Manchester United players are currently on the international break. The Premier League action will continue next weekend, but until then, we will be looking at some for possibilities for the Devils in the following transfer windows.
We know, Jose Mourinho’s situation is still not completely certain and his relationship with Ed Woodward seems toxic, almost untenable. However, we will be looking into some players that could improve Man United, either right now or in the longer term, either in the January transfer window or next summer.
Nikola Milenkovic
We wrote recently about Nikola Milenkovic and he most certainly needs to be on this list. The Fiorentina defender turned 21 this Friday and his abilities have caught the eye of Atletico Madrid, but also that of Jose Mourinho. He watched him on Thursday commanding Serbia’s defence from its centre in a 2-0 win.
Milenkovic is a tall, strong and gifted central defender that currently plays as right back for Fiorentina. So, he can be helpful in different positions, but his primary position is centre-back. He reads the ball well and has a long stride, he is very confident in 1v1 situations and plays with maturity. Also, on a relaxed note, being Serbian central defender helps when at Manchester United.
Nicolas Pepe
Many do not know who Nicolas Pepe is, but it would not hurt anyone to monitor him. Pepe is Lille’s 23-years old Ivorian who plays mostly as a right winger. That is a position United need strengthening. He scored six goals and had four assists in Ligue 1 this season, taking part in 1.125 goals per 90 minutes.
It is still hard to say where he might end up in his career, but if Pepe continues like this throughout the season, then he might be worth the risk.
Adrien Rabiot
Paris Saint-Germain’s defensive midfielder might be an odd choice here, but it is not illogical. Rabiot is 23, has bags of experience in Champions League football and can still improve. However, PSG might be tempted to sell him next summer if he a) does not gel perfectly into Thomas Tuchel’s frenzy football and b) PSG need the money to accommodate some new signings or even out their Financial Fair Play numbers.
He is a modern defensive midfielder and his peak years are still ahead of him, too.
Ruben Neves
The only Premier League based player on this list is Ruben Neves. That is not a surprise. What was a surprise was when Wolves announced him as their signing in summer of 2017, whilst still playing in Championship. That might be someone’s argument against him, as he played in English second tier, but he is also the player many Champions League sides would love to have him in their team this season.
He was Porto’s captain at 20 when he played in Champions League and he is still developing into a really good player. Also, his reason was to come to England to become part of one of the great clubs. Neves is also Portuguese, which could help him if he ever joins the club, with Jorge Mendes being a good link to Mourinho.
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