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Manchester United have lost 10 times in 49 games this season. They were eliminated from the EFL Cup in an unforeseen defeat to Bristol City, and stand an extremely slim chance (estimated at less than 1%) at winning the Premier League, trailing Manchester City by a huge 16 points at second place. The Red Devils are in a comfortable position against Sevilla in the Champions League Round of 16, but aren't considered one of the 5 favorites to win the tournament.
For every other club, these results would be considered stellar, but Manchester United are the most valuable football club in the world and are considered to be one of the best in history.
Manchester United will look to make some huge summer signings in order to get back their form circa the Ferguson era and win the Premier League for the first time since 2013. Here are 5 signings Manchester United will probably make in the 2018 summer transfer window.
#5 Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Sokratis Papasthatopoulos is arguably the most consistent centre-back in the Bundesliga today, playing a critical role in leading the Dortmund defence. He is known for his very physical style of play, and tactical tackles, as well as his superior passing skills.
Sokratis is the undisputed leader in the Dortmund defence, steering the backline and helping his younger teammates whenever possible. It is only fitting that his nickname among his teammates is "Papa".
Jose Mourinho has identified the centre-back position as one which is in dire needs of improvement, with the futures of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling uncertain, Marcus Rojo constantly on the injury table, and new signing Victor Lindelof in bad form.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils have sent scouts to monitor the 29-year old Greek international and will look to sign him for a fee in excess of £20 million when the transfer window reopens.
#4 Eric Dier
Eric Dier is undoubtedly the most underrated player in Tottenham today. Tall, physical, and very versatile, Dier can play anywhere in defence or midfield, from deep in the defence to all the way to the attacking midfield position.
With an astonishing passing accuracy of 86% this season, the England international is both defensively and offensively sound, and will only keep improving as he is a mere 24 years old.
Manchester United is reported to be looking to cash in on the defender, with reports from the Daily Star suggesting that the Red Devils will try to buy the player in the coming transfer window for a fee around £55 million.
The Daily Mirror added that Dier is seen as a replacement to current Reds captain Michael Carrick, who is set to retire at the end of the season.
#3 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
In the past season, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has impressed everyone, scoring 11 goals from 28 appearances, with 5 assists. However, the stats do not do him full justice, as he is unarguably the best Lazio player this season not called Ciro Immobile or Stefan de Vrij.
Milinkovic-Savic is known for technique on the ball and defensive contributions thanks to his height, muscular frame, and power.
He has impressed so much this season that former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman thinks that the Lazio midfielder "could even surpass the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to be crowned the best player in the world.", which is why it is no wonder Manchester United are interested in the Serbian's services, with the club prepared to make a huge £80 million bid for the player, according to reports from the Bleacher Report.
Jose Mourinho has expressed interest in restructuring the Manchester United midfield this summer, with Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini leaving the club, Milinkovic-Savic's signing would be a fantastic start for the Reds manager next season.
#2 Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of the best, most consistent players in Watford this season, scoring 7 goals in 30 appearances, more than any other player in the club this season.
Doucoure has been the heart of the Hornets' midfield, playing short passes, dribbling on occasion, and making defensive contributions when needed. The Frenchman is also known for motivating and leading his teammates regularly.
His physical, box-to-box style of play has led to him attracting interest from Manchester United. Jose Mourinho is reportedly very impressed with Doucoure's athleticism, power and technical ability and thinks he that he could probably make a huge impression at the Manchester club.
The French player is seen as a replacement to Marouane Fellaini, Manchester United's best box-to-box player, who is set to leave the Reds for Italy this summer.
According to the Metro, Watford will not allow Doucoure to leave for a low price, but would listen for the right price. Manchester United is reportedly ready to make a big offer for the Frenchman of around £40 million.
#1 Mauro Icardi
The best player in Inter Milan this season is definitely Mauro Icardi. The Argentine striker has carried Internazionale to fifth place in the Serie A this season, scoring 18 goals in 23 appearances. The Inter captain has been the driving force behind the Nerazzurri's rise in the standings of Serie A, averaging 4 key passes, 1 chance, and 2 defensive actions this season.
Mauro Icardi's contract includes a release clause around €110 million. Inter Milan have been rushing to renew Icardi's contract, as €110 million is nothing for a player of Icardi's quality in the current transfer climate. However, he has been linked with a move to Manchester this summer, with the club willing to pay his release clause, according to The Guardian.
This would be a good move for the Reds, as they have been lacking in strikers, with Romelu Lukaku being the only natural striker in the squad. His signing would also enable them to play in their preferred 4-2-2-2 formation much more effectively, as there would be 2 natural strikers, in Icardi and Lukaku.
