'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United started their summer by picked up Daniel James from Swansea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace, but since then, things have been a little quiet. However, the Red Devils have been silently getting closer to their targets and are looking to end their summer transfer window on a high.
On the backdrop of possible departures of Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, the Premier League giants were always expected to be proactive in their summer business. While a centerback remains a priority, the Red Devils continue to be linked to players for quite a few positions. Most prominent among the midfielders rumoured to be under United's radar are Bruno Fernandes and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
After weeks of speculation regarding his future, the Sporting Lisbon midfielder is finally very close to joining United. On the other hand, even though Lazio are open to considering offers for their star man, they are yet to receive a bid for the Serbian, who is seen as an ideal replacement for Paul Pogba. In truth, Manchester United would be wise to secure the services of both players this summer and here are 5 reasons why.
#3 Both entering the peak age of their careers
Age has been a prime criteria for Solskjaer in his recruitment policy. Manchester United have restructured their transfer strategy under the Norwegian this year. Gone are the days of post-Ferguson era where the Red Devils mostly invested in established names, regardless of their age. Solskjaer has re-introduced the youth centered culture at United that had been so successful under the legendary Scot and the effects have been felt in the transfer market too.
United have signed Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, both only 21 years old. The Red Devils are also targeting Harry Maguire, who, at 26 years, is entering the prime of his career. This is where investing in Bruno Fernandes and Sergej Milinkovic Savic makes sense.
Both players are still only 24 years old, and already have a world of experience under their belt. They still have scope for improvement and are yet to enter their prime. As such, these are players who can be molded into Solskjaer's requirements and could essentially rule the United midfield for years to come.
Another factor that comes in mind is the resale value associated with these players. Thanks to their age, United also have the option to recover the investment in a few year's time, if required. While this is not the ideal criteria for buying a player, the business aspects of the modern game does emphasize on return on investment. And it is safe to say both players have fantastic return on investment values.
#2 Contingency plan for Paul Pogba's departure
The summer started with Paul Pogba burning up the rumour mill by publicly declaring his desire to leave. Those talks have since slowed down, with neither Real Madrid nor Juventus submitting an official bid so far. The player has been in fine form this summer, and has not displayed any frustrations on the field. However, the situation can change in an instance and if Pogba does leave, United will be deep trouble.
It is clear as daylight that United do not have any player in the current squad close to the world class abilities of the Frenchman. As such, in case a last minute transfer does happen, the Red Devils could suddenly be short of firepower in their team. This is where both Fernandes and Milinkovic-Savic could serve as a contingency plan for the Red Devils.
With both players in the squad, United can easily look forward to the possibilities of a life beyond Paul Pogba. Milinkovic-Savic has a very similar playing style of the Frenchman, while Fernandes brings both goals and creativity in the midfield. And they would be completely at home under Solskjaer's fast, fluid, attacking style of play.
Even if Pogba stays this season, the possibility remains of him moving in the near future. In such a scenario, having both Bruno Fernandes and Sergej Milinkovic Savic in the squad will help Manchester United stay prepared.
#1 World-class abilities
Perhaps the biggest reason why United should target both Bruno Fernandes and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer is their footballing abilities. They are two of the most promising talents in world football right now and apart from Pogba, none of the midfielders in the United squad can come close to them in terms of technical abilities.
Bruno Fernandes thrives in a more attacking, box to box role and is very good with his passing in the final third. The Portuguese is fantastic with the ball at his feet, does not shy away from the dirty work and also has an eye for the goal. Fernandes scored 31 goals and picked up 13 assists last season, which makes him a constant threat in the final third. In Solskjaer's fluid, attacking system, the Portuguese would flourish alongside United's speedy attackers, and could create many chances for the team.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is also an exceptional passer of the ball, and is comfortable in both offensive and defensive roles in the midfield. The Serbian likes dribbling, while his 6'3" frame and his finishing abilities can be an asset in the opposition box. Even though he was not prolific last season, he still managed to score 7 goals and also picked up 3 assists. The Serbian is a monster when the team loses possession, where his interceptions and tackles can stifle any offensive unit.
Both players would vastly improve United should they make the move. A midfield comprising of Paul Pogba, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Bruno Fernandes could compete with the best in Europe and that should be a reason enough for United to go all out to secure their signatures.
