Four Manchester United transfers that could happen before the Premier League window closes

Burnley v Chelsea - Premier League
Willian could be on his way out to Manchester United

Manchester United have so far made three signings and reinforced two crucial areas, where the team struggled last year. But the team is still lacking in some talent in a few areas. If they need to challenge for the Premier League title, they should be busy in the 13 days remaining before the Premier League transfer window shuts on August 9.

So, let us quickly dive into some of the transfers that could happen in the following days.


#1 Willian

Manchester United have not addressed right-wing problems since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. His last signing was the right winger Wilfried Zaha, who, if present, might be the player who could fill that void. United signed a couple of quality players like Di Maria and Memphis Depay, who failed to deliver and left the team eventually.

Manchester United need an out-and-out winger to give the service to strikers and to add spark to the dead right side, contrary to the left flank where potential talent is immense.

So here comes the solution to the problem in the form of Willian. Let us analyze the player and what he brings to the team and will he be a good addition?

Willian will be in his 30's this August and probably only a few years left in his tank to deliver at the highest level. He was not that effective for Brazil during the recently-concluded World Cup, which is a concern as it is an indication of a dip in his form.

He is not a player who cuts inside from the right and attacks goal posts like Bale and Robben, but he rather crosses the ball more often.

If we look at the positive things he brings to the team, he was one of Mourinho's favourite players during his second tenure at Chelsea. He can be a great asset for the team during the counter-attack, he has a great pace and his work ethics on and off the ball is incredible.

He can be useful during free kicks for which Man Utd don't have any notable and reliable player since Wayne Rooney left the team. The rumours suggest that United had a £66 million bid accepted by Chelsea for Willian.

This rumour has some base to be believed because Jose Mourinho knows his former player's ability and what he brings to the team, and Chelsea, unlike other rivals, seem willing to let their players join their rivals if they receive good money.

He undoubtedly improves the sluggish right flank, but considering the price and the years left in him, there will be points that go against the transfer.

Jose's record at any club suggests that he will not manage any club for more than three years, but he won League titles with every club he managed during that period. If we take it into consideration, he is yet to win the title with Manchester United. So, if he wants to stay for more time at Manchester United, he needs to win trophies, which can be the key point to sign an instant impact player rather than a developing young player.

#2 Harry Maguire or #3 Toby Alderweireld or #4 Yerry Mina

Leicester City v Watford - Premier League
Manchester United told to bid over £65 million for Harry Maguire.

The best options for a centre-back pairing are Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof as time should end for Jones and Smalling, whose errors cost so many matches for Man Utd. If not for the presence of De Gea, it could have been even worse.

Lindelof has been overlooked by Mourinho last season and that could probably change after his performances in the World Cup. Bailly was out most of last season due to injuries. This means the team has no settled or reliable back-pair and they need someone with a commanding figure and who posses an aerial threat during set-pieces that have been missing since the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

So, United are definitely going to sign a centre-back we are going to analyze about players who are strongly linked to the team.

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire has been linked to Manchester United, according to reports. It is understandable that Leicester don't want to lose another star player to Manchester. Leicester City are demanding more than £65 million to make United change their stance.

Let us see what he brings to the team:

With a towering 6'4" frame and a breezeblock-sized forehead, he is the type of player strikers will fear to battle against. He can be an immense threat while moving forward during set-pieces, which we all saw how good he can be at setpieces during England's game against Sweden.

What are the drawbacks?

Harry Maguire had a good World Cup and he is a good player, but the performances in the World Cup were not against any top teams, which is a notable point.

He might bring some aerial threats to the team during corners and he is good on the ball, but he doesn't improve the squad majorly and he is of a similar kind of player like Phil Jones during his early days.

The money Leicester City are asking is a bit too much and we think spending more than £65 million on him is not a good idea, rather they can look at other options.

Toby Alderweireld

Belgium v England: 3rd Place Playoff - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Toby Alderweireld could be a good option if Maguire is priced out.

Toby Alderwiereld was another player Manchester United are considering signing, according to reports.

It is understandable that Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy wants in excess of £50 million for a player who only has one year left in his contract with a £25 million release clause and a one-year extension of the contract.

What can Manchester United get from Toby?

He is an established Premier League player, who has done well with Tottenham and gained experience. He is good on the ball and in the air and doesn't lose composure even at difficult times that we saw in the recent World Cup with Belgium.

What are the drawbacks?

The first thing is the asking price, as it seems United are reluctant to pay anything over £50 million. It is not worth spending that much money on a player who is nearing his 30's, which means not many fruitful years are ahead of him.

Yerry Mina

Colombia v England: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Yerry Mina scored three times for Los Cafeteros during the World Cup

New reports suggest that Yerry Mina was an alternative option for Manchester United. Let us see what he brings to the team and whether they should buy him or not.

Yerry Mina joined Barcelona in the January transfer window but could be sold due to the number of non-European players limit in La Liga. His valuation was around the £25 million and he is probably Man Utd's best option in terms of money concerns.

What are his strengths?

Mina is 6'4'' and a powerful defender. He can play the ball from the back and he is an excellent option for attack during corners too as he is strong aerially. It was perfectly demonstrated when he scored three goals in the recent World Cup, with all the goals coming from his head. He is a weapon to have during corners, which is a tempting point for Mourinho to sign him.

Does he have any weak areas?

He is not fast on the ball, which could be a worry for the Premier League style of play. His anticipation and position are bad at times and to rectify it, he makes some tackles that could end his game that day.

Considering his age as he is only 23 years, he can develop into a good player in the coming days. Besides, his price is also affordable. Manchester United have a chance to sign the Colombian international if they are priced out for other players mentioned.

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