Manchester United have identified three players to target in the summer transfer window – Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, and Birmingham City’s highly-rated teen, Jude Bellingham.
According to Manchester Evening News, those behind the scenes at Manchester United think that these three players are “attainable this calendar year” even during this ongoing pandemic, which has had a major impact on the revenue of football clubs worldwide.
Sancho and Grealish have been targetted by United for a long time, and are part of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s vision of buying young, talented, homegrown players. The duo, if signed by United, will be an integral part of the first-team squad, while 16-year-old Bellingham could perhaps play in the reserves before being called up to the senior team.
If the Red Devils do sign Sancho and Grealish, how will they line up?
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP WITH POTENTIAL SIGNINGS (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea should retain his place between the sticks, but he will have to put in improved performances as Dean Henderson will be knocking on the door of Solskjaer for a spot in the starting XI provided he does not go out for another loan spell before the start of next season.
Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a strong debut season, and he should continue at right-back, while Luke Shaw, who had a couple of encouraging games, should play on the opposite side on the left. Brandon Williams also had a good season and he is another option at left-back.
Harry Maguire will captain the team and start at centre-back, alongside either Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly. Youngster Axel Tuanzebe is another option for Solskjaer at centre-back.
Midfield
Solskjaer will have quite a few options in midfield next season if he does sign his transfer targets.
Paul Pogba, if he stays at Manchester United, will start in the middle of the park, alongside either Scott McTominay or Fred. Bruno Fernandes, who has had a brilliant start at the club since signing in January, will start in the No. 10 role for the Red Devils.
Nemanja Matic’s contract was extended earlier this year, and he is another option in midfield.
Attack
Jadon Sancho will be a key player for United if he signs for them and he will start on the right side of attack. Marcus Rashford was having a productive 2019-20 campaign until an injury brought a halt to his season. He should start up front for United, while he can also play off the left. Jack Grealish could play off the left or even play as the No. 10 with Fernandes an option in midfield in that scenario.
Daniel James is an option on either wing, while Anthony Martial can play on the wing or as the main striker.
Juan Mata is another option out wide or as the No. 10 but is unlikely to have a starting role.
