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Manchester United started off the summer window in wonderful fashion, securing the services of the highly talented Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro right from under the noses of European giants AC Milan and Real Madrid.
Both players very much represent what new part owners Ineos want United to be – a home for the best up-and-coming players in world football, who are hungry to take the next step in their career.
Nonetheless, this excitement has given way to the all too familiar feeling of disappointment, as there has been much work carried out on numerous other deals but the club have been unable to get them over the line, owing to their inability to sell.
It was thought last week that the club would get the sales of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay done and this would help immensely with their budget this summer but, almost predictably, both deals appear to have fallen apart this week.
This has meant United are left in limbo over deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui as Bayern Munich refuse to reduce their asking price and the collapse of the Wan-Bissaka deal makes the need for a new right-back questionable.
The Red Devils have also had to walk away from a deal for Manuel Ugarte due to Paris Saint-Germain refusing to budge on their unrealistic asking price, meaning the club has pivoted to names like Sander Berge, who has reportedly also agreed to join the club from Burnley.
Whilst United fans will hope that the club can still bring in at least two if not three new players in the remaining three weeks of the window, United may need to accept they may only get one done due to lack of sales.
If they can only get one, they must get a central midfielder.
The Red Devils have had issues with their defence for a long time but when the defenders are fit, the club have a decent group. Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez is a well-balanced partnership and Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are far from perfect but can do a job as squad players.
In an ideal world United would bring in De Ligt or another centre back but there are enough options to make do until January or even next year if only one position can be filled.
Fullback is another position where it could be argued the money is needed to invest in, especially with Luke Shaw potentially unfit again. However, Diogo Dalot can cover both sides, and Wan-Bissaka, despite his limitations, is a decent back up.
Tyrell Malacia will also eventually return and young Harry Amass has impressed during the tour and will stay at the club this year. If United bring in another senior, well-established left back, Amass’ route to the first team is well and truly blocked.
Another area to consider is the strikers and United have also struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. Nonetheless, Hojlund will not be injured forever and Joshua Zirkzee is a fine capture to change the dynamic of United’s play and contribute goals.
In addition, Amad Diallo and Jadon Sancho are basically like new players as both barely had much game time last season and are expected to be heavily involved this campaign.
Therefore, defensive midfield is the place United must invest. Unfortunately, it looks like without a McTominay sale, they won’t be able to spend big or grab their first choice Manuel Ugarte.
However, perhaps the capture of a Berge or Youssouf Fofana in the £25-30 million range would be a shrewd acquisition and they could go bigger in this area next year when the club’s finances are in a better state.
At the moment United are basically relying on Casemiro, who proved time and time again he cannot play regularly at this level anymore. It is hoped that United playing in a double pivot and having more possession, will play to the Brazilian’s strength as he shouldn’t be so brutally exposed anymore in transition, but it is still a gamble.
Toby Collyer has also broken through this pre-season and while he has shown undeniable talent, there are big question marks to whether he is ready to have significant game time. Therefore, due to the lack of depth in this area and reliable first team options, midfield is the area that United must prioritise.
Nonetheless, it must be stated United have issues in all areas mentioned and should they get a deal over the line to sell a McTominay or Wan-Bissaka, then of course this money must be spent on addressing other positions too.
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