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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's rebuild seemed to have been off course by a mild mid-season. However, it is now safe to say that Norwegian has silenced his critics and delivered on his promise and got Manchester United the much desired UEFA Champions League qualification.
That is, no small part, thanks to their January transfer window signing Bruno Fernandes, whose arrival had a galvanizing effect on the rest of the squad and at their best, Manchester United have been one of the most entertaining sides in England.
United have for long been famous for their profligacy but a renewed approach on the transfer front has seen them invest in talent that suits the system and fits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's philosophy. Now that Ole has kept his word, it's time for the board to keep theirs and back the manager in the transfer market.
So, let's take a look at:
5 players Manchester United need to sign this transfer window
#5 Nathan Ake - Bournemouth
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, barring the odd mistake, has been a reliable pair at the heart of defence for Manchester United this season. However, that doesn't mean that they do not need to strengthen at the back.
It is evident that United need more cover as the erratic Eric Bailly needs more time to evolve into a more mature player and as such, United should focus on signing Nathan Ake from Bouremouth who have been relegated from the top flight.
It even looks like United might be interested in Ake after Solskjaer was caught on camera, following United's win over Bournemouth, telling the centre-back himself that the Red Devils are looking for a left-footed centre-back.
Following the departure of Marcos Rojo, Manchester United are definitely in need of a left-footed centre-back and at 25 years old, Ake has several years left in his tank. He is a steady presence at the back and will be a good addition to the squad as he is not alien to playing out from the back and is, in fact, pretty good at it.
#4 Adrien Rabiot - Juventus
After moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Juventus last summer, it took Adrien Rabiot quite a while to find his feet in Turin. Post-restart, Rabiot's form has been quite reassuring and the Bianconeri, who were convinced about offloading him at the end of the season, are now contemplating holding on to him.
Manchester United's system currently works because Nemanja Matic provides cover for both Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes. Matic's experience and excellent short range passing help United go forward and defend with stability.
Rabiot is a player who can mirror these abilities. At 25-years-old, he can also be a long-term successor to Matic and can help United transform smoothly post Matic's retirement. United are reportedly waiting to launch a bid for Adrien Rabiot.
#3 Max Aarons - Norwich City
This is perhaps the oddest name on the list but hear us out. Max Aarons was linked with Manchester United last summer. However, United signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the former Crystal Palace star had a lot to do with the Red Devils being so defensively impressive this season.
Bissaka is easily one of the best one-on-one defenders in the league and though his attacking prowess is improving, it's still not on par with the likes of say, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Robertson. That's why Max Aarons can be a great option.
Right now, Wan-Bissaka is almost irreplaceable in the United XI as Diogo Dalot has had a poor season and Solskjaer does not trust him to dispense his duties at a high standard. Aarons can be a threat going forward and with him in the lineup, United could even afford to go with 3 at the back with Bissaka playing a more central role.
Norwich were the first team to get relegated and Max Aarons would thus be excited to receive an offer from a club like Manchester United.
#2 Jack Grealish - Aston Villa
Another player who has been heavily linked with Manchester United is Aston Villa's Jack Grealish. Grealish has been Aston Villa's standout performer and scored a goal in their final match of the season to ensure they kick on in the Premier League by avoiding relegation.
If Grealish arrives in the Manchester United midfield, Solskjaer will find much-needed cover for Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba. Bruno Fernandes looked knackered in the last few games and he was easily the most overused player in the squad following his arrival.
In games where the Pogba-Fernandes partnership is not clicking, Manchester United can get inventive by bringing in Grealish and going on the offence in a more liberated manner. Grealish could also give serious competition to all of United's midfielders as well.
Villa, having survived this season, are now in a better place to negotiate an expensive deal for Grealish as well. So this transfer won't be cheap for Manchester United.
#1 Jadon Sancho - Borussia Dortmund
The priority signing for Manchester United this transfer window is, without a doubt, Jadon Sancho. This could be the signing that could have an impact that's similar to the one's Bruno's had had on the squad. United have been without an out-and-out right winger for years now.
Sancho is one of the best in the business and that too at the age of 20. He fits the Solskjaer system to the T. Sancho is fast, full of tricks and has an incredible goal/assist output. Sancho can help bolster United's ranks and increase squad depth.
If the Borussia Dortmund star is signed up, then Manchester United can accommodate Greenwood in a more central role which means the competition for the frontline will intensify further with the trio of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Greenwood already looking menacing.
Sancho will cost somewhere in the ballpark of €100 million. The rest of the business will depend on how cheap they can land the Englishman. So it's not only important that Manchester United get this done but they also need to get it done intelligently.
