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Manchester United are, without doubt, a huge team with some great experience. But with the loss of Sir Alex Ferguson and the ageing of some of their best players (Giggs, Vidic, Evra, etc.), some believe that they may struggle next season more than we have seen in a while.
Clearly, being the defending champions, the side is not a weak one. However, without some additions, new manager David Moyes could find himself in a spot of bother. The side are running short in defence, with Vidic, Evra and Ferdinand all struggling for fitness as they press past the age of 31. Similarly, Nani is not the talent that he used to be on the wing, and with the rest of the ageing midfield, some fresh faces are needed, surprisingly urgently. However, by cashing in on want-out Rooney and Monaco target Nani, United could have some real spending power this summer. So, which four signings could help United to hold onto the Premiership title this season?
Leighton Baines – Everton
Age: 28Position: Left BackValue: £18 millionTransfer Info: This is one of the most obvious transfers of the summer. Baines is arguably the best left-back in the league, and his old manager, Moyes, is now at the helm in Manchester. Evra, despite having incredible performances in the past, is getting too old to be relied on to win the League, so United have to step up and match Everton’s £18 million asking price to get this deal done.
Inigo Martinez – Real Sociedad
Age: 22Position: Centre BackValue: £14 millionTransfer Info: Vidic should still be one of the first names on the United team sheet if you ask me. But his fitness is too poor and the back up of Smalling isn’t quite reliable enough. Johnny Evans is becoming a great player, and combined with Martinez, the pair could become an incredibly powerful long-term defensive partnership. There can be no doubt that Martinez is too good for his current club, Real Sociedad, so a move this summer is imminent. A bid of £14 million may be enough to fight off the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are reportedly also interest in acquiring the Spaniard’s signature.
?lkay Gündo?an – Borussia Dortmund
Age: 22Position: Central MidfielderValue: £22 millionTransfer Info: After losing out to Bayern Munich in the race to sign Thiago from Barcelona, United are still looking slightly thin in midfield. Gündo?an could be exactly what they are looking for. His performances for Dortmund have been incredible in the past, and he was instrumental in their 2011/12 Bundesliga triumph. With title winning experience and bags of technical ability, this German could be exactly what those at Old Trafford are looking for. A midfield three of Carrick, Gündo?an and Kagawa, with the option of bringing on emerging talent Tom Cleverley, is something United fans would relish.
Erik Lamela – Roma
Age: 21Position: WingerValue: £26 millionTransfer Info: Erik Lamela has not got the international reputation that he deserves. The Argentine has starred for Roma since signing from River plate in 2011, combining his incredible dribbling ability with precise crossing to prove himself as one of the best wide forwards in the world. If United were to attain his services, a choice of Young, Valencia, Giggs or Lamela to play either side of Van Persie could be ruthless. The forward has made a big name for himself in Rome however, so a large bid of £26 million could be required to prise him away from Italy. If United made this one happen, they would be well on the way to retaining their Premiership title.
So, that’s the four players that we think could make United clear favourites to retain the league. But what do you think? Should United cash in on Rooney and Nani? Or do they need support in other areas? Is Ronaldo still an option for the Red Devils? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
