Manchester United are now in serious doubt to make the Top 4 after failing to snatch all 3 points against Watford on Saturday. Ralf Rangnick and company need to put together a serious run of positive results to end the season. The transfer plans for the club in the summer all hinge on guaranteeing Champions League football. There are still decent transfers the club can make without that, but everything changes and will become much harder should United not make the Top 4.
For now, we have to examine all options. There are 3 positions that need to be addressed desperately this summer. Rangnick has already identified some targets and has stressed the importance of addressing these needs to the club. Manchester United need a young striker, a defensive midfielder, and a centre back.
Alexander Isak
The Swedish international and current Real Sociedad striker is just 22 years old and regarded as one of the top prospects in all of football in the striker position. Isak finished last season with 20 goals in all competitions. Although, this season Isak has found goals hard to come by with only 4 in La Liga in 21 matches. Despite his rough scoring season this year, he still shows excellent ability. It’s also important to remember that while Real Sociedad is decent, they aren’t a top club.
Isak was extremely impressive for Sweden in last summers European Championships. He was vital to the Swedish team’s good run in the tournament. Considering his age, athletic ability, and impressive work at such a young age in La Liga, he is undoubtedly an extremely exciting player. Currently Arsenal are being more heavily linked with the Swede than is United, but with United unlikely to sign Haaland, Isak would be an excellent second option.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni is a 22 year-old defensive midfielder playing in Ligue 1 for Monaco. Tchouameni has been a mainstay in Monaco’s team this season and is one of the key reasons to the clubs resurgence this season after a few years staving off relegation. Now Monaco find themselves only 5 points off the top 4 in France. According to Marca, Tchouameni has the best performance rating out of ten in all of Europe’s top 5 leagues throughout the season.
So far, there has not been too many links with Manchester United but in the last couple days the links have been popping up. There have been reports that Ragnick wants the man. Given his age and athleticism and price tag, Tchouameni could be a much smarter move than Declan Rice. Tchouameni plays as the lone defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 for Monaco. The lad has all the know how and athletic ability to control a midfield on his own. Valued at approximately 44 million dollars, Tchouameni should be a high priority target for United.
Antonio Rudiger
The German and Chelsea centre back has been linked with Manchester United in recent months. The Chelsea star’s contract is due to run out at the end of the season and no extension seems likely. Thomas Tuchel has made him his top centre back since his arrival so the lack of a contract extension is certainly odd. Although, it provides a great opportunity for United. Rudiger could make the move from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford for free this summer.
Rudiger is currently 28 years old, so he is at the prime age for a centre back. Raphael Varane alongside Rudiger is a mouthwatering central defensive partnership. Should United bring in Rudiger this summer, the Red Devils should have one of the best Centre back pairings in all of Europe. The signing would also likely spell the end of Harry Maguire. Ralf Rangnick is a fan of the German, so expect to see United push for his signature this summer.
Final Thoughts
Well, there isn’t much else to report on in the last week with regard to Manchester United transfer news. Much of the rumors remain the same and no significant progress seems to have been made anywhere as of yet. Given the clubs current race for top 4, transfer targets are subject to change heavily depending on where the club finish. Next week there will be an update on the United players currently on loan.
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