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Manchester United are far from what they used to be. The Red Devils are currently struggling for any consistency under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and look depleted in the depth of their squad. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are carrying United's attack while they lack creativity and penetration from midfield. The defence does not look particularly solid either. Given their history of spending money unnecessarily, United need to be smarter in the market.
The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the Premier League with six losses. They have conceded 25 goals and scored just 32. To put the reliance of Rashford and Martial into context, the duo has scored 19 of United's 32 goals in the Premier League.
United struggle to create against lesser sides when they have more possession. Rather, they are set up as a counter-attacking team which explains their good results against the bigger sides. Defensively, United's only bright spot has been Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Here are three signings they could make who would improve the squad at a low price.
#1 Dani Olmo- Dinamo Zagreb
Dani Olmo has had a fantastic season in Croatia playing for Dinamo Zagreb. The 21-year-old Spaniard has the ability to play across the attack but more importantly as a brilliant attacking midfielder. Olmo has the pace, technique and vision to contribute both goals and assists from midfield, something United have struggled with in Pogba's absence. This season, Olmo has eight goals and seven assists in just 22 appearances. He would cost around €30 million but with Barcelona DNA, that could prove to be a bargain. Solskjaer seems to prioritize hardworking runners in midfield over pure creators like Mata and Olmo would fit this bill as well as he is strong on the ball and would hold possession with ease.
Olmo could comfortably slot in as a central midfielder allowing Solskjaer to dispense with the underperforming Fred and Nemanja Matic. Olmo has recently stated he would love a move to Barcelona and considering his roots in Catalonia, United will need to promise him gametime and a significant increase in wages to convince him to switch to Manchester. However, Barcelona are a bit restricted financially considering their expenses in the summer and United will be better poised financially to make a move for Olmo. Nevertheless, the final word is with the player as to where he would prefer a move.
#2 Stanislav Lobotka- Celta Vigo
Stanislav Lobotka is another cut-price player who could bring a great deal of energy and aggression to United's midfield. The Slovak midfielder is versatile enough to play as either an attacking midfielder or as a central midfielder for his current side Celta Vigo. United struggle to transition the ball upfield with a lack of creative players and Lobotka' dribbling skills, passing and finishing would bring more impetus to the side. His defensive contribution, interceptions and tackling cannot be overlooked either.
Lobotka would cost just around €20 million and would represent an instant upgrade on both Nemanja Matic and Fred purely due to the energy and athleticism that he brings to the table. Lobotka would perfectly complement McTominay as a part of a double pivot with the Scotsman recycling the possession and Lobotka progressing the ball. United's midfield needs more athleticism and bravery, something Lobotka could bring with him.
#3 Moussa Dembele- Lyon
United need to reinforce their attack desperately. While Rashford and Martial are contributing with goals, they cannot offer the same physical and aerial presence that Romelu Lukaku did. This is where Moussa Dembele would be a practical yet expensive signing. The French forward is clinical, technical and physical. His stats speak for themselves with 25 goals in 51 appearances for Lyon.
If signed, Dembele would become the focal point of the attack and allow Rashford and Martial to play with more freedom. Dembele is very much the modern striker with a complete all-round game. Lukaku's biggest issue was his technical ability, something Dembele would have no struggles with. The Frenchman is an adept finisher and a hard-working frontline attacker. He would lead the pressing from the front and be capable of playing under a more direct approach as well.
#4 Alejandro Grimaldo- Benfica
The patience with Luke Shaw seems to be running out as the Englishman has had constant fitness struggles and does not play with consistency. Left-back has been a serious issue for United over the years with Ashley Young past his prime and Shaw struggling to play. United need a new left-back and Alejandro Grimaldo would be the perfect solution for the Red Devils.
The Spaniard is a technically-sound and athletic left-back. His pace would make him a great attacking outlet without sacrificing defensively. United could convince Benfica for a good price for him and he would prove to be a great signing and an immediate improvement. Grimaldo would represent the opportunity to use full-backs more in attack, something which United really lack currently and increase the goalscoring opportunities for the attack.
