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Manchester United finally had enough of Jose Mourinho and decided to give him the sack.
This was a testament to how the team was performing and even the mood of the dressing room, which was deplorable during Jose Mourinho’s third season at the club.
With a new manager at the helm, Manchester United has returned the sense of pride to the club and the players look happier. The playing style of the team has also changed a whole lot since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over as the interim boss.
He has brought back attacking football to the club and the players look inspired under him after just two games. But that doesn’t fool anyone --the manager included--, there are still gaps in that team that needs to be filled as soon as possible.
The team has found it difficult to keep clean sheets this season with only two clean sheets so far this season in the English Premier League. This is despite the team having the best goalkeeper in the world. That has clearly shown that there’s a need to add to the centre back department.
The other problem that the team has had is the right wing.Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard have all been tried there but it hasn’t looked like that’s their natural position.
The other position they need to bolster is the centre of the park. Despite buying Fred during the August window, Manchester United has still looked short of a holding midfielder.
There are certainly a number of players that Manchester United has been linked with over the last couple of weeks.
But who are the players that can awaken this sleeping giant?
Toby Alderweireld
If there’s a position that Jose Mourinho really wanted to strengthen before his sacking is the centre of his defence.
The one defender he had in mind was Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham.
The Belgian is one of the finest defenders in the premier league today and any team would be lucky to have them in their ranks.
A tough tackler who is excellent with the ball at his feet and can also read the game well, the Belgian defender is truly an all rounded centre back.
In addition to this, he is also a great leader which is exactly what Manchester United has been missing since the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Declan Rice
One of the rising stars in the premier league today is the 19-year-old West Ham defensive midfielder.
Just at the beginning of the season, Declan Rice was still playing at centre back before Manuel Pellegrini converted him to a defensive midfielder.
His exploits in the West Ham midfield have gotten his much buzz and he is now being dubbed the new Roy Keane.
Before the firing of Jose Mourinho, he had sent Manchester United scouts to watch the young midfielder in action.
The defensive midfield position is one position that Manchester United need to strengthen since their only available holding player is not getting any younger.
They need to find a replacement as soon as possible and Declan Rice fits the bill as he can be a huge player for them in that position for many years to come.
He can even give cover to the centre back department if the time comes and they are short in that area.
Douglas Costa
The right-wing position has been one of the troubled positions at the club for quite some time now.
Jesse Lingard is currently the favourite for the position though he looks more comfortable playing behind the striker.
With Ole Gunnar however, he has been allowed to drift infield most of the time. But that shouldn’t blind the need for a specialist winger in that position.
Manchester United should do all they can to bring in Brazilian winger Douglas Costa from Juventus.
Having signed Cristiano Ronaldo in August from Real Madrid, the Old Lady has had little to no use for the talented Brazilian.
He will surely prove value for money for Manchester United if they can convince Juventus to sell him to.
With him, they have a natural winger who has the ability to run at players, beat them with ease and provide crosses for their striker.
With his close control and exceptional dribbling, he will certainly fit the bill of United wingers of old and that will endear him to the fans.
