There seems to be a pattern to Manchester United’s transfer targets so far this summer, with a lot of top young British talent being linked with the Red Devils.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could do with majorly rebuilding this side, not just for next season, but for years to come after some poor recent recruitment by the club.
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Much of Man Utd’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson was down to a core of homegrown players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothers, along with signings of elite young British talent like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.
It looks like there could now be a repeat of that this summer as MUFC are linked with some of the best talent in the country.
It is perhaps unlikely they’ll sign all of these players, but even two or three would represent good business, and if United fans feel like dreaming, here’s a look at how the team could line up next season if they were to rebuild around a new young British core…
James Maddison
According to the Independent, United are in pole position to sign 22-year-old Leicester City attacking midfielder James Maddison for around £60million.
The England Under-21 international impressed in his first season in the Premier League in 2018/19, finishing with seven goals and seven assists for the Foxes.
Maddison seems an ideal long-term Juan Mata replacement for United, and could well be the club’s best possible bet of finally replacing the legendary Paul Scholes.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Rated at around £70m by Crystal Palace, the Independent have also linked exciting 21-year-old right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka with the Red Devils this summer.
With another English youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold proving so important to Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, it seems vital for Man Utd to bring in a quality young full-back to boost their attack as well.
Of course, MUFC already have an exciting young talent in Diogo Dalot on their books, but with Antonio Valencia leaving this summer a new signing is surely also needed in case the Portuguese starlet struggles to cope with so quickly becoming first choice.
Daniel James
Long linked with a move to Man Utd, the Metro are among the sources to state £15m Swansea City starlet Daniel James looks to be on his way to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old Wales international has shown plenty of potential in the Championship, looking a similar style of pacey and direct winger to the legendary Ryan Giggs.
James is not the biggest name in the country right now, but he could prove a smart signing by United, who could do with following the example set by Tottenham in particular of trusting young players who impress in the lower leagues.
Harry Maguire
Not a young player after turning 26 this year, but Harry Maguire is another top England star and would join at the peak of his powers.
ESPN have linked the centre-back with United, though he’s also said to be a target for Manchester City for around £90m, according to the Sun.
It remains to be seen if United can win the race for his signature, but if they do it would be another superb addition to improve their struggling defence.
Declan Rice
Still only 20 years of age, Declan Rice won his first England call-up in the season just gone after some superb displays for West Ham.
A real all-rounder in midfield, Rice has been linked as a £50m target for Man Utd by the Daily Mirror in what sounds like a fine piece of business if they can get it done.
Here’s a look at how United could line up if they managed to get this £285m’s worth of business done…
Maguire and Wan-Bissaka going into that back four immediately makes it look much stronger, and those two young full-backs could be superb options for the club for many years to come.
Meanwhile, Rice looks a perfect partner for Paul Pogba in midfield, with the more defensive-minded youngster potentially allowing the Frenchman more freedom to do his thing going forward.
James would surely be an upgrade on struggling performers like Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard out wide, while Maddison behind the main centre-forward looks a fine way to improve the team’s attacking performances.