Manchester United may need to search elsewhere.
Languishing away from the top-four contention in the mid-table region, Bruno Fernandes, after his arrival from Sporting CP in January, provided a much-needed inspiration to the Manchester United squad devoid of a goalscoring spark in the absence of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba through injuries.
Since his debut, the Portuguese playmaker has added a creative dimension to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s industrious midfield. Addition of Pogba and Rashford since resumption has elevated the scoring levels which, at full swing, could be considered at par with league’s best.
However, to an extent, the momentum has enervated as Solskjaer has been unable to rotate his attacking options much, with Bruno Fernandes starting all the games for United since the lifting of lockdown.
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The paucity of quality depth has been a major factor in United’s draining battery as they learn their Champions League fate, via league qualification, against Leicester City. Regardless of Champions League football next term, strengthening the attacking midfield has had been one of the priorities for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Jumping into the @ChampionsLeague 💪🏻 @ManUtd #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Le4dexz2kd
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) July 26, 2020
For the number ten role, Donny van de Beek, Jack Grealish, and James Maddison have been the candidates which United have monitored over the season’s course. Above the creative midfield, the wide attack is the utmost priority for Red Devils, with Jadon Sancho doing rounds.
There is an expectation of a significant effort from United’s negotiation contingent in the transfer market, setting a target of at least three summer signings. Since his brilliant individual showing in December at Old Trafford, Solskjaer wants Jack Grealish to compete for the playmaker’s role alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Coming as a mild setback for Manchester United, among the aforementioned targets, James Maddison could extend his stay at Leicester City, reports David Ornstein for The Athletic.
According to their story, the English playmaker as agreed an improved deal with the Foxes, increasing his weekly wage to £110,000 running for four seasons.
Despite the interest, United cooled their pursuit of Maddison, considering Leicester City’s upscale demands for their emerging playmaker. Recently, Manchester United have inclined towards Villa skipper Jack Grealish with Ajax’s Donny van de Beek as the fallback option.
Among cheaper alternatives, Man United have made their inquiry for Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez. Los Blancos are expecting around £23m for their Columbian superstar.
With elite European football on the horizon, Manchester United would have to make a few statement decisions in the transfer market as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer begins the next phase of his rebuild.
Who do you think Manchester United will sign with Champions League football next season?