Manchester United could make Paul Pogba their next signing after nearing agreements with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Manchester United have confirmed their intentions of returning to the top of the Premier League by making big signings early in the summer transfer period.
Unlike years past when David Moyes and Louis van Gaal had to wait until late August to complete transfers for several players, the club has moved more swiftly this summer to make signings, and good ones at that. Whereas the former managers’ moves have provided mixed results – see Marouane Fellaini versus Anthony Martial – the recent transfers inspire far more confidence.
Disregarding personal opinion about his personality and simply looking at his career, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proven himself as a winner where ever he’s offered his services. In the Netherlands with Ajax he won the Eredivisie twice, in Italy with Juventus and Inter Milan he won the Seria A five times, then later once more with AC Milan. Similarly, in Spain he won La Liga with Barcelona and in France he won Ligue 1 four times with Paris Saint-Germain.
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How much of the Swede’s success can be accredited to his individual play versus the strength of his teams is up for debate, but there’s no denying he has the winning mentality that will benefit Manchester United. The Red Devils team needs an injection of confidence, borderline arrogance, to return to winning ways. With a legendary goalscoring ability and a knack for flair, Ibrahimovic will also excite the fans and get his team into the scoring column.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also bound for Manchester United after the club store accidentally gave customers the option to purchase next season’s away kit with the player’s name printed. Though the move has yet to be confirmed by either the club or the player, it seems inevitable that the Turkish international will be making his way to Old Trafford. Borussia Dortmund held out for as long as they could, but Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward were determined to land the star midfielder.
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Last season, the right wing was a weak spot in the squad, with neither Jesse Lingard or Juan Mata consistently performing form the flank. Mkhitaryan is a massive upgrade in the position given the season he had in the Bundesliga, and his transfer also allows Mourinho to play Mata centrally – if he chooses to keep him at Manchester United.
With all the improvement to the attacking unit, and the signing of Eric Bailly for the back-four, there is only one remaining void in the Manchester United team – central midfield. Paul Pogba has been heavily linked with a return to the Theatre of Dreams, along with a slew of other midfielders. But all signs indicate that the club is willing to splash the cash to improve the depth in the center of the pitch.
Whether or not Pogba completes the transfer, Woodward has already had his most successful transfer window with United. Rather than settling for second tier targets, the Red Devils are seemingly going after their primary options. Acquiring Ibrahimovic on a free transfer and Mkhitaryan for an affordable price are just added bonuses.
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There is certainly reason for optimism in the Manchester United supporters, though it will likely have a hint of caution. The club has made a clear signal that they are hoping for increased success rather than merely financial gains off the pitch.