Despite there being no confirmed incomings yet this summer (though Tom Heaton is understood to be joining the club as a back-up goalkeeper), it has by no means been a quiet window so far. Many names in various positions have been thrown about, ranging from Raphael Varane to Declan Rice and even Harry Kane. Most importantly, as everybody is likely aware, number one target Jadon Sancho is closer to joining the club than ever before...
Here, I'm going to focus on potential areas that could be targeted for strengthening over the summer. If we are to continue our progress under Solskjaer, the right additions must be made this window to keep completely in touch with every other team.
Firstly, the topic of Maguire's partner at the back has been extremely prevalent in recent times. On the contrary to Maguire, neither Bailly or Lindelof statistically offer an absolutely complete and all-round defensive skillset. Compared to some reported targets as well, both of the aforementioned lack in some aspects - especially when it comes to duels.
Focusing on Bailly firstly, he obviously offers plenty of pace and is a proper warrior (keen to put his body on the line). Unfortunately, the Ivorian is statistically behind other options in pretty much all aspects of his game. He has a noticeably erratic approach, meaning he's liable to frequent errors such as conceding fouls and losing possession.
Conversely, unlike many people, I am and always have been a fan of Lindelof's game. I'll start by detailing that he is one of the most efficient tacklers around, whilst also being in the top bracket technically; his passing ability is excellent, with an incredibly complete range at his disposal to aid transitions from the back. There is a clear air of intelligence within his game, with an often flawless sense of danger enabling high quantities of actions such as interceptions to deny opposing attacks. As has also being shown for Sweden in the Euros so far, he has improved since joining United and is still very much developing in many areas. His physical attributes do unfortunately come into question on a relatively common basis, with a lapse in that department compared to many other modern centre backs. In addition, he has shown he can struggle quite extensively in aerial duels - though this is something I'd say has improved over recent times.
Depth in the centre back areas is becoming an issue, hence why being in the market for that position should really be a necessity. Jones remains at the club but fitness is a constant problem at present, plus Smalling and Rojo have eparted. Tuanzebe looks set on another loan move after disappointment at the lack of playing opportunities in recent times, even though he has looked a solid presence when given chances. The two names predominantly mentioned as potential incomings for an established centre back have been Real Madrid's Raphael Varane and Villarreal's Pau Torres, both currently more well-rounded than Maguire's other potential partners. You definitely couldn't argue against the former's experience as a multiple Champions League winner...
Another position outlined for strengthening is right back, with Kieran Trippier already heavily linked to a move to United. Defensively, there are very few who compete with Wan Bissaka's quality. Unfortunately, there are still attacking frailties in Aaron's game; yes - he has marginally improved on that front, however he still isn't entirely trustworthy when it comes to final third product and has to be somewhat propelled in that aspect. Compared to Shaw, he is often positioned deeper on average which means more attacking flow is ultimately concentrated down the left. Luke also offers superior quality by way of end product, with phenomenal creative numbers that are not quite matched by Wan-Bissaka (though there have been developments). Consequently, the final third quality is negatively affected due to the creation of a slight inbalance between the flanks - the left hand side resultantly becomes easily targeted due to the technical prowess. With only one side of the pitch absolutely complete in regards to an efficient attacking link between fullbacks and wingers, it sometimes becomes more difficult to break down deep blocks due to minor limitations.
Both Kieran Trippier and even Diogo Dalot (who has been featuring for Portugal in Joao Cancelo and Nelson Semedo's absence) would offer more on a technical output from right back, suiting breaking down particular more defensive teams where defending isn't paramount. Both are more attack-minded and naturally better technically, and would mainly offer some competition similar to that which has somewhat contributed to Shaw's exponential improvements - meanwhile influencing elements of Wan-Bissaka's game that are in growth. We could become more complete against the more negative lesser sides, whilst also having Wan-Bissaka's elite defensive quality at our disposal when we have less possession.
A defensive midfielder who can accommodate Pogba's presence in the pivot is also something that has come very much under the microscope, and something I have been actively analysing over the summer window so far to assess the plethora of viable options. It's been interesting watching players operating within that position throughout the Euros, especially the likes of Declan Rice for England and latterly Joao Palhinha for Portugal amongst some others. Focusing on Rice, who I did a piece on a few weeks back, he has a profound ability just to free up whoever partners him; this was extremely apparent with Kalvin Phillips during his stormer in England's opener against Croatia - playing in a similar manner to how we wish to utilise Pogba. He also (more recently) showed that his ability to support the back two enables freedom for the fullbacks, something that would really benefit us given Ole's keen ethos. Essentially, by sacrificing one body in midfield for defensive duties, you gain more attacking impetus through the second midfield player and the fullbacks.
One question that has been somewhat raised is whether McTominay - obviously still young - could develop into this deep-lying midfield role. The Scot was solid defensively for his national team as a centre back in a back three, and has previously detailed his willingness to operate anywhere within the midfield. His stature is very similar to players like Rice and Palhinha, plus he could potentially offer more progressive ability from deep due to his known attacking quality. Scott is certainly a player who impressed me throughout stages of the previous campaign, and I for one wouldn't be too adverse to trying to integrate him into the deeper role to accompany Pogba. As long as we can have a player capable of operating in the deep-lying midfield role to free up the Frenchman, then I will be content. The goal is to give Paul that license to roam in more progressive areas to benefit our attacking quality, a position in which he has proven key for the world champions.
One position that really requires little debate is the right side of midfield, with an agreement for Jadon Sancho to join United seemingly imminent. Once again I touched on his wide array qualities in my analysis piece last month, so I'll just briefly discuss why exactly a right midfielder is a necessary signing. Firstly, Rashford is unnatural on that side and plays much better when he can cut inside from the left to take players on. James is another option on that side, though inconsistency of performances has really hampered his first couple of seasons at United. Greenwood has offered that consistency, though he ultimately is transitioning into a number nine. It's blatant that we need an outright option in that position, and Sancho is a specialist who would offer that key consistency to prevent frequent chopping and changing. He is established in that area of the pitch in both the Bundesliga and Champions League, proven as one of Europe's elite.
A striker has also been mentioned as an area of requirement in the near future given Cavani's age, but signing Sancho could actually help to achieve this need. Greenwood would no longer be required on the right, so his adaption to a centre forward could really be catalysed - that is key if we aren't to sign a more proven striker. He has Cavani to learn from even further over the next season, with the Uruguayan undoubtedly an extremely efficient short term option. Delving even deeper, Martial almost feels the forgotten man given his tough season, with his undoubtable quality shown in previous season imperative for depth in the striker position.
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