3 cheap investments Manchester United should make in the summer

It is a well-known fact that Manchester United is no longer the potent force they used to be. The Red Devils have struggled this season too and are in a dangerous position where they could lose the opportunity to play Champions League football next season.

The upcoming transfer window will be vital for the team's future, and hence Ed Woodward must operate with a different strategy this summer. The club has spent a lot on transfer since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, and in most cases, the expensive signings have failed to come good for the club.

This has added a lot of pressure on the club and the players, which needs to be corrected in the future. A good option for the club to consider would be to make a few cheap and affordable signings in the upcoming transfer window. These signings could save up money for the talented players the club can invest in, and also bring a new lease of life to the club.

On that note, here are 3 such investments the club can make in the summer.

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#3 Thomas Meunier (£20 million)

The Belgian is a good option to take up the right-back position at Manchester United

Belgium and PSG right-back, Thomas Meunier, has not had a great season this campaign. The 27-year-old has failed to make his mark in the team, with the club preferring Dani Alves at the position. He is reportedly available for £20 million this summer and could be on the move.

Ashley Young has had a disappointing last few games, with Diego Dalot too young to take up the responsibility next season. Manchester United are linked with other defenders too, but the Belgian is experienced and will offer an affordable option to the club. He should definitely be in the team's wish-list this summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is someone who is heavily reliant on counter-attacks to produce goals for his team. An important requirement for any player in his team will be pace and crossing ability. Thomas Meunier has both these qualities, and hence can be a good pick for United.

#2 Toby Alderwiereld (£25 million)

The Spurs defender should be considered to partner Victor Lindelof at the club next season

Toby Alderwiereld is a talented player who can either play at the heart of the defence or also double up as a right-back for his team. He is good with the ball and makes his presence felt in attack scenarios. He is also a leader on the field with good knowledge about the game.

The Belgian's release clause is £25 million which needs to be triggered to sign him in the summer. With the transfer price of defenders also on the rise in recent times, Manchester United should spend this money on him so that their defensive problems can be solved to an extent.

Multi-functional players are required to help Solskjaer play in his way, and Toby Alderwiereld is such a player. He can adapt himself accordingly at the back and can be useful in set-pieces as well. In attacking situations, the Belgian is an asset and hence would do well under the Manchester United boss.

#1 Gareth Bale (£5 million)

Gareth Bale on loan can be a good option

Gareth Bale is reportedly available for as little as £5 million on a 1-year loan deal. While this amount would hold good for any decent player, such a low fee for a player like Gareth Bale is something no team can refuse to pay.

Although the Welshman's campaign thus far has been marred with injuries and inconsistent form, Bale is definitely a player who has all the quality to achieve bigger things in world football in the coming years. Hence, Manchester United's right-wing problems could get easily solved with such a low investment, although it is for 1 year.

In Solskjaer's system, someone experienced and efficient is required in the attack to utilize the service given by the midfielders during counter-attacks. Bale is someone who could do that, and in such a system, Bale himself can create individual goals, which will be an asset for the team.