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Manchester United will be busy in the transfer windowManchester United are a household name and whilst they are far from challenging for the Premier League title this year, they must start to lay the foundation for the next season. The managerial role at Old Trafford is riddled with speculation, with the likes of Jose Mourinho or even Ryan Giggs been thrown at the helm to replace Louis van Gaal next season.The Dutchman hasn’t enjoyed the last two years with United, who were knocked out of the Champions League in the current season and qualification for the upcoming campaign looks doubtful too. But whilst paper talk will continue, there's no doubt there will be chopping and changing in the player hierarchy. Let us look at who the Red Devils should look to buy if they want to mount a serious challenge in the coming years.
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Borussia Dortmund striker has been in scintillating form this campaign, banging in a staggering 30 goals from 31 games in total. He’s averaging a goal a game in the Bundesliga and has shouldered much responsibility in mounting a title bid for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The Gabon international has worked his way up the ladder, doing loan spells at Dijon, Lille and Monaco before securing a move to the Signal Iduna Park from Saint-Etienne.
The pacy forward would provide much-needed goals in the red half of Manchester with United left awfully short in attack after the sale of Robin van Persie, Falcao and Javier Hernandez. His ability to get behind defences makes him potent up front and he’s got two good feet and a great leap to head them in the back of the net as well.
United need pace more than ever. A team renowned for their wing play, have been laboured in their build up and more often than not, have been easy to defend against. We’ve seen what the likes of Leicester have achieved with quick, counter-attacking football and roping in a player of Aubameyang’s pedigree will give United another dimension.
#2 Antoine Greizmann
Antoine Griezmann is an exceptional footballer who has two good feet and an uncanny ability to pick a pass in the final third. France off late have been peppered with talent and none more so than the Atletico forward. It’s scary to think he’s only 24 even though his Real Sociedad days seem a distant memory.
Griezmann has clocked in 44 goals in 84 games but what makes him a valuable asset is his ability to play across the front line. He can play on either flank or through the middle and has been pivotal in his club and country’s success.
Chelsea have already been said to be eying Griezmann and his value could go significantly northwards, if France progresses far in the Euros, with this man at the forefront. United would be better off spending on a young talent like Antoine, who has his best years ahead of him and who’s no stranger to the highest standards of the European game.
#3 John Stones
It’s been a mixed season for John Stones. He won plaudits for his calmness at the back and his maturity at the start of the season, but those very traits started to let him down due as the season has progressed. The England international has been getting rave reviews for his ability to read the game but at the same time has been criticised for his decision making especially when harassed by forwards.
But there’s no doubting the tremendous potential this man possesses and how far he can go. At 21, he’s got so much to offer especially considering defenders only get better with age with experience being their mentor. He’s sure to have criticism but at such a tender age, how many would’ve handled the Premier League and its rigours? He’s confronted top forwards week in and week out and Roberto Martinez has brought him to the fore and he’s flourished in an exciting Toffees outfit.
Chelsea were consistently courting him last season, with Jose Mourinho being an obvious admirer but it was probably wise for the Englishman to stay back in Merseyside and hone his art. United have seen the progress of Smalling, who struggled for a long time since his move from Fulham but has really come of age for the Red Devils at the back. Stones would be another solid Englishman who could partner Smalling and probably make Old Trafford the fortress it once was.
#4 Ilkay Gundogan
The German international with Turkish roots was instrumental in the success of Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund side, but a severe back injury kept Gundogan out for a year. After a lot of speculation last season, Gundogan signed an extension with Dortmund till 2017 possibly hinting at an eventual departure from German shores.
A player who’s comfortable with the ball at his feet, can pick out a long or short pass and even run with it to drive his team forward. The 25-year-old has a great work ethic and Dortmund have benefited from him staying healthy for large parts of the current season.
He’s also got a great shot on him and his mobility makes him a great asset in modern day football. With the likes of Michael Carrick nearing the end of his career, United would be wise to lure a player of Ilkay’s quality to solidify the midfield and give them extra zest going forward.
#5 Riyad Mahrez
Leicester City have had a dream run this season and one of their shining stars has been Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian international has notched up 14 goals and 10 assists in 25 games, registering 63 shots on goal.
His first touch is sublime at times and his dancing feet have meant the Foxes are sitting on top of the table, a feat that not even the most ardent fan would’ve predicted. Ranieri’s fluid counter-attacking system has allowed Mahrez to float free on the right-hand side often cutting in to devastating effect. Of course it helps his case, that a certain Jamie Vardy is found ahead of him, but Mahrez has been nothing short of special.
The former Le Havre man is only 24-years-old and though not many would like to see him go, Leicester might look to cashing in on him if the right offer does come along. In Mahrez, United would have a proven Premier League winger who can provide width and guile, something they’ve lacked for a while or saw glimpses of in Angel Di Maria.
