By Tom Cole, published on 03/06/21

Whilst the progress under Ole is clear, the club still need a few players to challenge for Premier League titles

After a lacklustre summer transfer window before this season started, most fans were very happy to see Manchester United clinch 2^nd place with one game left to play. As Ole said to the crowd back in Old Trafford for the first time in over a year, being a runner-up is not an achievement, but we have closed the gap and I for one am glad the days of not knowing we would get Top 4 and Champions League qualification look over. we are a much more entertaining side to watch, and despite the Europa league final defeat many fans would still see this season as a success. However, we do not want to end up like Arsenal, accepting Top 4 as an achievement and not challenging for the title. I believe we only need to improve three key positions this summer for that to be possible.

Centre-Back

If fans didn’t realise how important Harry Maguire was to our side this season, his unfortunately timed injury surely has. Neither Bailly or Tuanzebe have seriously stepped up to fill the void, and Lindelof doesn’t look the same player without Harry by his side. I seriously rate Maguire as one of the best centre-backs in the league, his only restricting attribute being his pace. He has to be partnered up with someone who can run with attackers whilst Maguire does the dirtier side of defending, clearing crosses and being physically too much for many of the league’s strikers. Here are my realistic options for who we could look at.

The rumour mill has already begun and a name that seems to be popping up is Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, a highly rated defender who has been partner to Ramos during the incredible Champions League victories of the last few years. It is suggested that he could be available for as little as £40m, which in today’s market isn’t much at all. I think he would be the perfect match to Maguire, they would cover all the defensive basis between them, and Varane has plenty of experience playing in big league and European matches. If this deal is possible, it simply has to happen.

A second potential option would be Jules Kounde. The Sevilla defender has gained attention from a wide range of clubs after a few seasons of great performances for the Spanish side, but I would be cautious about this transfer. When Sevilla faced Dortmund in the Champions League, Kounde did not look himself up against the likes of Haaland, and I don’t think United should take a risk on a player who has the potential to be world class but isn’t quite there yet.

Centre-Defensive Midfielder

Ole’s style of football is clear, two holding midfielders behind Bruno Fernandes to control the game and begin attacks. Our fanbase seems split on the “McFred pivot” of McTominay and Fred, they have worked incredibly well together against teams such as PSG and throughout our unbeaten season away from home, but have been known to collapse against some harder teams in the League, they were dreadful against Liverpool the last time we played them. I think they are both great squad players to have, but it’s a position we have to improve on.

Look no further than Declan Rice. Rumours suggest our English players have spoken to Rice about a potential move this summer, but it is one that is going to cost. Arguably West Ham’s best player, they are now a European side looking for greater things, and do not want to be selling their greatest player. He controls games very well alongside Soucek and is the closest player to Kante that would be available this summer. You would expect them to be looking at close to £100m, and whilst Lingard may help in lowering that price, it would be a huge transfer for the club to sanction, which we all know they don’t do very often. A hopeful part of me thinks the Glazer’s might try to appease the fans by allowing a big transfer or two this summer, but I’m trying not to get carried away.

Right-Wing

I am a huge fan of Mason Greenwood and think he is the future of the club, but to me he looks like a central striker. With Cavani now staying for another year, neither Greenwood nor Rashford look comfortable being the right sided player in our front three. They can do the job, but our attacks just aren’t balanced enough against the top sides.

The Jadon Sancho saga must end this summer. It looked guaranteed that he would come in before this season began, but a fee could not be agreed that the club were happy with. Whilst looking like some shrewd business (we will probably get him cheaper this summer), there needs to be no messing about this time and get him before the Euros have begun. He can then bond with our large English contingent and come back knowing some of the squad ready for a proper pre-season. We would still be looking at £80m or more, but Sancho has proved he is worth the risk.

Conclusions

If we managed to get these three positions filled, we’ve got a huge chance at closing the gap on Manchester City and take advantage of our spot in the Champions League. It’s time for the board to back Ole after his hard work this season and soon we will be back at the top of the football pyramid.