Manchester United are aiming to create a third-place Premier League finish, with Champions League football also being thrown into the mix for the 2020-21 season.
Following the resumption of the season, Ole Gunner Soulschair ‘s Red Devils got a thrilling result, returning to Europe’s best club match during the United run-in.
But signings will be crucial if United are to bridge the gap between second-placed Manchester City and defending champions Liverpool.
Tony van de Peek has now completed his move from Ajax and signed a five-year contract with a one-year option. Jadon Sancho is a priority in the attack – it is said that Diod Upamekano is now on Soulskager’s wish list to improve his already strong defense.
With a lot of business to do, here’s how the Soulscagger side can see the new season …
Goalkeeper
This is part of what United thought they had settled when David de Gea signed a new long-term contract in September 2019.
However, in 2019/20 he led the way in reconsidering the risky format, with Dean Henderson likely to compete for the No. 1 jersey after returning from his loan at Sheffield United.
Despite De Gea’s trembling shots, Sergio Romero lost his role as United Cup keeper during the run-in. With Joel Pereira out of debt, it should come as no surprise to see De Gea and Henderson leaving Romero to fight it – but the Spaniards will start the season on target.
Security
The 21-year-old would be considered the first choice for Harry Maguire in federal defense if United confirm their interest in the submarine.
Victor Lindelof may be given the opportunity to keep his starting role up to par with English football, with Sweden developing a better understanding with Maguire last season.
However, Upamekano was the first choice on a team that reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, and United is unlikely to change that for the bench – even if he gets a big pay rise.
Aaron van-Pisa is on the right as Soulskeijer’s established first choice, while Diego Dolot has given this role some chances to make his final term, losing his backup role to Timothy Fosu-Mensa during the run-in.
On the left, Luke Shaw won his opening season over Brandon Williams. Williams will have plenty of chances in the left back, especially if Shaw’s injury issues continue.
Another option for the Soulschauer is to return to the defense of the three men he has used in the past: Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Eric Bailey, Bill Jones and Upamegano, while he is at the disposal of a young, high-quality defensive midfielder on the back cover team.
Midfield
Soulscare has plenty of options in the middle, but since he wants two holding players behind the attacking midfielder after the arrival of Bruno Fernandez, he will need to consider what a filtering season this will be.
Van de Peek is now featured in midfield, defensive and offensive midfield for Ajax in 2019/20.
The Netherlands international does not have to be a guaranteed starter to get out of the United bat, but his arrival will strengthen a team that sees less of a quality depth during the run-in.
Van de Peek will initially compete for opportunities in holding roles alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. Although Fred’s future is a little more uncertain after the arrival of Van de Peek, Scott McDominhe is seen as a long-term prospect for United – and Andreas Pereira is expected to be sold if a buyer can be found.
Van de Peek will have to spin with Fernandez in games where United are expected to dominate, especially when Soulscare balances domestic and Champions League games in the winter.
Attack
During the run-in, Anthony Marshall, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood all faced opposition defenses, while their ages – 24, 22 and 18, respectively – are yet to come.
However, when the trio failed to score, Soulscare was not exactly interested in the other options at its disposal. Don James played more football than anyone expected and needed more time to adapt. At the same time Soulscare seemed to have lost faith in Odeon Igalo.
Juan Mata is the team’s senior politician and still good at delivering quality, but it will be limited to cameos, so there is a clear need for more quality.
Sancho is United’s priority this summer, proving that a deal with Borussia Dortmund is difficult to pull off.
If United and Dortmund manage to find a solution that sees Sancho coming to Old Trafford, the England international will certainly be the first choice starter of the Soulshacker on the right side of the attack with Marshall up front and Rashford on the left.
It may seem tough on Greenwood, but Soulscare is keen to give the 18-year-old time to develop his game.
However, having the best young pioneers is a problem to push into the starting roles, as it will be Frank Lampard and Pep Cardiola this season, and the level at which United should be – let alone match with Liverpool.
So, here’s how Manchester United can line up with their potential signings next season …
(4-3-3): Di Jia; Van-Pisaka, Maguire, Upamekano, Shaw; Van de Peek, Bogba, Bruno Fernandez; Sancho, Martial, Rashford
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