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After the departure of arguably the greatest manager in football, Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, its all been a downward spiral for the red devils. The Glazers have appointed David Moyes, Ryan Giggs, Louis Van Gaal & the latest appointment of Jose Mourinho a couple of years ago. Although the list includes managers with solid resumes, it's often been a mismatch of ideas. Here we take a look at how the biggest brand in football can realistically restore their glory, as we discuss a transfer plan that could turn-around things for good.
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Marouane Fellaini (Value: 20m)
The towering Belgian has occasionally popped up with some great goals & has been a dependable soldier for all his managers. However, United need a change in mentality and style of play and this sale would turn focus in the right direction.
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Antonio Valencia (Value: 20m)
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Originally signed as a winger, the United captain has gone from strength to strength in his role as a fullback. However, The Ecuadorian has low offensive output and that is a no-go in modern football. His contemporaries include the likes of Walker, Bellerin & Aurier whom he cannot match in the final 1/3 and thus must be offloaded.
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Ashley Young (Value: 15m)
Much like skipper Valencia, the Stevenage native has seen his role change on the left flank and is now deployed as an out & out left back. Young has a good work rate and can be creative when needed but often looks spent and over-worked. It is apparent that the position is not his natural one and United cannot challenge for trophies with make-shift defenders.
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Anthony Martial (Value: 45m)
This move has been spoken about a lot of times previously but Martial still remains with the Manchester outfit. The Frenchman touted as the the next Thierry Henry was bought for a record fee for a teenager, but has failed to live up to expectations. Not enough trust from managers could be a reason but its time to cut losses and move on.
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Marcos Rojo (Value: 30m)
The World Cup finalist has completed 4 years at Old Trafford and has been a bit-part player for most of his time there. The Argentine is versatile and still relatively young which means he could fetch a good price if sold under the right conditions. United will need a huge investment to revamp the squad and the sale of Rojo could minimize expenses.
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Alexis Sanchez (Value: 45m)
Having just bought the Chilean in the 2018 winter window, this could be seen as a panic sale but is a necessary one. Sanchez in his little time at the club has been ineffective and hasnt been able to replicate his form at Arsenal. All signs point to a decline in the former Barca man's abilities and United should offload him for a fair price while they still can.
TOTAL EARNING FROM SALES (APPROXIMATE) - 175m
OUT-
Jose Mourinho
The Portuguese was greeted with much fan fare upon his arrival to Old Trafford but all that has quickly disappeared and large factions of fans cannot stand him anymore. Jose only has himself to blame for this, after the lackluster performances under LVG it was hoped that the treble winner would uplift morale and would form a title-challenging dynasty. Things have just gone from bad to worse in his time at the club and it is only right that he gets the sack.
Much like Real Madrid throughout the 2000s, Paris Saint Germain more recently, United need their own squad revamp project that will ensure they are among the best in Europe and are competing on all fronts. However, the level of investment and stature of players need not be of the aforementioned clubs, the Red Devils need players that will comply to a specific system and not the other way around.
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Kalidou Koulibaly (Value: 60m)
The Senegalese international was courted by some top clubs in Europe but decided to prolong his stay in Naples. Still only 27, Koulibaly could form a solid partnership with fellow African Eric Bailly and could be the leader at the back United so desperately long for.
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Elseid Hysaj (Value: 35m)
Another Napoli man, Hysaj was one of the most dependable players for Sarri during his tenure at the San Paolo. The 24-year old possesses blistering pace along with being formidable defensively. Hysaj is a cost effective choice and would be an upgrade over the ageing options the Reds have.
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Ruben Neves (Value: 65m)
Neves has been the poster boy of Wolverhampton's Portuguese revolution & has stuck with the side through thick and thin earning a promotion to the premiership. The Santa Maria born midfielder was Porto's youngest captain and has led many of the Youth Level Portuguese national sides. He would fit perfectly alongside Fred and Pogba and could inject enthusiasm into the setup.
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Domenico Berardi (Value: 40m)
It is astonishing that no major club has picked up this pacy winger from Sassuolo, given his creativity & effectiveness for both his club and the Azzuri. United lack quality on the flanks and Berardi promises to be a worthy addition to the side.
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Ryan Bertrand (Value: 25m)
The Chelsea youth product has gone on to become a mainstay in the Saints' defence after multiple loan outings. Although Bertrand will soon be on the wrong side of 30, he could provide cover for an ever-improving Luke Shaw and would provide the squad with depth.
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Leon Bailey (Value: 70m)
At just 21, the Jamaican has made a name for himself in the Bundesliga with scintillating performances for Leverkusen. The left-footer possesses speed, flair & decision making and could increase the offensive threat posed by United. Bailey also has a good work rate and does not shy away from his defensive duties.
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Oscar (Value: 24m)
The sole goal-scorer in the 7-1 drubbing of Brazil back in 2014, he followed several of his countrymen to the mainland but is still very much in his prime. He has shown his ability to perform at the top level during his time at Chelsea. Oscar would add creativity and options, it wouldn't be much of a task to lure him away and could prove to be a bargain.
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Paco Alcacer (Value: 25m)
Before playing second fiddle to Luis Suarez, Alcacer was one of the most promising talents in Spain. The striker is a complete no.9 with the ability to fill in on the wings if needed, he also has an elegance to his game associated with the Spanish. Still just 24, he could provide Lukaku with much needed competition and would keep things exciting upfront.
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Lucas Vazquez (Value: 33m)
A product of the Real Madrid Academy, the winger still remains at the club, despite his failure to breakthrough to the first eleven . Vazquez is an orthodox winger which is a rare breed in modern football . He was pivotal, in an otherwise under-performing Spanish side at the World Cup. United need all the help they can get and the purchase of Vazquez is step in the right direction.
TOTAL SPENT (APPROXIMATE) - 350m
NET EXPENDITURE - 175m-200m
There are several managers able and willing to take the job at United. However, we suggest the options that seem realistic and most effective. These coaches apply an offensive approach and that is similar to United's historic identity.
Manager Options -
1) Antonio Conte
The man needs no introduction, after leading his old side Juventus to multiple Scudettos , the Italian led Chelsea to trophies in both seasons at the club. Conte provides a solid management style, that is very hands-on and necessary aggressive. He should be the prime candidate to take over from Mourinho.
2) Zinedine Zidane
The Frenchman probably possesses the best CV considering how much time he's spent as manager. Three back-to-back Champions League triumphs make Zizou one of the most coveted trainers on the scene. The former Castilla coach would bring-in much needed possession based football, which has become a requirement for all top teams. With a competent squad Zidane could do wonders with his expert man-management skills.
3) Tata Martino
It may seem an out-of-the-blue appointment, but the Argentine was appointed at a high-flying Barca side and led La Albiceleste to two successive Copa America finals. A student of the great Marcelo Bielsa, Martino understands the game at a deeper level than most and could prove to be a success in the Premier League.
Summary-
United face a tough rebuilding job, these signings and appointments do not guarantee anything but would definitely be a step in the right direction. The Old Trafford side needs a new identity much like noisy neighbours City have found theirs. With big investors, competent management and the fan-base as huge as ever, United could well be on their way to restore excitement and success at the Theater of Dreams.
