Expectations v. Reality: Summer Transfer Edition #1
With the Premier League season under wraps, and the European trophies handed out, it’s time to shift focus to the transfer window. United conceded the top four under the realization that the Europa League held a clearer path to the Champions League, but they will not have that luxury next season. The team is solid as is, but it lacks the depth and talent needed to compete among the best in Europe and in the English top flight simultaneously. If last summer is any indication, then there will be a rush of fresh blood to Old Trafford before the start of next season, but there is bound to be disparity between who United need and who they get (take Fellaini coming in to be a box to box midfielder three year ago). With visible holes across the pitch, here is my wish list v. current rumors v. who United management will probably pursue for each third of the field.
Strikers
Ideal: Karim Benzema
Rumors: Antoine Griezmann
Reality: Alvaro Morata
Top strikers are hard to come by. While Rashford develops and Martial is more at home out wide, United desperately need a striker to replace the ailing Zlatan. Early rumors indicated that United were keen to sign Griezmann from Atleti, but that move seems to be put on hold in part because Madrid’s transfer ban. With Real pushing to make a move for De Gea, it would appear that Manchester is interested in a swap plus cash that would bring Morata to the northwest of England. Morata is an appealing, young attacker, but lacks the flexibility that United could use upfront. A traditional striker, Morata offers quality, but United need someone to inspire creativity within the final third, and there are more interesting options available in the Spanish capital. Karim Benzema would be the ideal option for the reds, with his clinical finishing, play making ability, and versitility to swap with the wingers. As Ronaldo ages into an unparalleled center forward, I am curious to see how Benzema reacts to his gradual edging out of the no. 9 role, especially with rumors abound of Kylian Mbappe moving south. Benzema would slot in nicely with Manchester’s current group of attackers, and provide the goal scoring presence that they have been deprived of since RvP’s first season.
Midfielders
Ideal: Blaise Matuidi
Rumors: Tiemoue Bakayoko
Reality: Ander Herrera
United have made strides since Sir Alex left the club to bring in a defensive midfielder who could control the game and help hold down the backline. Carrick showed flashes of stability in 2017, but with his age and inability to stay healthy, someone else is needed to supplement his minutes. The perfect pairing for the club would be PSG’s Blaise Matuidi. Matuidi has been linked to the Red Devils since the days of Moyes, and would hold court in the midfield unlike any United player has since Scholesy. However, the chances that the Frenchman will actually leave the French capital is slim, seeing as he is a mainstay for a side that has something to prove after its lackluster year post-Zlatan.
Another young French international, Bakayoko would offer the combination quarterback-free safety that United had in Carrick at times. His physicality and pure size would free Pogba of his defensive duties and help Mkhitaryan push the ball forwards, while Bokoyoko stayed back to prevent any counter threats. Unfortunately, it seems that Bokoyoko is getting ready for a move to Chelsea and is not interested in a move to Manchester.
This is inline with United’s luck with midfielders over the last half decade, so the most likely outcome of this transfer window would be Ander Herrera filling this role. Herrera was a standout at Old Trafford in 2016/2017, playing in 31 Premier League games and winning the club’s player of the year award. Of note was his performance against in United’s 2–0 win over Chelsea late in the year, where his man-marking shut down Eden Hazard. At 27, United would be well off to utilize Herrera in a similar fashion as to last season, but if they want to be competitive across all competitions, then they will need to bring another defensive midfielder to compliment Herrera’s efforts.
Defense
Ideal: Marquinhos
Rumors: Victor Lindelof
Reality: Michael Keene
Mourinho found a few different successful center-back combinations last season (Bailly-Blind, Bailly-Smalling, Rojos-Jones) and the defense was United’s biggest asset. Despite this, an ideal center-back pairing would remain consistent throughout the year without having to worry about injury or form. Bailly was in form when he was fit, but he was really the only one. Blind is better suited as a leftback or in the midfield, Smalling’s form is spotty, and Rojos and Jones are often out injured. With that in mind, adding PSG’s Marquinhos would be a great partner for Bailly or Smalling. The Brazilian would anchor the backline in the Premier League, and could platoon during the Champions League next to Smalling, after making 47 appearances in all competitions for PSG the previous season.
While Marquinhos would be great, United has been linked to the Swedish center-half Victor Lindelof of SL Benefica for almost a full year. Lindelof seems to be set go to Manchester for 35 million euros, but there is talk that the Portuguese side is demanding the player’s full 60 million euro release clause. That steep price might prevent the move, but Lindelof’s presence would be an improvement over what United have in the reserves now. His keen eye for passing and command in the air would form one of the Premier League’s most formidable partnerships with Bailly.
Given Mourinho’s track record of buying back players his club sold for major price increases, the most likely outcome of this summer is Michael Keene’s return to Old Trafford. LVG sent away the English centerback to Burnley in 2015, but his return appears to be imminent as United need the defensive coverage, and Keene demonstrated his worth this past season. Keene would be an upgrade for Manchester, but it would be a bit frustrating to see him return for big money after recently leaving for a minimal fee.
BONUS: GOALKEEPERS
Ideal: David De Gea
Rumors: Kasper Schmeichel
Reality: David De Gea
David De Gea has often been rumored to join Real Madrid over the years, and this summer those rumors have gained more traction. Ideally, De Gea stays in Manchester for the foreseeable future, as he has repeatedly been the best keeper in the Premier League, but if he does leave, rumor has it that Kasper Schmeichel will move north to Manchester. The former Premier League winner would play for his father’s side, but would have major shoes to fill in terms of the current no. 1 and his dad, as well. Despite the rumors though, De Gea will most likely remain in Manchester for at least one more year, in part because of United’s asking price of 80 million euros.
How they lineup
Squad depth is what has won Real Madrid three Champions Leagues in the last four years. Talent is what has won Chelsea two Premier Leagues in three years. If Manchester United is going to be competitive in both competitions, then they will need sides that more resemble the former sides, as opposed to the latter sides, combining talent and depth. The only remaining question would be: could Mourinho man-manage a talent heavy side to the double?
