Manchester United have had a pretty stranger pre-season by all accounts. After England, Belgium and France made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, it was established that quite a few United first team players were set to return late for pre-season as they were all due an extended break.
Jose Mourinho seemed quite agitated in his post-match press conference following the defeat to Liverpool as he hinted United could be in for a slow start if they are not able to sign a couple of more players.
With a few days left before the Premier League transfer closes, we take a look at the players United should target to ensure they compete with Manchester City next season…
#3 Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian defender has been linked with a move away from Tottenham after contract talks have failed to materialise. His contract with the club expires next summer, which means Spurs will have to sell him this summer if they want to make good money on his sale.
Alderweireld would be a pretty solid signing for the Red Devils. A player who has consistently performed for the North Londoners, he could complement Bailly well owing to his ability to read the game.
Alderweireld is also pretty strong with his passing, something United don’t necessarily have at the club.
#2 Ante Rebic
United have been looking for a wide player for a while now as no one has been able to put in consistent performances on the right wing. The likes of Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard have been tested in the position but they haven’t really impressed.
Ivan Perisic is someone who can play well on either wing and would be a good addition. Perisic has been linked with a move to United, but a better addition would be another Croatian winger who had a good World Cup.
Ante Rebic had an impressive season for Eintracht Frankfurt. Like Perisic, he is someone who can mix it up and can play the role of a traditional winger or a modern-day inverted winger.
His 3 goals in 3 games for Frankfurt helped them win the DFB Pokal last season as they beat Bayern Munich in the final. Rebic’s passing and creativity are pretty impressive in the final third and he’d be a cheaper alternative to Perisic as well.
#1 Willian
United haven’t signed a marquee player yet. Fred cost a lot of money, but he doesn’t have the experience and will need time to adapt to the pace of the league.
United spend big money on players like Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku in the last two summers and need to do the same on Willian to ensure they have an attack that can challenge Manchester City.
Willian would not only give Mourinho the option of playing on the right, but he can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder.
