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Manchester United's summer has largely gone according to plan. The Premier League giants have been impressive in pre-season, with the work ethics and speed in the team a welcome change from the lethargic displays of last season. The Red Devils have also invested smartly in the transfer market so far, spending over £140 million on three players so far. United have added Daniel James from Swansea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace and Harry Maguire from Leicester City.
The focus, so far, has been on improving a diabolical defence, with Manchester United securing a talented centre-back partner for Victor Lindelof. With the defence looking a huge upgrade from last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plan has largely been successful. However, there are still a few concerns in the team.
While the right side of the attack is still missing reinforcement, United's primary concern should be a new attacking midfielder. It is clear that Paul Pogba is the only creative outlet in the team and understandably, Solskjaer is still interested in a no.10, a central attacking midfielder who can leave a mark in the final third of the field.
As such, today we take a look at the three central attacking midfielders United could target on transfer dealine day, which is on 8th August for Premier League teams. The Red Devils have been linked to all three at various points this summer, but it is unlikely that United will sign all three of them. However, one of these three could still be a United player before the start of the new season.
#3 Paulo Dybala (Argentina, Juventus)
Manchester United had struck a stunning swap deal with Juventus just over a week ago, involving Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku. But the Argentine was reluctant to make a move to Old Trafford. United were not entirely convinced with Dybala's wage demands and his agent's various requirements. As such, the deal was scrapped.
However, Dybala is still playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin and his effectiveness under Maurizio Sarri's system is unclear. The Argentine could be fearing another season full of bit part roles with the Serie A champions. At Old Trafford though, he could be among the handful of world class players who would be loved by the fans. As such, a U-turn from the player is still possible.
What the papers say: Tottenham could be stealing a march on Manchester United for the signature of the Argentine. Champions League football and Mauricio Pochettino could be key factors in the deal.
#2 Christian Eriksen (Denmark, Tottenham Hotspurs)
Christian Eriksen is another feasible candidate for the role.at Manchester United. The Dane is proven in the Premier League, is tailor made for the central attacking position and has a huge admirer in Solskjaer. A team with Pogba orchestrating from deep and Eriksen pulling the strings in attack could make Manchester United title contenders. However, it seems that the dream is too good to be true.
The Red Devils were interested in the midfielder, but the player supposedly prefers a move to Spain. United have, as such, moved on from Eriksen and are considering alternative options in the market. However, there could still be a late twist in this saga.
Tottenham could be tempted to sell a player who is entering the final year of his contract, or risk losing him for free next summer. Manchester United are apparently the only suitors in the Premier League and even though Eriksen prefers a move to Spain, a deal is not unlikely. Spurs could actually be tempted to sell if United coming calling with a suitable offer.
What the papers say: United are no longer interested in Eriksen, while Spurs have held talks with Atletico Madrid regarding a transfer. The Spanish side, however, have made James Rodriguez their priority.
#1 Bruno Fernandes (Portugal, Sporting Lisbon)
Perhaps the biggest question on every Manchester United fans' minds concerns Bruno Fernandes. The Red Devils were considered to be front runners for his signature at one point of time this summer. However, those talks have long died down. Fernandes is, in many ways, the ideal player for United - he can create, he can score and he is a live wire in the final third. The only concern could be his lack of experience in a top European league. However, considering the player's impact for Sporting Lisbon last season, it is a risk worth taking.
In an ideal United midfield, Pogba and Fernandes could work in tandem and run riot on the field. The Portuguese could be the ideal foil for the Frenchman and Pogba in return, would benefit with having another creative mind on the pitch. While the world concentrates on the big names in the market, Manchester United could successfully plot a coup by securing Fernandes on deadline day.
What the papers say: Tottenham are currently holding talks with the player's representatives, but there has not been any breakthrough so far. There are no updates regarding United's interest of late.
