Manchester United transfer focus: Got, got need! Summer transfer targets for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to look at at Old Trafford
There are not too many 'gots' and plenty of 'needs' for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to think about during the summer transfer window at Manchester United.
Got: World-class goalkeeper
For now, having David De Gea remains a big plus despite the Spaniard making some uncharacteristic mistakes last season, but which Manchester United player didn't?
He's saved the club a large amount of points over the years and recent seasons could have been much worse had he not been between the sticks.
There have, however, been some rumblings about De Gea's future and contract situation at Old Trafford - and the club could now offer him a new deal, a great decision considering they need more players of his pedigree in the team. They need to concentrate on strengthening other areas rather than replacing De Gea.
With an assured team in front of him, the 28-year-old can get back to his best.
Got: Paul Pogba
OK, so hear us out on this one as Pogba is being singled out as the main problem at Manchester United - yet he also holds the key to their future one way or another.
The haircuts, the emojis, the social media presence all disguise the fact that Pogba is a huge talent, as Solskjaer recognises as he wants to keep the Frenchman at Old Trafford and build his team around him. The manager is certain he can get that elusive best form out of him if he stays.
Pogba says he wants a new challenge, so the club will quickly have to sort out what they want to do with him - and if he'll put his head down rather than becoming a problem if they refuse to sell him this summer.
When on form, he has shown to be a difference-maker so if Solskjaer can strengthen elsewhere and gear everything into providing a platform for Pogba to perform then he could be the man to drag the club back into relevance, but that's also looking like a high-risk strategy.
There is another way Pogba can help out though, and that's if United do let him leave and pocket a hefty transfer fee for one of the most marketable players on the planet. Clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona all know they will sell plenty of shirts and get plenty of value even for £100m-plus if they sign him, while he looks far more suited to Spanish and Italian football.
If those funds are spent wisely then Pogba could even provide for United's future even when leaving the club..
Need: Leaders & identity
It's hard to know where to start with United - a new defence is needed for sure and upgrades around the pitch, but perhaps the biggest change that needs to come at Old Trafford is in the attitude and collective ambition of the club as a whole.
You can't deny that De Gea, Pogba, Romeul Lukaku and Marcus Rashford are all quality players, but the truth is that, despite an upturn when Solskjaer arrived, the output has just not matched the talent levels at this club.
Pogba is not the only problem, there seems to be a lack of identity and action plan both on and off the field, and that comes right from the very top. The fact ex-players such as Gary Neville point the finger at the club officials making the transfer policy speaks volumes - they are in need of a huge overhaul from the top down.
There's a hint that Solskjaer will be charged with bringing young prospects to the club and develop more of a team ethic, but that would also need some big-name players with experience to help guide the younger crop and change the dressing room culture for the better.
Pogba says he wants a new challenge, United want to keep him, and that lack of clarity on the situation just about sums up the muddle United are in. The Pogba problem needs sorting one way or another, and if it's not him then a new leader or leaders for this team must be found.
- The dream signings: Matthijs de Ligt and/or Harry Maguire,
De Ligt is a name that can go on the list of dream signings for every Premier League club, but at 19 years old and captaining Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals, he has shown serious leadership qualities and you could see him at Old Trafford.
The club really should offer De Ligt, and his agent, everything they want to lure him to Old Trafford and promise to build the team around him - being the cornerstone in turning this club around is still an appealing prospect. However, given the likes of PSG, Barcelona and Juventus are also in the chase for the young Dutchman, United look likely to miss out.
Maguire is another option who has been linked with the club for some time, but the asking price of £80m is putting United off, while having Man City also interested won't help their chances.
- The realistic signings: Issa Diop, Youri Tielemans and Aaron Wan-Bisakka
Young talents who have all been strongly linked with a switch to the Red Devils. Diop has been strongly rumoured recently after impressing for West Ham and he could command a fee of around £45 million - with a United player potentially going the other way.
Belgian midfielder Tielemans impressed in his loan spell at Leicester in the second half of last season and central midfield is another position that needs bolstering after Ander Herrera's departure. Another player that needs replacing is Antonio Valencia, with young Palace right-back Wan-Bisakka a top target. The player is said to be keen on a move, but he could cost around £70 million.
Odds of the likely signings
- 1/5 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- 4/11 James Maddison
- 8/15 Bruno Fernandes
- 4/5 Sean Longstaff
- 5/6 Adrien Rabiot
- Evens Harry Maguire
- 11/8 Thomas Meunier
- 13/8 Jadon Sancho
- 7/4 Gareth Bale
- 2/1 IssadDop
Odds correct as of 2000 BST on 16/06/19