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The summer transfer window is set to open in a few weeks, with many teams including Manchester United scrambling to get their business done before Euro 2020 begins next week.
Manchester United finished second in the Premier League and endured a disappointing Europa League final, where they lost on penalties to Villarreal. There have been quite a few positives for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer though, and adding quality players to the squad would further elevate the team.
Manchester United are said to be interested in signing a right-back, a right-winger and a centre-back, while defensive midfield can be improved as well. With so many positions to be strengthened, the Old Trafford outfit will have to ensure they enjoy a good transfer window.
We look at:
5 players Manchester United could sign this summer
#5 Tom Heaton (free agent)
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had trouble picking his starting goalkeeper this season, with both David De Gea and Dean Henderson having their ups and downs.
With De Gea or Henderson set to leave Manchester United this summer, and with Sergio Romero having already left, the Old Trafford outfit have reportedly decided to sign Tom Heaton. The 35-year old will be a free agent once his Aston Villa contract expires in a few weeks, and he is set to return to his boyhood club.
A product of the Manchester United academy, Heaton will likely be the club's second-choice goalkeeper if he signs for the club. The England international produced some stunning performances for Burnley in the Premier League, but has had his injury issues. He did not make an appearance for Aston Villa this season.
#4 Pau Torres (Villarreal)
Villarreal shocked the world when they beat Manchester United in the final of the UEFA Europa League a few weeks ago, with Pau Torres producing a brilliant performance.
A ball-playing centre-back, Torres enjoyed a good 2020/21 season with Villarreal. The 24-year old is a product of the Villarreal academy and has already accumulated 88 appearances in all competitions for Villarreal. Manchester United's incumbent centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, have both been critised for lacking pace and it is no secret that Solskjaer wants to sign a new centre-back.
Manchester United have experience of buying centre-backs from Villarreal, having signed Eric Bailly from the La Liga club in 2016. Torres made 33 La Liga appearances this season, and the Spain international has also been linked with Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for Portugal | UEFA Euro 2020
#3 Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
One of the players who has been constantly linked with Manchester United is Kieran Trippier. Eyebrows were raised when Atletico Madrid paid £19.8 million to sign Kieran Trippier from Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
However, the signing proved to be a shrewd acquisition, with Trippier playing a key role in Atletico Madrid's league triumph this season. The England international is said to be interested in a return to England though, and Manchester United view him as perfect competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.
Wan-Bissaka is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, but his attacking game needs improvement. Trippier would offer better offensive qualities, with the 30-year old renowned for his crossing ability and set-piece delivery. Trippier is also capable of playing as a left-back.
#2 Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Raphael Varane has not been at his very best in recent seasons and there are rumors that he could leave Real Madrid this summer.
The 28-year old has a phenomenal trophy cabinet, but his performances have been inconsistent in the last few months. Since joining Real Madrid from Lens in 2011, Varane has made 360 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos, and there have been suggestions that he could do with a change in scenery.
Manchester United have been linked with Varane for some time now, but this summer they could take a concrete step towards signing the France international. However, the Red Devils are not the only club tracking the World Cup winner, with Chelsea extremely interested as well.
#1 Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
Last summer's saga is not over yet, with Manchester United still keen on signing Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.
Sancho was Manchester United's top target last summer, but a move failed to materialize. This time around though, they could get their man as there have been reports that Manchester United are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a transfer fee for the talented forward.
Sancho enjoys a good relationship with Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and is interested in joining the club. The 21-year old made 24 Bundesliga appearances, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists. The England international is regarded as one of the best young players in the world.
Also Read: Greatest UEFA Champions League XI of all time
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