Football News: Players that would complete Manchester United's team

So after a very successful winter window where two key men signed (Sanchez and Jose) Manchester United can look forward to the summer window with less stress than might normally be associated with a summer window after a season where we didn't win the league.

Jose himself has said we are likely to have a short window, and one that will not see many players sign. He has said two, but I would expect one more than that. Jose never has been one to show his hand too early.

With Sanchez in the bag I agree with Jose's comments that we shouldn't be looking for any more forward players. We have Lukaku, Rashford, Martial, Sanchez, Mata, Lingard. As well as prospects such as Andreas Pereira, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes all close to the first team also. I see little point in bringing someone in who is unlikely to be first choice and would just limit the chances of talented young players such as Martial and Rashford.

For me this is a very good squad, but what let's it down is a lack of ability to control midfield and inconsistency at fullback.

Apparently we are seriously considering bids for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Jorginho. I would be very happy with the signing of Jorginho who looks every bit the kind of player who could come and and control the tempo of a game from midfield. SMS, however, I don't think that is his game, he is a runner and a link man but not the guy to control a game through passing and intelligent use of the ball. He is a supremely talented young player, but not quite what we need, especially with Pogba in the team. For me it would be like getting DDG to sign a new contract then signing Donnarumma, why spend so much money on a clearly talented youngster when they are unlikely to see much game time.

For me if we have 100m or more to spend on one player who could make a world of difference in midfield I would give it my all to try and pry Marco Verratti away from PSG. Could you imagine a midfield three of Matic, Verratti and Pogba with Lukaku, Martial and Sanchez in front of them.
Kimmich of Bayern should also be a player we consider, for me he is one of the most talented young midfielders in the world. So talented he can play out of position at RB and be considered world class in that position as well. If Bayern had a right back who could do a solid job then Kimmich would be unleashed in midfield to fulfill his full potential, I would happily chance our arm, especially if we can promise a central midfield spot.
In truth I doubt we would be able to get either deal across the line, signing top players from top european teams is a tough ask. However, if we have the money then why not try. Best case scenario we sign a genuinely world class player, proven at the top of the game at a large club, from a UCL rival. Worst case scenario we put a rival club under pressure to offer one of their stars a new contract, possibly distracting them from strengthening their squad over the summer.

Failing that Jorginho, Jean Michael Seri or Pjanic look like excellent fall back options.

Beyond that midfield issue I think lack of competition at full back is costing us. Spurs last season looked like the could go all the way and win the league, this season they don't look quite as good. It is no coincidence that they have dropped off after losing Walker to City and Rose to injury. Aurier and Davies are top full backs, but with no one to challenge them or to rotate with they have had very up and down performances. Full back in the modern game is the most physically demanding job on the pitch, not only are you expected to help attack and defend you are expected to do so in both boxes, cover more ground and performing more sprints than any other position on the pitch.

Valencia doesn't look quite as bionic as he has in previous seasons, he is 32 now and he just hasn't got the legs to play 50+ games a year. Shaw has had injury concerns as well as question marks placed over his fitness most of his career. Darmian and Blind have been so poor covering that the only real cover for Valencia and Shaw is a 33yo Ashley Young who has had somewhat of a renaissance this season, but to expect that to run into next season is expecting too much.

So cover/ competition for Valencia and Shaw is required. RB looks the hardest to cover with few stand out RB's around at the moment. For me the best two options are currently playing in France. Thomas Meunier has flirted with a move to us this season and to be honest there doesn't appear to be many better options out there. One who might be a solid challenger could be Kenny Tete of Lyon who has been very impressive in his first season in France.

LB too is a tricky one as Shaw has huge potential and you want to give him the best chance to realise that potential but at the same time if he circums to another injury the drop off in ability is huge. Maybe a genuine challenger for his position is exactly the kind of focus he needs to maintain his focus on training hard. Someone like Ghoulam or Jose Gaya could be great options, or if the club wanted to go for a cheaper option then Philipp Max from Augsburg could be an excellent choice.

Beyond that the only other area of the squad that isn't nailed down is who starts next to Eric Bailly when he's fit? Jones has been excellent this season, but you do wonder how long he can stay fit. Rojo rarely let's us down, but does have a lack of refinement and is a red card waiting to happen at times. Tuanzebe has looked the part every time he has played, although he is young and will have bad games from time to time as he learns. So unless a supremely gifted top drawer player became available such as Umtiti or Kimpembe (who has been phenomenal when I've seen him this year) then I see no reason to try and buy anyone else at CB. Let Smalling go to find regular first team football and promote Tuanzebe should be good enough.

So Verratti, Meunier and Ghoulam for me would complete our squad and lift it from very good to great.

Written by Shappy February 08 2018 17:40:48