With the Summer transfer window shutting earlier than usual, it meant that Manchester United missed out on many marquee signings.
The date change is not an excuse though as they had a poor plan initially, which meant they only completed 1 marquee signing which was the Brazilian man Fred. Who is to be blamed for this horrible window which may cause them problems in the long-term?
But nonetheless, let’s get into it. Here are 3 players United need to get to strengthen their squad in January.
1. Toby Alderweireld
Manchester United are crying out for a world-class centre-back who is a proven Premier League player with experience at this level. Just look at the Brighton game and that tells the story- both Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof were at fault for the three goals United conceded.
There was a lack of leadership and communication at the back, it kind of implied a lack of understanding between each other. Two things Toby is known for are communication and leadership. So it almost seems that this man would be perfect for United.
Mourinho must be gutted that he didn’t get the Belgian in the summer window, but nonetheless, Mourinho and United could pounce for him in January as his contract expires next summer. I am sure Alderweireld will bring stability and solidity into United’s back-line but that is if United go for him.
2 Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey is another player whose contract is set to expire in the summer of 2019 and United are favourites to get the Welsh wizard. He would bring experience and energy into United’s midfield as he loves to get around.
But it could be argued that working under Mourinho will be a negative for him and his development. Ramsey is given freedom when he plays for Arsenal as he can roam around. But at United Mourinho will not allow that as he will have more of a fixed role meaning he won’t be able to play his natural game.
Ramsey could be put straight into the first team as he is a proven Premier League player. He could also assist with the development of Fred. As against Brighton, Fred struggled due to the intensity and pace of the game which means that he will need time to adapt. So Ramsey being there would allow Fred time to get used to the English game.
3. Thomas Meunier
Meunier is a player who performed very well for Belgium in the World Cup, as the Red Devils finished 3rd at this year’s World Cup. Thomas Meunier was a standout performer and was very consistent for his nation. He was being linked with United in the summer but talks never progressed between United and PSG.
With Luke Shaw really starting to stake his claim for that left-back position, the other real problem for United is the right-back position. It has been inhabited greatly by Antonio Valencia but with the Ecuadorian set to turn 34 next year, United need to look for a new right-back.
Diogo Dalot was a good acquisition, but he is definitely one for the future. Darmian is not good enough to be starting week in and week out for a club like Manchester United and hence, Meunier would be perfect. He is a very good crosser of the ball and will offer more in a defensive sense as he is a natural defender unlike current right-back Antonio Valencia.