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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has endured a difficult start to his time as the permanent manager of Manchester United. Although the Norwegian did impress during the first two months of his spell as the interim manager of the club, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's performance after he was appointed as the full-time manager has drawn criticism from the supporters of the club.
The performances of a number of players in the squad have been underwhelming and Manchester United's squad does need an overhaul in this transfer window. One of the major reasons for the club's disappointing show this season has been the lack of consistent performances from the experienced campaigners in the squad. The likes of Ashley Young, Nemanja Matic, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and even David De Gea have struggled to do well for the club this season.
Experience is definitely a vital part of any football team and it is all the more important to a team like Manchester United which is desperate to get back to winning ways. Although youngsters will play a big role for the club next season, a few experienced campaigners are required to put to rest a few perennial issues at the club.
On that note, here are 3 players who are above 30 years of age that the Red Devils can sign in this transfer window.
#3 Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas has been one of the consistent performers for Real Madrid in the last few seasons. However, the 32-year-old stopper was replaced by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at the start of the 2018-19 season. Since then the experienced player has seen a decrease in his game time at the club.
David De Gea is entering into the final year of his contract at Manchester United and if the Spaniard does not renew his deal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might have to start looking for alternate options. Although Sergio Romero can replace De Gea for the time being, the Argentine's lack of playing time in the last few years could affect his performance.
The club can pursue a young stopper as a long-term target and during this transition period, an experienced player in the lines of Keylor Navas would be useful to the club. If De Gea leaves for Real Madrid this summer, Navas could be involved as a part of this deal and that makes it likely for the 32-year-old to play for Manchester United next season.
#2 Ivan Perisic
Manchester United suffered in the recently concluded season mainly due to the inconsistent performances of the team's attackers. It should also be noted that Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez were the only genuine wingers in the squad and Manchester United employed the likes of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and even Romelu Lukaku in wider positions to cover this gap in the squad.
It is high time that the club buys a few quality wingers and Ivan Perisic should be one of them. The Croatian was in impressive form during the FIFA World Cup and although his performances for Inter Milan have not been great in recent times, Perisic is still a good player to have in the squad.
Perisic is a great dribbler and can be creative with his technique in front of the goal. He is also a good crosser and can provide a lot of assists to the striker. It has been rumored that he could be involved in a deal that could see him switch places with Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. Otherwise too, Manchester United must pursue a deal for the 30-year-old winger.
#1 Ivan Rakitic
Midfield is an important aspect for any team in the game of football. The performances of the defenders and the attackers depend on how the game pans out in the midfield and hence, this area of the squad must be given concern by any club.
Manchester United's midfielders have been inconsistent this season and that has affected their performances on the field. While Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Scott Mctominay have looked decent, the likes of Nemanja Matic, Fred, and Andreas Pereira have been very inconsistent.
Ander Herrera has left the club while Manchester United are also yet to replace Marouane Fellaini who left the club in January. Hence, Solskjaer must prioritize midfield reinforcements this summer.
Ivan Rakitic is a proven performer for both his club and country. While he has been one of the mainstays of Barcelona's midfield for the last few seasons, the Croatian was crucial to his Nation's success at the FIFA World Cup held last year.
Manchester United require a prominent presence in the midfield who has the ability to control a game from his position. Ivan Rakitic is good on the ball and is also a frequent contributor of goals.
Most importantly, the 31-year-old's experience will be of value to the club and hence, Ed Woodward must sanction a move for this player in the summer.
