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It is no secret that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will want to boost his charges before the beginning of next season. Yes, the Norwegian started off well when he took over sometime in December. But things have started going south of late for the Scandinavian tactician.
With just four defeats since Ole Gunnar took over, there seems to be no cause for alarm at the moment, but you have to feel that things may well become worse if they aren’t addressed soon.
When Ole took over, he managed to drag United into the top four, but in the last couple of weeks, they have slid out of the top four and back to sixth where Ole found them. The management team will definitely have something to worry about with that downside. Then, as it turns out, United have been playing chicken with some of their important player’s contract situation and may lose some of them.
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Then, there is a question of a stable and reliable centre back with the team seemingly keeping way less clean sheets than they would have wanted. As such, Manchester United needs to strengthen its ranks.
Here are some options that Ed Woodward needs to look at to bolster the Manchester United squad for next season.
Kalidou Koulibaly
On the question of a strong, reliable and reputable central defender, one name has been on Manchester United’s radar for quite some time now. That is Napoli’s sensational centre back Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Napoli man will come into this squad with experience and pedigree, something that United have long missed since the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Though their current defenders aren’t as bad as they are made out to be in the media, United have been craving a solid leader in the mould of their former captains.
Kalidou Koulibaly fits the bill perfectly well and at 28 years, he’s now coming into his prime years as a defender. No doubt that if Manchester United bring him, he’ll represent value for money for them.
Ruben Neves
Manchester United currently have crisis looming in their midfield. Paul Pogba seems to have his eyes set on moving to Real Madrid and Ander Herrera’s contract situation is far from being solved.
Ed Woodward needs to find at least two midfielders in the summer transfer market to make up for the loss if those two do in fact leave. He has pretty good options at the club, but all in all, they’ll need reinforcements.
That is where Wolverhampton’s Ruben Neves comes into play. He’s been one of most consistent and star players for Wolves in their great run this season. The Portuguese will be an obvious asset to Manchester United and he will definitely fill the gap left by either Herrera or Pogba.
He has been played majorly as the defensive midfielder for Wolves, but his creative side has shown from time to time in that role as well. He’s capable of covering a lot of ground so he’ll be someone that United will appreciate having. He’s still only just 22 years old, so, he’ll give the club years of service and also present them with a great resale value.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Manchester United have not had a reliable and consistent right back for quite some time now. Jose Mourinho in his final transfer business brought in young Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot. Though the potential is seen in the young Portuguese, they still need to recruit in that area.
That’s where Crystal Palace’s Wan-Bissaka comes in. The young fullback has been one of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League this season and United will have no doubt taken note of him by now.
Manchester United currently have Ashley Young as their first choice right back and he’s not getting any younger. As such, they’re in need of a first choice right back for next season. Wan-Bissaka will provide the team with just that and if not, he’ll be a worthy backup to Diogo Dalot.
Wan-Bissaka is quick across the grass, tackles quite well and puts dangerous crosses into the opposition’s box –something United will definitely appreciate. He can also cover for the right wing if need be.
Jadon Sancho
Another problem position that United needs to sort out in the transfer market is the right wing. For quite some time it has been the club’s problem position and it’s about time they solved it. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez and even Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku have been tried out there to little success.
One player that can fix that conundrum and has been on Manchester United fan’s lips is Jdon Sancho. The young English man who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund will be an asset for the club and getting a player who City lost will be a plus for them. Sancho will bring in trickery, direct running and creativity to that right-wing something that the team has not had since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club for Real Madrid.
Getting him from Borussia Dortmund will not be an easy task and they’ll have to pay top dollar for his acquisition. He’s still a very young talent and the team will have someone that can keep that position for the next 10 years.
Saul Niguez
If rumours are to go by then Manchester United are strongly considering triggering Atletico’s sensational midfielder's release clause in the transfer window. If they can get do it and get Saul Niguez to the club then they’ll have someone that can replace both Pogba and Herrera at once.
With the Spanish international, they know they are getting a player that has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world. The Spanish international is creative, combative and can comfortably play in a midfield two or three. That means that they’ll not miss Pogba or Herrera if they do leave.
Even if they end up staying, he’ll provide them with a different dimension from the midfield. He’ll ease the burden of creativity immensely at the club if he does come in. Also, he’ll give United that fear factor with how he dictates games; some teams will already be beaten even before they walk into the field.
Declan Rice
Young English midfielder Declan Rice is seen by Manchester United as the heir to Carrick’s throne and that’s why they have their eyes set on him. He’s one of the players that United know will be easy to get if they go in for him.
He’ll provide United with versatility, discipline and command in their midfield were they to bring him to Old Trafford. At only 21 years old and can also fill in the centre half positions, he’ll give Manchester United great value for the money they pay for him.
Declan Rice is not only young and disciplined, but he also has immense potential and may one day end up being a trusted holding player like Busquets. United can not afford to miss out on him as their current holding midfielder Matic isn’t getting any younger and will need replacing soon.
While Matic is still at the club, Declan Rice will have the chance to learn from him and that kind of experience is something that can’t be bought. Manchester United will be lucky to have Rice at their club while Matic is still there.
