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Manchester United enjoyed an excellent 2020-21 season in the Premier League. Finishing in second place, the club can boast several positives from the season, including their away record and their goalscoring prowess.
Although they did lose the UEFA Europa League final, they made up for it by finishing second and booking their place in the UEFA Champions League for next season. It goes without saying that while the squad looks good, there are several positions that require improvement if United are to challenge the biggest teams in Europe.
On that note, let's take a look at five players Manchester United could sign this summer.
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#5 Kieran Trippier - Atletico Madrid
Kieran Trippier has recently been linked with a shock move to Old Trafford. Although United already have one of the best defenders in the league in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, there have been numerous reports suggesting that his attacking ability is not up to the mark.
Reports suggest that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has plans to play Wan-Bissaka as a centre-back if Tripper is signed from Atletico Madrid. Trippier is coming off the back of an excellent season with Atletico, having won La Liga this year.
With an asking price of £34 million, the 30-year old has already proven himself in the Premier League in the past with his former club Tottenham Hotspur. With Trippier's recent call-up to the national side and the interest of rival clubs, it remains to be seen if Manchester United can complete this transfer.
#4 Raphael Varane - Real Madrid
Raphael Varane is another name that has been constantly linked with Manchester United in the past.
Currently with Real Madrid, the Frenchman has played for Los Blancos for ten years now. With a massively impressive CV, Varane has been unaffordable in the past for Manchester United. However, Solskjaer seems to have identified the need for another bonafide defender to partner Harry Maguire at the back, and Varane is a highly viable option.
The Frenchman had yet another good season with Madrid, finishing second in La Liga. He is also currently with the French squad at Euro 2020, where he commands a starting spot in defense.
Valued at £63 million, Varane could prove to be outside United's budget considering their priorities to strengthen other departments. With the recent announcement of Sergio Ramos' departure, it seems further unlikely that Madrid will allow Varane to leave. Nevertheless, Manchester United remain interested, hoping to work out a mutually beneficial deal.
#3 Declan Rice - West Ham United
It is believed that the Manchester United board are big fans of Declan Rice.
The 22-year old midfielder has impressed viewers worldwide with his performances this season. Captain of West Ham, Rice has proven to be one of the best in his position. He has excellent reading of the game and has the necessary physical attributes to excel in the Premier League.
With Manchester United's midfield lacking conviction, Rice is one of the targets that Solskjaer and his team have identified. While Bruno Fernandes has been phenomenal, the trio of Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay have often received criticism for their performances.
Valued at £58 million, Rice has also attracted the attention of Premier League rivals Chelsea. With both clubs showing great interest, it could come down to a bidding war to decide who will secure the Englishman's services for next season.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo - Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo is an ever-present name in the tabloids, especially during the transfer window.
A former Manchester United player, Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. He then went on to spend nine years with Los Blancos before a shock move to Italian giants Juventus in 2018.
Since then, Ronaldo has taken Italy by storm with his performances. He has broken several personal records and lifted Serie A on two occasions. Ronaldo has been linked with Manchester United several times over the past decade. With Juventus failing to retain the league title, it's only added fuel to the rumors.
Ronaldo has often said he would never rule out a move back to Old Trafford, and any new links with the Red Devils automatically sends United fans into a frenzy. At 36 years of age, Ronaldo finished the season as Serie A's top scorer and is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot at Euro 2020.
As you would expect, a move for Ronaldo would not be cheap. The Portuguese is valued at £40 million, an unprecedented price for a 36 year old. It is still unclear if the Old Lady will permit the sale of their talismanic striker.
#1 Jadon Sancho - Borussia Dortmund
Several Manchester United fans worldwide are convinced they will sign Jadon Sancho this summer.
Linked with the Red Devils for two years now, United made initial contact last summer seeking to acquire the Englishman's services. The asking price proved to be too high last year, with United unwilling to fork out £100 million for the youngster.
Sancho has had another brilliant season with Dortmund, scoring 16 goals across all competitions. This summer, the Englishman will be available for a reported £82 million and a deal looks more and more imminent.
With the outcome of the deal expected after Euro 2020, Manchester United are confident Sancho will play at Old Trafford next season. His addition would definitely strengthen the squad and could be just what Manchester United need to win the Premier League.
