Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping a major overhaul this summer.
It has been a topsy turvy past few days for Manchester United faithful. After a slew of stories emerging from the German media suggesting Jadon Sancho’s prospective move to Old Trafford being off the table, there is a European semi-final to take care of on Sunday.
Amid the Sancho narrative, Man United bosses remain optimistic of pulling off a major coup by luring one of brightest prospects this summer, with talks anticipated to accelerate once the Europa League campaign concludes.
Ed Woodward and Matt Judge, despite focussing on reviving the Sancho deal, have lined up several transfer negotiations in the pipeline. Likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Kalidou Koulibaly have dominated Manchester United stories, recently.
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For a long period of time, Solskjaer has communicated the areas of improvement to his paymasters. Seemingly, Luke Shaw’s fitness concerns have probably raised the need to reinforce left-back spot- which has been lower on the priority list for this summer.
Brandon Williams has enjoyed a fantastic campaign, which happens to be a breakthrough season which started with the reserve side. The emerging defender, at one point, jumped above Luke Shaw in the pecking order and his performances have been rewarded with an improved contract.
Just look at the curl on that 🤯#MUFC @MasonGreenwood pic.twitter.com/YaMOp6pqJe
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2020
The academy prospect has withered towards the tail end of the season, which is expected of a player who is experiencing senior football campaign for the first time. Furthermore, the lack of rest due to Shaw’s long-term injury has contributed to Williams’ sapped energy levels.
Left-back could prove to be an area of concern for the upcoming campaign- constituting a jampacked run of games- where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to close the gap on Premier League rivals. United management is reticent to entrust Shaw for the entirety of the next season.
In the list of possible targets, Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell is now understood to be on Manchester United’s radar, as per The Mirror. Thus far, Chelsea have been the favourites to land the England international despite baulking at £80million price-tag for the 23-year-old.
Citing the Foxes’ exorbitant demands, generating optimum funds to materialise the Chilwell deal could be a sticking point for Man United, who are prioritising Jadon Sancho transfer worth above £100million, at the moment.
But, the Reds could have a potential makeweight in Jesse Lingard, a target for Brendan Rodgers to add quality depth beside James Maddison, whose injury orchestrated a collapse for Leicester City, missing out on Champions League football for the 2020/21 campaign.
Having missed out on signing Adam Lallana to Brighton and Hove Albion, Man United could offer Lingard to sweeten the deal for Ben Chilwell, which looks highly unlikely, as things stand.
Do you think Man United will sign a left-back this summer?