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Manchester United endured a disappointing 2018/19 season that promised a lot but ended in a whimper. The Red Devils watched as every other top club in the country found a reason to cheer at the end of the season. For United though, there was plenty to ponder about and not much to celebrate.
Thankfully, summer is coming. This might be United's most important transfer window in almost a decade, because of the amount of rebuilding that is required at the club. Today, we have isolated the four men who United need to target in the summer. The expected budget we are looking at is £250m, and since there will be quite a few departures in the club, one-third of this amount could be recovered in the window itself.
If United do manage to get these men, they will be able to compete with the likes of City and Liverpool in the Premier League. With the right attitude, they might even become a force in Europe as well. But who are these four men who can turn Manchester United into Premier League Champions next season? Read on to find out.
#4 Ruben Neves (Position - Central Midfield)
United probably did not need a midfield reinforcement in the summer, however, they made a blunder by letting Ander Herrera leave. This means that Solskjaer needs a replacement for the Spaniard in the summer.
Also Read: 5 Reasons why United were wrong to let Ander Herrera leave.
Even though finding the perfect replacement for the Spaniard might not be easy, Ruben Neves could fit United's requirement right now. The Portuguese has averaged a distance of 10.70 Km per game this season, which is far superior to the midfielders in United's possession. He has 4 goals and 3 assists from 35 appearances in the Premier League and is a combative midfielder who can tackle hard. In fact, Neves has averaged 2.1 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game in the league this season.
The Portuguese is also a threat going forward, he has averaged 2.1 shots and 55 passes per game and has 81.2% pass success rate, because he tries more forward passes. He has registered 11 through ball this season in the league and also has 212 accurate long balls to his name.
Neves could be a fine addition to this United side, he would bring the steel in the middle that United need to go forward. However, the Portuguese will cost £40m at least, depending on United's bargaining power. Neves is Premier League proven and is just 22 years old, so he would certainly suit United's requirements. If Solskjaer does get his man, it will give United a massive advantage in the middle of the park.
#3 Edinson Cavani (Position - Striker)
When Sir Alex Ferguson lost the league in the 2011/12 season to Man City on the final day on goal difference, he immediately went all out in the summer and bought the best striker of the league, Robin van Persie, from Arsenal. It was a great bit of lesson that Solskjaer should learn from right now.
United finished the 2018/19 season 32 points adrift of Manchester City at the top of the table. They had scored 30 goals less! It is clear that United need a striker reinforcement this summer. Romelu Lukaku is on the way out, and neither Martial not Rashford have the abilities to play as the central striker yet. United need a proper No. 9 to steer them back to winning ways and this is where Edinson Cavani seems like the perfect fit.
The Uruguayan is a proven goalscorer and might be open to a new challenge. He could have an impact quite similar to Ibrahimovic, his old teammate and United will vastly benefit from his presence. Young strikers like Rashford and Martial will learn from him and could take over the mantle in a couple of years.
Perhaps the only constraint is his age; Cavani is 32 years old already and has very little resale value, something that might not suit the United hierarchy. However, he is a short term investment that United need right now and the returns could be weighed in trophies and attractive football.
Cavani will cost around £50m, but it will be money well invested.
#2 Nicolas Pépé (Position - Right Wing)
Manchester United's right wing has been devoid of a proper player for quite a few seasons now. Solskjaer has used Mata, Lingard and even Rashford on the right side, but it has not worked out well. Since the Norwegian likes a 4-3-3 formation, an inverted winger on the right side could be of immense value. There are a lot of players who can play the part but United should look no further than Nicolas Pepe.
The Lille winger largely carries out an attacking right midfield or a right forward role for club and country. But Pepe is equally comfortable playing across the front line. His left foot is exquisite, and he loves cutting inside from the right to shoot at goal.
The Ivorian has a fantastic turn and is extremely tricky on the field. His ball control, his fast feet and his innovative dribbling makes him one of the most exciting young footballers in the world. He would add the perfect amount of uncertainty in the United attack that would make them invincible.
This season, Pepe has 21 goals from 38 games, which makes him a big upgrade on the current players in United's roster. He has averaged 3.1 shots, 1.9 key passes and 2.7 successful dribbles per game. He has also been fouled almost 3 times per game.
Nicolas Pepe is a brilliant combination of speed, trickery and goals, but he will cost United on the upwards of £40m. His age makes him a very good investment; Pepe will turn 24 by the end of this month and Solskjaer should get him at all costs this summer.
#1 Kalidou Koulibaly (Position - Defense)
The current United team has been crying out for a defensive leader in the mould of Virgil van Dijk for quite sometime now. They have been badly affected due to their defensive frailties this season. As such, Solskjaer is on the lookout for a new central defender and his search should start and end with Koulibaly.
Also Read: 5 Reasons why Koulibaly could be Manchester United's van Dijk
The Napoli defender has been in outstanding form this season once again. Koulibaly is a ball playing defender who is very good at passing and setting up play from deep. However, he is also very strong at the back and can bully any striker in the world on his day. Alongside Lindelof, Koulibaly would provide composure, steel and a whole lot of muscle in the back. And United would have two extremely capable ball-playing centre-backs in their ranks.
The Senegalese is also a goal threat from set pieces, where his giant frame can be a handful for any defensive unit. Koulibaly's presence at the back would settle the nerves at United and give the team the freedom to attack without fear.
The two factors that might concern this deal would be the age of the player and the cost of the transfer. Koulibaly will turn 28 in June and would cost United in excess of £90m. However, if United take the risk and invest in the Senegalese, they will be richly rewarded next season.
