With Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s rebuild of the club finally starting to take its shape, this summer transfer window could prove pivotal in his vision and the owner’s ambitions to try and take United back to the top of English football, where they dominated for more than two decades.
The club’s performances as of late have been lackluster compared to the glory years, and the club have only managed a top-four finish three times since the 2012/13 season, which was Sir Alex Ferguson’s last.
To do so, however, the club is going to have to invest smartly, unlike in previous seasons with many failed transfers, and players that didn’t quite hit the mark at Old Trafford. It is all well and good saying this though, as finding the right players for the right price can often be quite tasking – especially given the current climate of the transfer market due to COVID-19.
So with all this in mind, who should the club sign this summer to try and work their way back up with the big guns of the Premier League?
Federico Chiesa
The Italian winger was promoted to Fiorentina’s first team in July 2016 and hasn’t looked back since. Chiesa is still only 22 years old, and he was linked to the club back in April but stated he was happy at Fiorentina.
However, with the club’s attempt at agreeing on a fee with Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho looking less likely – the club could turn their heads back towards Chiesa.
The youngster boasts 10 goals and 9 assists in Serie A this season and prefers playing on the Right Wing, a position that Solskjær is likely to want to strengthen.
It’s Chiesa’s versatility that makes his £43.2 million market value even more attractive, with the winger able to play both sides, as well as down the middle on occasion.
Gabriel Magalhães
The Brazilian defender has been plying his trade at French club Lille for the past three years after joining the club from Avaí FC in Brazil.
The 22-year-old has become a colossus at the back for Lille – averaging 3.3 clearances per game, as well as 1.7 tackles and 3.5 aerial duals won. He has recently been linked with a move to Arsenal for £27 million, and Lille appears happy to cash in on the player.
If United were to try and sign him, with Solskjær looking to strengthen his backline – the club will have to move fast to secure his signature ahead of the Gunners.
Eduardo Camavinga
At just 17-years-old, Eduardo Camavinga has already caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world, with the likes of Real Madrid also monitoring the youngster.
Having played 25 league games this season – Camavinga’s defensive stats are incredible, boasting 4.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 1.3 clearances per game, as well as an 87.7% passing accuracy.
With a market value of £33.75 million – it is likely that United could meet Stade Rennais asking figure, but it would take a lot of persuasion with Rennais not looking to sell the player any time soon.
The move would make sense too, with United’s midfield aging with the likes of Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata.
Faitout Maouassa
Another youngster from Stade Rennais – the 22-year-old left-back would be a great addition for the club, with the left side of their defence being a position that could do with strengthening. Maouassa played 23 league games for the club averaging, 2.2 tackles and 1.9 clearances per game.
United have apparently shown interest in the defender, with him being ‘flattered’ by their admission of him, but again, Rennes will put up a tough fight if the club were to make a move for the player. With a current market value of £10.8 million – United could secure the services of the youngster for a good price.
Unai Simón
With David De Gea’s confidence and form dwindling down at United this season, it is likely that the club will be looking towards a replacement between the sticks this summer.
The return of Dean Henderson from his two-season loan at Sheffield United has left Solskjær in a sticky situation, with both de Gea and back up goalkeeper Sergio Romero being linked with moves away.
With Henderson still not tipped as a 100% starter by the manager – it would be wise for them to invest in a new No.1 this season. Unai Simón has been in fine form for Athletic Bilbao this season and has averaged 2.4 saves per game, alongside not losing a single aerial duel, and has been statistically better defensively than Jan Oblak, who is regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, in La Liga this season.
With a market value of £27 million, United could land a good deal for the player this summer.
