Who should Manchester United sign next?
Manchester United fans have been left sleeping with one eye open after football pundits have been praising their sides performances against shellshocked West Ham United and Swansea City, where the Red Devils beat both Premier League sides 4-0. United fans are somewhat unaccustomed to hearing such high praise, with the club being absolutely bashed by pundits and media ever since Sir Alex's retirement. The praise, however, is for good reason.
Manchester United's display against West Ham could arguably have been their best since Sir Alex left in 2013. Whilst the lineup contained some noticeable absentees (i.e. cult-hero Ander Herrera and new signing Victor Lindelof), there were also worries about Paul Pogba playing in a midfield two with Nemanja Matic (when it was thought that the Serbian was brought in for the sole purpose of freeing up Pogba in a middle three alongside Herrera). This lineup was kept the same for the match vs Swansea, which ultimately had the same final result as the West Ham game.
Mourinho's men have had an absolutely perfect start to their new Premier League campaign. Two of his three new signings looked as settled as snow in Winter, with the third (Lindelof) being worked with every day at Carrington and will undoubtedly feature in the starting lineup. And whilst Mourinho has said that Manchester United are done for the rest of the window, I want to take a look at where he might want to consider signing a player next week to further strengthen his squad (in no particular order).
1. Right back
Antonio Valencia has taken up the mantle since Rafael's departure as Manchester United's first-choice right back, and for good reason. He was impressive under the Louis van Gaal tenure but looked even more reborn under Jose Mourinho. His constant energy, power and pace adds a much needed dynamism and width to United's right flank, where it is often Juan Mata playing in front of him and narrowing play. However, Valencia is no spring chicken. At 32 years of age (whilst it may not seem like it), he is approaching the end of his career and the role given to him by Mourinho may be the most taxing in the side. Darmian provides decent cover defensively, however lacks everything that Valencia gives United going forward. Mourinho might want to take a look at bringing someone in, albeit not a starter, but for rotations sake. This would possibly explain the Serge Aurier links that have come up recently, although these seem to have died down since.
2. Two-sided winger
Perisic, Perisic, Perisic. The never-ending transfer saga of the window for United still has not yet come to fruition. The delay does appear to be from Manchester, though. Mourinho and Ed Woodward may either be holding out for their 'galactico' signing to become available in the market, or, Mourinho could just be very satisfied with the performances of both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial at the left wing position. The two starlets have rotated well during the first two games of the season, with Martial grabbing a goal in both of the games to show for it. The difference between these two, however, and a player like Perisic is that Perisic is an out-and-out winger. Able to play on both wings, deliver effective balls into the box and stretch the game - he is exactly what Mourinho likes in his wingers. With Juan Mata on the right flank often slowing down play and coming short and narrow, having someone who could supplement him (as well as the left wing position) such as Perisic would provide a fantastic alternative to switch up the tactics.
3. Left back
Arguably the only position left in Manchester United's current starting XI that is up for contention. Whilst Blind has been impressive at the start of this season, and is an intelligent footballer who is solid with the ball at his feet, he lacks the pace and power that Valencia provides United on the opposite flank. We've seen him compensate for his lack of pace and strength through the use of his wit in previous seasons when he had played in the heart of defense and came up against opponents (at the time) such as Lukaku, but, he will often be found out this season when put up against quick and tricky wingers - especially in Europe. Luke Shaw has struggled to get a consistent run in the side due to an unfortunate streak of injuries, but still also shows a lack of defensive discipline when he does play. Shaw might very well be United's future starting left back, although he does not seem to have the maturity and know-how to operate the left flank the 'Mourinho way' and as such, seems like he needs more time to be blooded into the system. Darmian has been played here as well, although his deficiencies moving forward at right back are applicable here as well - with the further hinderance that he is typically a right-sided player. Whilst this position may have the depth suitable for rotation throughout the season, it could certainly do with someone strong enough to claim it on a consistent basis - at least while Luke Shaw develops into the player he seemed he could be whilst at Southampton.
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| Manchester United players celebrating Eric Bailly's goal vs Swansea (image by manutd.com) |
Manchester United's display against West Ham could arguably have been their best since Sir Alex left in 2013. Whilst the lineup contained some noticeable absentees (i.e. cult-hero Ander Herrera and new signing Victor Lindelof), there were also worries about Paul Pogba playing in a midfield two with Nemanja Matic (when it was thought that the Serbian was brought in for the sole purpose of freeing up Pogba in a middle three alongside Herrera). This lineup was kept the same for the match vs Swansea, which ultimately had the same final result as the West Ham game.
Mourinho's men have had an absolutely perfect start to their new Premier League campaign. Two of his three new signings looked as settled as snow in Winter, with the third (Lindelof) being worked with every day at Carrington and will undoubtedly feature in the starting lineup. And whilst Mourinho has said that Manchester United are done for the rest of the window, I want to take a look at where he might want to consider signing a player next week to further strengthen his squad (in no particular order).
1. Right back
 |
| Antonio Valencia has cemented his place as United's on-field captain and right back under Mourinho (image by premierleague.com) |
Antonio Valencia has taken up the mantle since Rafael's departure as Manchester United's first-choice right back, and for good reason. He was impressive under the Louis van Gaal tenure but looked even more reborn under Jose Mourinho. His constant energy, power and pace adds a much needed dynamism and width to United's right flank, where it is often Juan Mata playing in front of him and narrowing play. However, Valencia is no spring chicken. At 32 years of age (whilst it may not seem like it), he is approaching the end of his career and the role given to him by Mourinho may be the most taxing in the side. Darmian provides decent cover defensively, however lacks everything that Valencia gives United going forward. Mourinho might want to take a look at bringing someone in, albeit not a starter, but for rotations sake. This would possibly explain the Serge Aurier links that have come up recently, although these seem to have died down since.
2. Two-sided winger
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| Manchester United's young boys have been impressive so far this season (image by Goal.com) |
Perisic, Perisic, Perisic. The never-ending transfer saga of the window for United still has not yet come to fruition. The delay does appear to be from Manchester, though. Mourinho and Ed Woodward may either be holding out for their 'galactico' signing to become available in the market, or, Mourinho could just be very satisfied with the performances of both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial at the left wing position. The two starlets have rotated well during the first two games of the season, with Martial grabbing a goal in both of the games to show for it. The difference between these two, however, and a player like Perisic is that Perisic is an out-and-out winger. Able to play on both wings, deliver effective balls into the box and stretch the game - he is exactly what Mourinho likes in his wingers. With Juan Mata on the right flank often slowing down play and coming short and narrow, having someone who could supplement him (as well as the left wing position) such as Perisic would provide a fantastic alternative to switch up the tactics.
3. Left back
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| Luke Shaw in action for the Manchester United U23's this week (image by thepeoplesperson.com) |
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