Explosive talents all, but which one will be gracing the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford next season?
(L-R) Renato Sanches
While last season yielded two major trophies and crucially, a return to Champions League football, Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and cannot be satisfied with a fifth-place position in the English Premier League.
So, while they have strengthened their defence with the signing of Victor Lindelof from Benfica, there are quite a few pressing concerns Jose Mourinho must address.
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A midfield that sorely lacked invention at times was a major reason the Red Devils struggled to score goals and thestatesman.com looks at the big names that have been liked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
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A player, who would fit into Jose Mourinho’s plans perfectly is Radja Naingolan. The Belgian had his best-ever Serie A campaign with the Giallorossi last year, notching 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
Admittedly, he does not have have much of an aerial presence at 5’9, but more than makes up for it with his tenacious displays in the middle of the park. Deceptively quick and possessing a tireless engine, Nainggolan’s versatility is perhaps his best asset.
He can play in any central midfield position, from a deep-lying playmaker to a box-to-box role to an attacking midfielder. Perhaps, it is because of his all-round capabilities that the Roma man is a regular for his country, no mean feat considering the abundance of talent that the ‘Golden Generation’ of Belgium possess.
The only problem in this transfer is that at 29 he does not have much of a sell-on value and with Chinese Super League clubs interested, it is likely that United will be priced out in the event of a bidding war, considering the gargantuan wages that are being offered in the Far East.
Transfer Possibility: High
Expected Fee: €30 Million
Initially dismissed as a fleeting fantasy, the sheer number of reports on Nemanja Matic’s apparent desire to be reunited with Jose Mourinho suggests there is some semblance of truth in the rumours.
At his peak in the 2014-15 season, the Serbian was in line to challenge the likes of Sergio Busquets and co for the title of the world’s best defence midfielder. A mysterious collapse of form in the following season saw Mourinho get the sack and while Matic was resurgent under Antonio Conte last season, he is still someway of his best.
So, can he cut it at Old Trafford? At 6’4, the Serbian would undoubtedly add some much-needed physicality to the Red Devils midfield but the defensive midfielder is more than just an enforcer. Possessing a booming left-foot, Matic’s long-range golazos may be rare but when they do come, they come in big games. The 28-year-old Serbian isn't bad in the assists department, as his tally of seven for last season attests.
However, whether the Blues will allow the Serbian to strengthen a direct-rival remains to be seen as he was a crucial part of the side that won two Premier League titles in three seasons.
Transfer Possibility: High
Expected Fee: €40 Million
While not necessarily versatile, the 22-year-old Frenchman’s arrival at Old Trafford would free the likes of Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba from their defensive duties.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Bakayoko was a part of a young Monaco side that enthralled fans and critics alike with their barnstorming displays in the Ligue 1 and the Champions League. There are quite a few clubs said to be interested in the Monaco midfielder, with Premier League champions Chelsea said to be one of them, and right now it is uncertain what Bakayoko himself prefers.
Strong in the air, with a decent work-rate, his technical ability is still a bit raw, perhaps more so than Mourinho would prefer. The Portuguese tactician is notorious for only playing players he deems ‘ready’ for the rigours of first-team football, often overlooking talented prospects over experienced players.
Staying at Monaco would not be a bad idea for Bakayoko, as under Leonardo Jardim he has plenty of time to establish himself and perhaps move on to a bigger club two-three years down the line.
Transfer Possibility: High
Expected Fee: €40 Million
To say Renato Sanches struggled at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich last season would be a massive understatement.
The teenager arrived at the Allianz Arena fresh from a fine season with Benfica, but it were his exploits for Portugal at the 2016 European Championships earmarked him as the Iberian nation’s next big thing.
The likes of Arturo Vidal, Xabi Alonso and Thiago Alcantara proved impossible to dislodge from the starting XI and while Alonso has retired, Bayern just purchased Corentin Tolisso and Sebastian Rudy. Bayern’s new acquisitions suggest coach Carlo Ancelotti does not trust the 19-year-old Sanches to be their midfield general just yet.
So with first-team opportunities looking bleak for Sanches, will he push for a move as Bayern seem content with keeping him on for another season at least?
A proper box-to-box midfielder, Sanches would inject raw pace a United midfield that looked a little sluggish at times, but will Mourinho splash the cash on a player who has just two full seasons under his belt?
Transfer Possibility: Moderate
Expected Fee: €50 Million
Another box-to-box midfielder United have been linked to, which would suggest Jose Mourinho has identified that this is position he wants a player in.
At Serie A giants Inter Milan, Brozovic has impressed in his two seasons at the San Siro with his versatility being one of his key attributes. The 24-year-old Croatian may not be well known outside his homeland and Italy, but he is fast becoming one of the most coveted players to ply their trade in the Italian top-flight.
While his prosperity to accumulate yellow cards is worrisome, his overall qualities more than make up for it. For a midfielder, Brozovic is quite fast with the ball and he is renown for his long-range strikes, which might be sporadic, but could swing games that are close in United’s favour.
Considering Inter bought Brozovic two seasons past, they might be hesitant to let him go and again, unless the player himself pushes for a move, it is likely he will remain in Milan for another season at least.
With Everton, Chelsea but a few sides reported to be eyeing the Croatian and a bidding war could test the Nerazzurri’s resolve to not sell.
Transfer Possibility: Moderate
Expected Fee: €35 Million
Once touted as England’s heir to the throne vacated by midfield generals Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, it’s fair to say Ross Barkley has fallen short of the immense expectations that were lumped on his young shoulders.
After a thrilling breakthrough in the 2013-14 season for the Toffees, Barkley’s rapid rise drew immediate comparisons with club legend Wayne Rooney. And while his burst of pace coupled with an eye for the spectacular gets crowds off their feet, his inconsistency has been frustrating for Everton fans.
Still only 23, Barkley has made over 150 appearances for Everton and is at a crucial juncture in his career. Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs said to be interested and while a move to North London or Manchester would be a step up, the fact that the Toffees are making serious moves in the transfer market already suggest they aren't a selling club anymore.
Transfer Possibility: Low
Expected Fee: €60 Million
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