensive work - not many strikers have got past him and lived to tell the tale.

Maguire looks a player who could represent a major upgrade on United’s current defensive options, with the club linked with new potential signings in that position for some time now. If the rumours are true and United do get their man, it will definitely be for a record fee, given the player's impressive run at the World Cup.

However it will be money well spent, as his acquisition would solve the defensive issues of the club for years to come.

#1 Mario Mandzukic

Mandžukić in action against France at the World Cup

Before you rant out about Mandžukić topping this list, look at the player's profile and his performance on the biggest stage. Mandžukić had a stellar World Cup campaign with Croatia, as they went to the finals and he was an integral part of it, starting every game and often playing till the end of extra time.

With Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in Turin, Juventus would be happy for Mandzukic to leave the club this summer despite the fact that he has a contract until 2020.

The striker who scored two goals in the tournament in Russia has in the past been linked with the Red Devils, but has yet to go on the record over his future.

At 32 years of age, Mandzukic may not be a marquee signing for a club like United, but what he brings to the table is commendable. Like Ibrahimovic who lit the EPL on fire with his performances, Mandžukić is a seasoned player, having plied his trade across Europe and won accolades everywhere.

Though less prolific than the Swede, Mandžukić has a great work rate, and can play anywhere up front, track back for defensive duties and often score the spectacular when needed.

Mandzukic would be a great foil for Lukaku and a mentor to the younger players in the team with his vast experience. After his performance against England, the Croat may not get the warmest of welcomes should he move to Manchester.

With the Champions League angle not a problem this season, it wouldn't be difficult for United to get Mandzukic, and they should give it a try.