Manchester United look set to have a busy summer transfer window.
Jose Mourinho’s team finished second in the Premier League, their highest finish since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. However, despite improving their league position, it doesn’t feel like United have made much progress.
The football has been turgid at the times, they lost to every promoted team and were knocked out of the Champions League by a rather average Sevilla side after Mourinho’s cautious tactics completely backfired. His side finished the season without a trophy, after losing to Chelsea in last Saturday’s FA Cup final, and several players look set for summer exits.
Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw appear almost certain to leave. Anthony Martial will surely push for a move after falling out of favour under Mourinho, and losing his place in the France squad as a result of his lack of playing time. While there are also questions over the futures of Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and even Marcus Rashford. Mourinho looks set to undertake an overhaul of his squad as United attempt to topple Manchester City next season.
According to Miguel Delaney, writing in The Independent, “Mourinho is expected to get four to five main signings in.”
The United manager reportedly wants to sign:
- Toby Alderweireld.
- Kieran Tierney or Alex Sandro.
- Fred and/or Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
- Willian.
Alderweireld hasn’t agreed on a new contract with Tottenham, and while United could easily meet his wage demands, signing him could prove problematic. According to The Guardian, Spurs may seek a world-record fee for a defender to sell the 29-year-old, meaning United may have to pay more than the £75m Liverpool spent on Virgil van Dijk.
Celtic left-back Tierney has been linked with United over the last year or so. The position has proved a problem for Mourinho’s team. Ashley Young has played well at left-back, but he’s 32 and a converted winger. While Shaw looks unlikely to play for United again. Shakhtar’s Fred and Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford. The smart money would be on Mourinho signing the 6ft 3in Milinkovic-Savic, rather than the 5ft 6in Fred, if he can only sign one of the two.
Willian was a favourite of Mourinho during his time at Chelsea and it’s possible the club might suggest a swap deal for Martial, especially if Eden Hazard leaves Stamford Bridge.
It looks like it’ll be another busy summer at Old Trafford.
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