Clubs are linked with so many players these days it can be hard to keep up, but we’ve just about got a list together of the ten main men most strongly linked with Manchester United this summer.
The Red Devils are looking set to be one of the busiest clubs in Europe this summer as they look in such dire need of strengthening a squad that lost its way last season, finishing sixth in the Premier League and failing to win a trophy.
MORE: Solskjaer warned about sealing Wan-Bissaka transfer for Manchester United
The team’s end-of-season form was as bad as anything Man Utd fans have seen since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and came as a stark reminder of the size of the task on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hands.
Still, some big names could be on their way to help improve the club’s fortunes next season, and we’ve ranked the ten main players linked with United in terms of how important they could be.
If MUFC can sign any two or three from this list it’ll surely go down as a good summer, and if they manage to bag a couple from the top five, even better!
10) Gareth Bale
Linked as a loan target for United by the Daily Mirror, it wouldn’t be a summer transfer window without some Gareth Bale to Man Utd rumours.
The Wales international has had a difficult time at the Bernabeu and might be a risky signing on an expensive permanent deal, though a loan seems sensible.
Even if Bale only joined for one season, he could make a decent impact and surely prove an upgrade on Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial.
There are probably better players out there right now, but as the Bale rumours continue, he makes our top ten players linked with the Red Devils.
9) Adrien Rabiot
A free agent this summer, Adrien Rabiot has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford by Le 10 Sport and others.
The France international might not be a priority in an ordinary transfer window, but as he’s going to be available for free, it makes sense for United to be taking a look at him.
A solid, intelligent midfield player capable of filling in a variety of roles in the centre of the park, Rabiot could be an ideal partner for Paul Pogba and a needed upgrade on the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fred.
8) Aaron Wan-Bissaka
An exciting young player, but we haven’t ranked Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka too high on our list due to so many other big names also being linked with United.
On top of that, it’s claimed by the Evening Standard that the 21-year-old would likely cost around £60m this summer – which seems a bit steep if you ask us.
Wan-Bissaka could be an ideal long-term replacement for the departing Antonio Valencia, but in Diogo Dalot, United already have a quality young right-back so don’t need to go spending a fortune on another.
7) Jan Oblak
A big story yesterday from ESPN – Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak wants to leave this summer and MUFC would be his preferred destination.
ESPN have also linked the Slovenian shot-stopper with Man Utd in recent times, and while a new goalkeeper shouldn’t necessarily be a top priority unless David de Gea definitely leaves, many could argue this signing would represent an upgrade in that position.
It all depends on what happens with De Gea, but one imagines United won’t want to lose someone who’s been such a consistent world class performer for them for so long, and a new contract will instead be a priority.
6) Bruno Fernandes
Linked by the Mirror and others with United, Bruno Fernandes has just enjoyed a hugely impressive season for Sporting Lisbon.
It’s little surprise that the Red Devils and others are now being talked up as interested in the Portugal international, who at this point looks like he could even be an upgrade on the inconsistent Paul Pogba, let alone a decent partner for him.
With 28 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season, Fernandes seems ideal to give Solskjaer’s side more quality in the final third.
5) Harry Maguire
BBC Sport are the latest to link Harry Maguire as a target for United, and given their needs at centre-back, there’s no doubt the England international could be one of the best signings they make this summer.
There are of course slightly better defenders out there, but Maguire may well be their most realistic hope and they could also do far, far worse.
4) James Maddison
In another potential raid on Leicester City, James Maddison has also been linked a few times with MUFC of late.
The Independent recently claimed United were looking in pole position to win the race for the in-demand 22-year-old, who has also been linked with a number of other top clubs after a superb first season in the top flight last term.
Maddison, like Fernandes or Rabiot, could be a superb addition to improve United’s quality in midfield, with the England Under-21 international perhaps best suited to coming in as a long-term replacement for Juan Mata in a number ten role.
3) Christian Eriksen
Another world class attacking midfielder linked with United, ESPN listed Christian Eriksen as one of the club’s targets alongside Maddison to replace Paul Pogba if he leaves.
The Denmark international has been a joy to watch in recent years in the Premier League and seems absolutely ideal to help take this MUFC squad forward.
It might be an ambitious deal and a centre-back is more of a priority, but we’re placing Eriksen pretty high on our rankings – a superb buy if United can somehow pull it off.
2) Kalidou Koulibaly
One of the very finest defenders in the world right now, Kalidou Koulibaly could have a Virgil van Dijk-like effect on Man Utd next season if they could get their hands on him.
According to Corriere dello Sport, as translated by the Sun, the Red Devils have tried a big-money bid and seen it rejected by Napoli, so this is not going to be an easy one to pull off.
Still, it might be worth trying a bigger offer, as, apart from the next guy on our list, we can’t think of a more important signing United could make this summer.
1) Matthijs de Ligt
This one may well be out of reach by now, but as long as there’s still a glimmer of hope, United should do all they can to win the race for Matthijs de Ligt.
The latest is that Barcelona have agreed a £67m transfer fee with Ajax for the 19-year-old, who is seemingly still making up his mind about where to go next.
The Independent, meanwhile, have claimed PSG look likely to beat United and Barcelona to De Ligt’s signature, and it’s clear he could strengthen pretty much any team in the world right now.
If United can land De Ligt, however, it could be an important first step to helping the club get back to the top, with the Netherlands international capable of being a star for them for the next decade or more, whilst also immediately giving them a major upgrade on their current crop of central defenders.
It may be a fading dream at this point, but a dream signing nevertheless, and top of our list of rankings.
