Manchester United could pick up some bargains in the summer transfer window depending on who is relegated from the Premier League.
Manchester United have another important summer transfer window ahead of them. After a dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League and defeat in the Europa League final, the Reds had their work cut out as they looked to sign players last summer. Fast forward 12 months and United are in a much stronger position.
United really should qualify for next season’s Champions League. That means the transfer budget should be increased and United know they need a larger squad to cope with the increased number of fixtures. The Reds will be expected to spend big.
However, there will always be room for cut-price deals and they could be found at the bottom of the Premier League. MEN Sport has taken a look at the six clubs who could be relegated to the Championship and picked out a player from each who could improve United.
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Tyrone Marshall
Leeds United: There is a temptation to say Dominic Calvert-Lewin but I don’t think that is a deal worth doing now. As a free transfer last year perhaps he was worth a look, but that ship has sailed. I’d actually consider Anton Stach. If Manuel Ugarte goes I think United need three midfielders this season and Stach, 27, would be a good option as the third-choice. He’s impressed for Leeds this season.
Nottingham Forest: It’s got to be Elliot Anderson, hasn’t it? He’s United’s top midfield target and I think he’s an excellent player. The data backs it up as to his all-round abilities. There are a few good players at Forest who could move; they shouldn’t really be in this position.
Tottenham Hotspur: The same is true of Spurs. How on Earth are they flirting with relegation? Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are tempting, as is Dejan Kulusevski, who has been a big miss for Tottenham. But on the theme of midfield, let’s go for Archie Gray. He looks an excellent player and is mature beyond his years.
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West Ham United: Not as many options here. United need a left-winger and Crysencio Summerville has had a good run, but the sample size is small. Back on the midfield theme, let’s go with 21-year-old Mateus Fernandes, who looks worthy of a place in the Premier League.
Burnley: Hmmm. Not a lot to go at here. Maxime Esteve has looked decent, but United don’t need another young centre-back. Zian Flemming has done a job up front, but he isn’t Old Trafford quality. I’d take a risk on Jaidon Anthony, who could offer some depth on the flanks.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wolves have had a pretty decent end to the season, and there are a few players in that squad unlikely to be hanging around in the Championship. Midfield pair Andre and Joao Gomes fit that bill and I’d opt for Gomes, who is Premier League-proven and capable of being a squad player at least at United.
Andy Dunn
Leeds United: After all these years, Calvert-Lewin is still a prolific striker waiting to happen. He would thrive in a team that creates plenty of chances, as United do. But James Justin is a hugely underrated defender who would be a value-for-money utility player
Nottingham Forest: Even if Forest do not go down, there will be a transfer melee over Anderson, who, you suspect, has a release clause in his City Ground deal. Gibbs-White would also be a very attractive target.
Tottenham Hotspur: In terms of profile and age, Lucas Bergvall ticks a lot of boxes. You cannot have too many options in the centre of midfield and Bergvall is a mobile, intelligent operator who would be gettable at around the £40million mark.
West Ham United: Again, there would be a serious scrap for his services, but should the Hammers go down, United should flex their muscles and go all out for Bowen.
Burnley: There will not be a scramble for Burnley players, that is for sure, but one or two might raise an interest. And with central midfield being an area which needs strengthening, United might want to run a check on Anthony.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Amidst their troubled season, one youngster to catch the eye at Molineux has been Mateus Mane. He is a confident young man with an eye for the unexpected and a decent hit on him.
Jack Flintham
Leeds United: United need a striker and Calvert-Lewin has done well but has not scored in the Premier League since the start of February. I expect Altay Bayindir will leave and if he does, Karl Darlow could be a back-up option. He’s experienced, knows the Premier League and could do a job in the cup games.
Nottingham Forest: It is one of two for me. Morgan Gibbs-White was unfortunate not to make the England squad and could definitely add value to United’s midfield. However, Anderson is a top target for a reason and the Reds should be going all out to sign him.
Tottenham Hotspur: There will be bargains galore if Spurs go down. A centre-back would be nice in the summer and I would lean towards Van de Ven over Romero. The Argentine proved at Old Trafford that he cannot be trusted, while his defensive partner is way too good to be battling it out at the wrong end of the table.
West Ham United: The Irons will do everything to keep him but Jarrod Bowen is the standout player in their squad. You know exactly what you get from him.
Burnley: It is slim pickings at Turf Moor for United. Flemming’s record of eight goals in 22 Premier League games is decent for a side who have struggled to find the net. Whether he has the quality to really push Benjamin Sesko is unclear.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: A lot of the Wolves squad have helped themselves by putting up a fight since Rob Edwards joined. Gomes would be the midfielder I lean towards to fill the gap left behind by Casemiro. Matheus Cunha could help persuade him to move to the north west.
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