Manchester United are coming off back-to-back wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City over the last seven days. Those two victories shouldn’t transform The Red Devils in a bonafide title contender, but should ease the fans. This team, despite their inconsistencies, seems to be on the right track. The fact that they have gone undefeated against last season’s Top Six (and Leicester City) should speak volumes about the potential of this squad.
That said, the January transfer window could be a good addition to strengthen the squad. The team still needs to address some deficiencies. Despite the recent scoring exploits, one of the priorities should be to try and sign a striker. Albeit an experienced, low-cost one. There’s no need to break the back and go for someone like Erling Haland, Moussa Dembele or Timo Werner midway into the season.
There’s no question The Red Devils have depth and potential on the attacking line. Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James have all performed well this season, and all of them are 24 years old or younger. Martial is, in fact, the older since he turned 24 last Thursday. James and Rashford are 22, while Greenwood just turned 18.
When it comes to attacking potential, the future of the club is set if these four players continue to improve. But they still need another proven, experienced option.
Which players could fit the mold of what Manchester United need?
Names such as Mario Mandzukic, Olivier Giroud or even Callum Wilson – though unlikely since he is a key man for Bournemouth – could be targeted. United need a player who can be proven at the Premier League, but that could be open to rotate in and out of the starting XI. That’s easier said than done, but the names are out there. United simply need to do what’s best for the long-term future of the club.
A title race could be ruled out since United are sitting 22 points behind league leaders Liverpool. But they can still target a Champions League return and a Top 4 finish. If that’s the case, then adding depth upfront should be a priority.
This is not the lone area United must strengthen, though. Adding another left-back to compete with Luke Shaw and a central midfielder – especially if Nemanja Matic leaves – could be alternatives as well. But the situation upfront should be addressed to avoid an excessive Rashford-dependency in the future.
Leave a Reply