5 players Manchester United should target in the summer

Manchester United's defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers saw them bow out of the FA Cup after an exciting run which saw them defeat both Arsenal and Chelsea away. The run ended in disappointing fashion as United looked second best for most of the encounter against Wolves.

The game highlighted some of United’s weaknesses that further suggested that reinforcements will be needed if United want to challenge for major silverware. With the impact that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had, it will be important that United use the summer transfer window to get the required players and offload the deadwood from the squad.

Here are five players the Red Devils should target in the summer transfer window.

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#1 Kalidou Koulibaly

One of the best centre backs in the world - Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly is widely regarded as one of the best centre backs in the world today. His raw pace and power make him a daunting player to go up against. These physical attributes were well documented in Napoli's game against PSG in the group stages when he dominated the French wonder kid Kyliann Mbappe.

The Senegalese international is also a leader and generally vocal on the field, shouting out instructions to his teammates, urging them to get into the right positions and organizing the team during set plays.

As with most modern defenders, Koulibaly is comfortable on the ball and can distribute possession intelligently, helping the team to play out from the back.

With the transformative impact Virgil van Dijk has had on Liverpool since signing for a world record fee for a defender last January, marshalling the defence, improving his teammates and converting Liverpool into title contenders, a signing like Koulibaly could have a similar affect at United. At 27, he will be entering his peak years and with his experience and leadership qualities, he could prove to be an inspired signing.

#2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The young Crystal Palace right-back has grabbed attention after some incredible performances have made him the most sought after young full back in the world.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been the most effective tackler in the top five European leagues, a testament to his special talent. The youngster reads the game well and has averaged 2.2 interceptions per game.

The 21-year-old is known for his marauding runs, as his dribbling abilities and gracefulness on the ball make him a real asset in attack. He played as a winger in his youth academy days at Crystal Palace before being converted as a right back and that has helped him to contribute to the team's attacking cause as well as defend expertly against some of the best attackers.

With Antonia Valencia's time at United coming to an end and Ashley Young on the wrong side of the thirties, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be United's long term right back.

#3 Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld was high on United's wish list last summer but Ed Woodward couldn't make a breakthrough in the negotiations for the centre back. Spurs then activated a clause which will now allow the Belgian to move to any other club for £26m in the final two weeks of the summer transfer window. With the inflated market, a move for him could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.

Not only does Toby possess some valuable Premier League experience but he is also arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League. His reading of the game is immaculate which enables him not to dive into challenges. He has a calm and composed demeanour and is adept at playing defence-splitting passes from the back.

With the three-man defence system gaining prominence, signing Toby Alderweireld could give the gaffer the chance to play three at the back thus playing Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as wing backs and utilizing their attacking talents.

#4 Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves put in an impressive performance against United showing incredible discipline, controlling the midfield and did a good job instigating counter attacks with his quick passing.

A common theme has emerged in each of United's losses under Ole, being that Paul Pogba hasn't been at his best in these encounters. This is a blueprint for every team playing against United; if you can stop Pogba then you can stop United. When the Frenchman is not at his creative best, there is no one to play those defence-splitting passes and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Enter Ruben Neves. Neves could help share the creative burden and bring some steel as well as silk to the United midfield. His impressive range of passing would help find Pogba in more threatening positions thus United as a team will be playing further high up the field.

The Portuguese international is also an able tackler of the ball, can play those Pogba-ish Hollywood diagonals as well as strike a ball cleanly from distance. At 21, he could be a long term solution to United's midfield problems.

#5 Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho is making headlines after his exploits in the Bundesliga have seen him emerge as a leading summer target for Manchester United. Sancho has scored nine goals and notched 13 assists in all competitions, leading to his stock growing higher day by day. His quick feet and mazy dribbles get fans out of their seats.

He plays in a counter-attacking system at Dortmund which will make him a perfect fit at United. The youngster can play anywhere across the front three with his excellent positioning sense, ability to find space and making the right decisions when on the ball, which has made him a prized possession for the German team.

The youngster has generally lined up on the right of a front three for Dortmund, which should delight the United fans, given the issues on that wing. Sancho will be a dream signing, and a signing of such magnitude will send a statement of intent transforming Manchester United instantly into title challengers.

Edited by Tobi Amoo