Manchester United’s summer transfer window could prove to be an important catalyst in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rebuild.
Each of Solskjaer’s five signings have impressed so far and the Norwegian needs to be backed by the board to continue his revolution. Despite an upturn in form before coronavirus halted the season, United still need to strengthen in a number of areas.
Solskjaer is known to target young, exciting players but there is also a need for more experience within the ranks. And the United manager may consider dipping into the Bosman market to find some free gems this summer. The impact of COVID-19 is likely to be huge on the state of the transfer market and clubs may be less reluctant to spend big given the financial uncertainty.
Stretty News picked out four players who are out of contract this summer that United could consider signing on a free.
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Ryan Fraser
The Bournemouth winger has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months. He has refused to sign a new contract on the south coast and is set for a move to more ambitious club this summer. Fraser has proven his credentials as a dangerous Premier League winger over the past three seasons and is entering his prime at the age of 26. However, we have doubts as to whether the Scottish international would fit into Solskjaer’s setup. Fraser’s preferred position is on the left-flank, whereas United really need to be targeting a player who can fit the right-wing slot. He also shares very similar attributes to Daniel James, who is five years younger, and the Welshman certainty has a higher ceiling.
Edinson Cavani
The PSG forward was identified by many fans as the perfect goal-scoring forward for United before they ended up with Odion Ighalo in January. Solskjaer was interested in the Uruguayan but a fee of £25m was considered far too much for a player entering the final months of his contract. The 33-year-old has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the last decade but is entering the twilight of his career. While he will have his pick from a number of potential suitors, United are better off prioritising their ideal longer-term number 9.
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Willian
The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to United during Jose Mourinho’s reign at the club. The Portuguese manager was so fond of the forward that he was reportedly willing to swap Anthony Martial for him. Fortunately, that move never materialised and Martial is beginning to thrive at Old Trafford. But Chelsea will have to act fast to secure the winger’s long-term future or risk losing him on a free to a direct rival. Willian still possesses star-quality and is a proven match-winner in the Premier League. At 31, he has plenty to give and could slot in the vacant right-wing role under Solskjaer. But Borussia Dortmund starlet Jadon Sancho should be the primary target for that position this summer.
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