The Premier League have, earlier today, confirmed that the 2019/20 season is set to resume on June 17, as per The BBC.
Prior to the suspension of the English Premier League, United were in rampant form. Having successfully navigated their last 11 games unbeaten, the Reds were on course to break into the top four at the expense of either Chelsea or Leicester City.
United’s first fixture back is a trip to the Capital to face fellow top four hopefuls, Spurs. The match is expected to be played on June 20, although the kick-off time is not yet confirmed.
Since the suspension of professional football in England two months ago, United have been relentlessly linked with a host of football’s hottest names.
According to talkSPORT the summer transfer window is still scheduled to open like usual on June 10, however, due to the unprecedented nature this season is enduring, that could well change.
Although United will be actively seeking to make at least one addition to the squad, there is no guarantees they’ll be able to, so let’s take a look at three way the Reds can improve on what they already have, in time for the 2020/21 season.
#1 Getting Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s Forward
Wan-Bissaka, 22, is without a doubt one of the best right-backs in the game at the moment. The £50mil fee paid, as per Sky Sports, for his services one year ago certainly seems like money well spent. However, with his position arguably being one of the most expansive and continually revolutionised in modern day football, Wan-Bissaka’s game is a constant source for debate.
Liverpool counter-part, Trent Alexander-Arnold, 21, is widely regarded as the best right back in the world due to his impressive ability to break into the opposition’s final third. Alexander-Arnold has 14 assists to his name already this season; a record only bettered by Jadon Sancho (16), Thomas muller (16) and Kevin De Bryune (16) across all of Europe’s top five leagues. In stark contrast to Alexander-Arnold’s goal contributions, Wan-Bissaka has just the two over the same period of time.
According to Wan-Bissaka’s ex youth coach, Colin Omogbehin, Wan-Bissaka has the ability to attack as well as he defends, see Stretty News’ article on what Omogbehin had to say on the United right-back in an exclusive interview with Manchester Evening News. With such high praise for his attacking flair, this dynamic within Wan-Bissaka’s game is not something United fans have yet been treated to.
If the United coaching staff can develop the Englishman’s offensive game, much like in his younger days we could see current manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, open to adapting Wan-Bissaka’s role to encourage a more free flowing right back who has greater license to get further forward.
Wan-Bissaka’s level of fitness and ability to recover would undoubtedly allow him to explore opposition areas without too much emphasis placed on the United back line. It goes without saying, the additional offensive wide support Wan-Bissaka could offer would unquestionably be a welcomed addition to the United faithful.
#2 Fred’s Tireless Box-to-Box Energy
Fred, 27, has arguably been United’s most improved player this season. Prior to the season being suspended, Fred was on course to have a very solid season.
The Brazilian appears to have finally adapted to the strength and pace of the English game. His ability to move around the pitch and get into key positions not just offensively and defensively but also laterally has meant he has been one of the first names on the Red’s team sheet.
With Fred posting some very commendable possession and movement based stats this season, Solskjaer will be keen to encourage Fred to start adding more goals and assists to his game.
United have been unknowingly crying out for a player in their prime who possess the attributes Fred does; a dogged box-to-box midfielder who breaks up play in their own half, has the intelligence and vision to turn defence into attack and is allowed the freedom to join the same attack he started.
Should Fred be able to improve his goal contributions, he could well be one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the country. What an exciting prospect.
#3 Greenwood On The Right-Wing
Is there a more exciting youth prospect in England than 18-year-old, Mason Greenwood? United fans say not – And rightly so.
The young English striker has a highly impressive 14 goals across all competitions thus far, this season. A truly staggering feat considering Greenwood is vying for a place against the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata and Daniel James.
Should United fail in their pursuit for Borussia Dortmund star, Jadon Sancho, could we see Greenwood claim a starting role as United’s right-winger?
Greenwood’s average position when played has been situated on the wide right, therefore, the youngster has already answered the biggest question a manager has when evaluating a system ”can he be a success there?” – Absolutely.
It would not be unreasonable to suggest that should the United hierarchy show their confidence in Greenwood, by allowing him to regularly operate as their first choice right sided attacker, fans could be treated to an even greater version of the talented youngster – A quite terrifying prospect, should you be an opposition defender.
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