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Manchester United are in the middle of one of the most important transfer windows in recent times. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward are presiding over the task of rebuilding the team by incorporating a different strategy.
Apparently, the Norwegian wants the club to sign British youngsters instead of going for established superstars. United have been linked with a number of players likewise; those who fit the bill of Solskjaer's requirements include, Aaron-Wan Bissaka, Matthijs de Ligt, James Maddison, Harry Maguire and many more.
While the massive overhaul remains a staunch possibility seeing how United finished the 2018/19 season in shambles, let's have a look at three such players the Red Devils may require to help them bounce back next season.
#3 Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP)
Manchester United have already acquired the services of 21-year-old Swansea winger Daniel James. And, if the reports are to be believed, the Red Devils have also closed the deal for highly-coveted Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The 24-year-old is one of the most watched players in the transfer market at the moment, following an impressive 2018/19 season with Sporting. He netted 32 goals and registered 18 assists in 53 games for the club, compelling the Manchester clubs to get into a tug-of-war situation for his signature.
However, according to various reports, Man City have already dropped out of the race leaving the path clear for their arch-rivals to snap up the play maker.
Bruno Fernandes also seems to be the perfect signing United need in the midfield, with the club already having parted ways with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini this summer.
The Portuguese star would add much-required creativity in the midfield - something that seems to ooze only out of Paul Pogba's locker at the moment. He is also adept at scoring goals, and could well be Manchester United's own Frank Lampard in the years to come.
#2 Adrien Rabiot (Paris Saint Germain)
Adrien Rabiot needs no special introduction now, does he? The Frenchman has already established himself among the top echelons of the finest players in this generation and is one of the best midfielders in his position.
The 24-year-old has stalled on a new contract at PSG and as a result, hasn't played since December last year. While he is one of the players sure to be on the move this summer, United would do well to poach him amidst the host of European heavyweights battling for his signature.
Rabiot presents a like-to-like replacement for Nemanja Matic. The Serbian is ageing no younger as days pass by and the French midfielder appears to be the perfect man to fill his boots at Old Trafford.
Rabiot can carry out the holding midfield role well and fits into Solskjaer's bill, given his age and the fact that he will come on a free transfer. However, the player himself has iterated his desire to play for rivals Liverpool. Convincing him to make a move in the opposite direction is a challenge, but worthy of giving a try nonetheless.
#1 Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
It seems ages ago since Manchester United have had defensive solidity in the past few seasons. Frankly speaking, the Red Devils haven't had a tough, sturdy and resilient defensive partnership since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left the club.
In spite of Jose Mourinho's incessant insistence, Ed Woodward turned a blind eye to the Portuguese manager's requirement, and pretty much paid the consequences later. United conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season - apparently the worst tally amongst the top six.
Now, the Red Devils are more than keen to rectify their mistake and do what needs to be done.
United are battling a number of European heavyweights for the signature of Matthijs de Ligt, who is the hottest young property in the continent at the moment. At just 19 years of age, the Dutchman has displayed maturity that belies his age and makes him once-in-a-generation kind of player.
De Ligt has great defensive attributes and is a leader at the back, whic makes him a tailor-made solution to United's defensive struggles. However, the absence of Champions League football might deter him from making a move to Old Trafford. The youngster captained a young Ajax side to the Champions League semi-finals and wouldn't surely like to miss out on the competition.
All the same, if United can sway his decision by offering a better pay package, they should certainly do so, as they will secure a top player, who can stay at Old Trafford for the long term.
