THIS summer was always likely to be a big one for Manchester United with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer himself promising an overhaul of the squad. But while four or five signings were expected, only two players have been added as the Old Trafford outfit embark on their pre-season schedule.
Time is running out and midfield has to be a priority, particularly if Paul Pogba leaves the club this summer. Rivals Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have already spent big money on big name midfielders. Man Utd have to do the same. Here are five names they could target over the coming weeks.
Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon)
In fairness to United, this is a deal they are apparently attempting to get over the line. Bruno Fernandes would bring real goal threat to their midfield. He scored 20 goals in 33 league appearances for Sporting Lisbon last season. That sort of potency could be significant at a time when Marcus Rashford is still to be proven as a reliable goal-getting number nine.
Solskjaer has placed a greater emphasis on positioning players between the opposition lines than Jose Mourinho ever did and this is where Fernandes does his best work. He is quick, a creative passer of the ball and an excellent mover, positioning himself wherever there is space. The only thing that would make this a bad deal would be the price with Sporting holding out for the big bucks.
Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
Not so long ago, it seemed that Saul Niguez was destined for the other side of Manchester. As a well-rounded passer and mover, he is the quintessential Pep Guardiola player. City, however, raided Atletico Madrid for Rodri instead. This could open the door for Manchester United to sign a player who can play either at the base of the midfield or at the furthest forward apex of a central diamond.
What's more, Saul would likely be open to the idea of playing for Man Utd. He has voiced his frustration at his deployment as a full-back at Atleti, imploring Diego Simeone to play him in his favoured midfield position. At Old Trafford, Saul would be a key figure, although his price means United would likely need to sell Pogba first.
Saul Niguez is an interesting option but Atletico would want over 100 million. Fernandes is the better option and half the price
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) July 2, 2019
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Nemanja Matic isn’t the right fit for this Man Utd team. Solskjaer has placed an emphasis on moving the ball quickly through midfield and the Serbian just isn’t slick enough on the ball, burdened with the turning circle of the Exxon Valdez. This is where Wilfried Ndidi could be a shrewd pick-up for United.
Ndidi is a rangy and technically gifted midfielder who would be a much better fit for Solskjaer’s team and style of play than Matic. The Nigerian has proved in his time at the King Power Stadium his effectiveness at winning the ball and recycling it and having already signed Youri Tielemens Leicester might be open to the notion of selling Ndidi.
Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid)
Man Utd have a difficult situation on their hands with regards to the future of Pogba. The Frenchman has more than once made clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer with Real Madrid believed to be leading the pursuit. Having spent big on Eden Hazard and others, Real Madrid might not have the budget to meet United’s supposed asking price of £140 million for Pogba.
2017 U21EURO: Golden Ball
2019 U21EURO: ChampionDani Ceballos has been bossing it at youth level. pic.twitter.com/O24tdsdRhE
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 8, 2019
Dani Ceballos would be a good option for Man Utd if Real Madrid are to use one or two of their squad as makeweights in any Pogba deal. The 22-year-old has never been truly harnessed at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in Europe, especially when used in a more attacking role. This could be a good way for United to at least partially solve their Pogba conundrum.
Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid)
One Atletico Madrid midfielder has already been mentioned in this list as a potential for United and another would also make a solid signing. Thomas Partey has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but the trail seems to have gone cold. Solskjaer could do worse than reheating it again this summer.
Thomas is a defensive midfielder by trade, adept at breaking up opposition play and sparking counter attack, but he is also excellent at driving the ball forward himself. The Ghanian would give United real mobility through the centre of the pitch, the kind of mobility many have wanted from Pogba for the past three seasons.
