5 wingers Manchester United should target this summer

Manchester United started the 2017 – 2018 season as the runners-up in the UEFA Super Cup, where they lost to Real Madrid. It was an indication of how the season would turn out, as United ended up as runners-up in FA Cup as well and were 2nd in the League behind Manchester City. They could only advance up to the Fifth round of the EFL Cup, where they were knocked out by Bristol City. In the Champions League, they could not overcome Sevilla in the round of 16, drawing away from home and losing the game at Old Trafford 1-2. The FA Cup final loss to Chelsea put things into perspective – Manchester United would need reinforcements.

Last season, United had a galaxy of talent on the left wing, with Martial and Rashford competing from the start and Alexis Sanchez claiming the spot from the winter transfer window. Romelu Lukaku was Manchester United’s top scorer, with 27 goals. Behind him were Rashford and Lingard both on 13 and Antony Martial on 11. Incidentally, Lingard was preferred through the middle, whereas Rashford and Martial preferred the left side of the field. Mkhitaryan was deployed on the right after his blistering start to the season, but he grew ineffective and faded away. Apart from him, Juan Mata was preferred mostly on the right side and he could muster only 3 goals. Martial, Rashford, Lingard all had brief stints on the right sides, some days from the start, on other occasions while gunning for a win. Yet it was clear as day that none of the players at United’s disposal made their mark there, they could not stake a claim for the position that clearly had no favourites. And therein lies the gravest of problems for the Red Devils.

United started the 2018 Transfer United smartly, signing Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and soon confirmed the addition of 19-year-old Portuguese Right Back Diogo Dalot from FC Porto. It seemed that United were going on the right track and fans were desperate for the next addition. But in a strange turn of events, things cooled down and there have been no more arrivals till date, bar the free transfer of 35-year-old Lee Grant, who is unlikely to make a major impact. With endless transfer rumours doing the rounds, the agitation and nervousness among fans are building. The priority right now, without any doubt, is the right side of attack. Manchester United will be spending days and nights over those scouting reports and zeroing on the next signing even as we speak.

As such, we take a look at 5 potential candidates who could fit into the vacant space and make United a better team. Go Get at least one of them, Ed!

#5 Willian

Brought into the Chelsea team by Jose Mourinho in 2013, Willian’s record in the English Premier League is phenomenal, something which will attract United. He is a PL-proven material and his relationship with his previous Manager also seems to be quite good. He is also known to have combined well with Matic and can play down the right. He is technically gifted, like all Brazilians and has a variety of skills in his repertoire and is fast on the counter. He also tracks back, which makes him a typical Mourinho player, but there are some doubts about his consistency, especially since he failed to regularly impress with the Brazil side in the World Cup. Apart from that, age will also be a factor, as he will turn 30 come August. Also, he might not be the star signing that the Manchester United marketing team will be looking to bank upon. But the most important aspect of this transfer is whether Chelsea would be willing to sell another of their star performers leave to a direct rival for the second year running, especially now that Hazard seems set to be joining Real Madrid. Looks rather tough.

What the papers say: Manchester Evening News say that a move is still on the cards, even though it is directly linked to the Hazard transfer saga. MEN report that it would take 70m for United to prise him away. Barcelona looked to have him in the radar, but according to Spanish sources, the Catalan giants have cooled down their interest now.

#4 Ousmane Dembele

France Portraits - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Ousmane Dembele scored 4 goals in 23 appearances for Barcelona last term, in a season marred by injuries. He had arrived as a replacement for Neymar, but could not live up to the hype. He was sidelined for 4 months after injuring his hamstring at the start of the season. After coming back in January, he injured himself again and was ruled out for 4 weeks this time. He eventually ended his season strong and looked fit while scoring a brace against Villareal in a 5-1 win. He is only 21 years old and even though he won the World Cup with France, had very fewer chances to impress. As such, he could come in cheap, with Barcelona reportedly on the market for a winger. Dembele is blessed with speed and skills and plays well on the right side. He might be open to a new challenge himself, as he has failed to make his mark in Barcelona. But this deal would come with potential risks for United, with Dembele’s injury concerns. Also, he is not proven in the Premier League and might require some time to hit top gear. He is also inconsistent and might not generate the hype of a star signing. But Dembele has the potential to be a star in the Manchester United team and he might just be what United are looking for.

What the papers say: According to reports in Spain, especially Don Balon, he has decided on his future and has settled on Bayern Munich! But if the player’s Instagram activities are to be taken seriously, Arsenal could be in the pool as well. United look to be interested but there are no confirmed news yet.

#3 Ivan Perisic

The one that got away last year. Ivan Perisic was linked to United for most of the transfer window last season, yet ended up staying in Inter. Mourinho publicly claimed to be keen on him too, but Inter’s asking price seemed too high. A couple of months into the season and United would rue their miss, especially with Perisic having a solid season with Inter Milan. He is another typical Mourinho player on the list, which is why Mourinho was so desperate to have him over; strong on attack and tracking back religiously. He is also a great crosser of the ball and how much better will Lukaku be with him whipping in mean ones from the flanks week in week out? At 1.86 m tall, he also has the physical presence that Mourinho desires on the ground, but he is 29 years old now and that would be but a temporary glitz. Perisic is powerful on the ball and mixes his brute strength with raw pace. He can play on either wing, preferring the left, but could adjust himself to the right side, as he has routinely done for Croatia this World Cup, where he showed his worth. And he is a mean striker of the ball. The only problem that associates itself with this transfer is that Inter might not be willing to sell, especially with Juventus going from strength to strength with the arrival of Ronaldo. But Jose Mourinho would love to have him in his team and could yet go all out for the Croatian.

What the papers say: Reports have emerged that the player wants to stay at Inter. Mourinho has defended the Croatian’s handball that led to the penalty in the 2018 World Cup Final, perhaps still eager for him to join United. According to Tuttosport, United are offering a Darmian plus cash deal to Inter, who want 53m this time. Their interest in PSG’s Di Maria could help such a deal.

#2 Paulo Dybala

The Argentine had a splendid season with Juventus, scoring 26 goals in 46 appearances. Even though he does not hog the right touchline for Juventus, he does like to cut in and score. And he has a thundering left foot. Speed, precision, skills, Dybala will be a fabulous asset to this United team, especially since they do not have anyone similar to him or even close to him in their team. With age in his side – he doesn’t turn 25 until November, he will be a statement signing that would lift the spirits of the fans and would be a sensational addition to the Premier League. Even though he did not lit up the World Cup, for lack of opportunities, he is still World class and would provide a new dimension to the United attack that is currently absent. His understanding with Paul Pogba is also quite good, ever since Pogba’s time with Juventus and these two could run riots against opposition defences. Dybala is also good at set pieces, an added asset, but is not known to be an avid crosser of the ball. He brings something totally different to the team than Perisic, but it is something that is magical, special and what United have been missing quite often last season. With Ronaldo’s arrival to Juventus, the Italian giants might be willing to offload a few of their own to afford his mammoth wages and United could use that to their advantage. Also, Dybala will be desperate to prove a point after being ignored in the World Cup and show the world that he is the Super Star to take Argentina and Manchester United forward.

What the papers say: Liverpool seem to be leading the list of his potential suitors, whereas Chelsea are come in late to the party. They are looking at Dybala as a replacement for Hazard. Sadly, even though Mourinho is reportedly a fan of the Argentine, there are no solid rumours at the present. Tancredi Palmeri, the reputed Italian journalist, has stated that Juventus have to sell to afford Ronaldo, so it is up to United to see if they can take advantage.

#1 Kylian Mbappe

When you are the best young player in the recently concluded World Cup, it is a statement enough. 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe scored 21 goals in 44 appearances for PSG on loan from Monaco, lighting up Ligue 1. He then exploded into the scene at the FIFA World Cup, setting the tournament on fire and earning rave reviews. He finished the tournament with 4 goals, including the last goal in France’s World Cup triumph. Mbappe would be an asset to any team in the world and it is not a wonder that the list of his suitors is quite long. His speed on the ball is unprecedented and his level-headed finish is a wonder at such a young age. He is extremely skilful and can play across the front line. He can cut into the centre and unleash a strike from either end, as he is two-footed, but he can also send it crosses from the flanks. Manchester United would instantly turn into title contenders with his arrival and would find confidence in Europe too. He also has a fantastic understanding with his international teammate Pogba, as was evident in the World Cup. Imagine Pogba running the show with the attack ahead of him looking like this: Sanchez-Lukaku-Mbappe! Add Martial and Rashford to the mix and you know this team would take some stopping.

And Mbappe would be a statement addition of Celestine proportions to Old Trafford, sending PR off the charts and would assert Manchester United’s strength in the transfer market. But it will not be easy, especially since a lot of clubs have him under their radar and even though PSG currently have him on loan with an option to buy, they would do everything in their power to retain their superstar. But Manchester United are in a position right now where they need something big, as much for the morale of the club as for the supporters and they should go all out to get him. He will cost a fortune, but surely Manchester United can afford that?

What the papers say: The player has himself come out and said that he wants to stay at PSG, so it will be tough. Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand has urged his old team to buy him. The Mirror, however, claims that Financial Fair Play investigations in PSG might mean that permanent deals for Mbappe are temporarily scrapped. And in such case, United are ready to offer Martial as a part of the deal to bring the sensational teenager to Old Trafford. However, in a curious turn of events, Spanish news outlet Don Balon are now reporting that United would accept an offer of €160-180m for Pogba and then use the money to fund a €300m deal for Mbappe.