According to Express, Manchester United boss, Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer had targeted four players in the recently concluded summer transfer window. Sean Longstaff, Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho and Paulo Dybala were the four desired targets for the Norwegian. And though the transfer market ended early in England, the Red Devils failed to sign a single one of them.
It’s needless to say that signing all four of those players in the same transfer window was close to impossible. But, in this article, we will discuss how each of these players could have helped plug the gaps and make United a strong title contender this season.
Sean Longstaff
Newcastle United’s Longstaff could have been an ideal fit to Solskjaer’s new-look Manchester United setup. The ex-Malmo boss has emphasised a lot on the development of young British players, having notably signed Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.
Longstaff, to that extent, is already regarded as one of the highly talented young English midfielders. The youngster showed a lot of promise during the second half of last season. And he could have provided Solskjaer with an additional option in the holding midfield role.
Nemanja Matic has struggled a lot in the past 12 months. As a result, Ole has had to rely on the services of young Scott McTominay. And the young Scot could have potentially developed an excellent partnership with Longstaff, forming an exciting midfield duo.
Jadon Sancho
With Juan Mata reaching the twilight of his career and Alexis Sanchez moving to Inter Milan on loan, Manchester United desperately needed a well-established winger. Sancho would have been a perfect signing, having made a massive impact at Borussia Dortmund last season.
The ex-Manchester City star has pace and trickery, which could have made United much more potent in the wider areas of the pitch. The English international’s partnership with international teammate Marcus Rashford would have been a genuinely exciting combo. And there is no doubt that the Red Devils should reignite their pursuit of Sancho next summer.
Christian Eriksen
Eriksen was a very gettable target for Manchester United this summer. The Danish international was keen to leave Tottenham Hotspur but a move away from north London never really materialised.
From a tactical perspective, Eriksen is one of the best playmakers in the world. His presence in the final third could have provided Manchester United with the spark of creativity. And that could have been useful, especially with pacy attackers like Rashford and Anthony Martial lurking in the final third.
Eriksen is also good at set-pieces, which is always a bonus for a team that boast the services of Maguire at the back. In the meantime, however, the Red Devils should keep close tabs on the midfielder’s situation at Spurs, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign.
Paulo Dybala
Dybala was hugely linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this summer. Juventus were extremely keen on offloading the Argentine international to cut down their wage bill. But, United’s lack of participation in the UEFA Champions League, coupled with the player’s hefty salary demands might have had a vital role behind the club’s failed pursuit.
Nonetheless, Dybala’s versatility and quality in the final third would have made an enormous difference. Besides, the ex-Palermo star has a lot of experience at the highest level of football and could have gelled well with the likes of Rashford and Martial along with Paul Pogba.
