How many players do we need to sign this summer?

[FrankWhite]

In my opinion, the 3 mains things we need are:
1) Resign Pogba, quality like this just isn't out there. That being said, I think he needs to become just a little bit more defensively solid so he can play in a 2 man midfield in big games.
2) A proper DM, after watching West ham games, I think Declan Rice would be a fantastic option to partner Pogba. Our current crop just aren't good enough. Rice not only has the composure that we currently lack, he is also better defensively than any of our current options.
3) A starting right forward/ winger. I am so sick of how left sided our attack is. Love Greenwood but he's not the answer and he should really be looking to challenge Martial for the CF position. Diallo should be a backup to the starter. Fixing this will make us a much more balanced attack. Hopefully we can get Sancho for this position.

I think the CB situation though not great, is manageable for now. Lindelof and Maguire are both very good defenders. Though the partnership lacks pace, getting a proper DM and better balance in attack will indirectly help out our defence.

As for the centre forward position, as odd as it sounds, especially giving a few Martial chances missed recently, the bigger issue I think is that we don't dominate games to create sustained periods of pressure and nor do we create enough chances. Hopefully getting the right side sorted will address this and greenwood can challenge for the starting role here too.

 

[Brad2020]

In my opinion, the 3 mains things we need are:
1) Resign Pogba, quality like this just isn't out there. That being said, I think he needs to become just a little bit more defensively solid so he can play in a 2 man midfield in big games.
2) A proper DM, after watching West ham games, I think Declan Rice would be a fantastic option to partner Pogba. Our current crop just aren't good enough. Rice not only has the composure that we currently lack, he is also better defensively than any of our current options.
3) A starting right forward/ winger. I am so sick of how left sided our attack is. Love Greenwood but he's not the answer and he should really be looking to challenge Martial for the CF position. Diallo should be a backup to the starter. Fixing this will make us a much more balanced attack. Hopefully we can get Sancho for this position.

I think the CB situation though not great, is manageable for now. Lindelof and Maguire are both very good defenders. Though the partnership lacks pace, getting a proper DM and better balance in attack will indirectly help out our defence.

As for the centre forward position, as odd as it sounds, especially giving a few Martial chances missed recently, the bigger issue I think is that we don't dominate games to create sustained periods of pressure and nor do we create enough chances. Hopefully getting the right side sorted will address this and greenwood can challenge for the starting role here too.

Totally agree with Paul Pogba, he's just not replaceable....but I'm not sure he'll resign.

Again totally agree. A CDM should be top priority, Declan Rice might be too expensive though, so you'll probably have to look outside the Premier League

As much as I would like Sancho or any other right winger, I think another center back is more important. United continually play Fred and McTominay against the other top 5, because Oli doesn't trust the defense....at least not the Lindelof & Maguire as a pairing.

 

[Okey]

In my opinion, the 3 mains things we need are:
1) Resign Pogba, quality like this just isn't out there. That being said, I think he needs to become just a little bit more defensively solid so he can play in a 2 man midfield in big games.
2) A proper DM, after watching West ham games, I think Declan Rice would be a fantastic option to partner Pogba. Our current crop just aren't good enough. Rice not only has the composure that we currently lack, he is also better defensively than any of our current options.
3) A starting right forward/ winger. I am so sick of how left sided our attack is. Love Greenwood but he's not the answer and he should really be looking to challenge Martial for the CF position. Diallo should be a backup to the starter. Fixing this will make us a much more balanced attack. Hopefully we can get Sancho for this position.

I think the CB situation though not great, is manageable for now. Lindelof and Maguire are both very good defenders. Though the partnership lacks pace, getting a proper DM and better balance in attack will indirectly help out our defence.

As for the centre forward position, as odd as it sounds, especially giving a few Martial chances missed recently, the bigger issue I think is that we don't dominate games to create sustained periods of pressure and nor do we create enough chances. Hopefully getting the right side sorted will address this and greenwood can challenge for the starting role here too.

Yep. Totally agree with you. Of course in an ideal world we'd love to upgrade most positions, but ain't gonna happen. Adding a quality DM and RW to our current squad will elevate us quite a few degrees, even with our current obvious limitations. They're the most pressing needs. Especially a DM. Our failings in keeping the ball in the middle of the park border on criminal negligence.

 

[padzilla]

A defensive midfielder is an absolute must, we are playing two players in that position at the minute to compensate for the fact we have no specialist in that position. As a result we are losing out on so much in terms of dictating because our midfield is so deep, whoever we sign also needs to be able to pass the ball forward with each pass - when Keane and Carrick played there it was nearly always a simple pass but it was also nearly always forward. Fred and McTominay don't give us that - if we go into next season with those as lynchpins of our midfield then it will be more of the same sadly.

 

[croadyman]

A defensive midfielder is an absolute must, we are playing two players in that position at the minute to compensate for the fact we have no specialist in that position. As a result we are losing out on so much in terms of dictating because our midfield is so deep, whoever we sign also needs to be able to pass the ball forward with each pass - when Keane and Carrick played there it was nearly always a simple pass but it was also nearly always forward. Fred and McTominay don't give us that - if we go into next season with those as lynchpins of our midfield then it will be more of the same sadly.

Yeah it's scary the penny still hasn't dropped for Ole in regards to signing a DM who can actually do the job by themselves rather than having to play 2 and neither of which is good enough on the ball either meaning we lose many midfield battles

 

[stevoc]

We need a top striker, right winger, defensive midfielder and a new centre back. So thats at least £200-300m depending on who we went for so they aren't all coming in one window, especially with the financial effects of covid.

In terms of priority id go with:

1, Right Winger
2, Centreback
3, Striker
4, Defensive Midfielder

And of course if Pogba leaves we'll have to replace him too. Van Gaal and Mourinho really made a complete clusterfeck of building this squad. We'd need to spend £300-400m in one window to address all the issues properly, The Glazers will obviously never do that so it's up to Ole and his staff to scout a few gems for reasonable fees.

 

[kerryman]

In my opinion, the 3 mains things we need are:
1) Resign Pogba, quality like this just isn't out there. That being said, I think he needs to become just a little bit more defensively solid so he can play in a 2 man midfield in big games.
2) A proper DM, after watching West ham games, I think Declan Rice would be a fantastic option to partner Pogba. Our current crop just aren't good enough. Rice not only has the composure that we currently lack, he is also better defensively than any of our current options.
3) A starting right forward/ winger. I am so sick of how left sided our attack is. Love Greenwood but he's not the answer and he should really be looking to challenge Martial for the CF position. Diallo should be a backup to the starter. Fixing this will make us a much more balanced attack. Hopefully we can get Sancho for this position.

I think the CB situation though not great, is manageable for now. Lindelof and Maguire are both very good defenders. Though the partnership lacks pace, getting a proper DM and better balance in attack will indirectly help out our defence.

As for the centre forward position, as odd as it sounds, especially giving a few Martial chances missed recently, the bigger issue I think is that we don't dominate games to create sustained periods of pressure and nor do we create enough chances. Hopefully getting the right side sorted will address this and greenwood can challenge for the starting role here too.

And how many games has he played in the past two seasons? He seems injury prone as well as inconsistent. He's pretty average in the vast majority of games he plays. Overrated.

 

[padzilla]

Yeah it's scary the penny still hasn't dropped for Ole in regards to signing a DM who can actually do the job by themselves rather than having to play 2 and neither of which is good enough on the ball either meaning we lose many midfield battles

Could not agree more. It's had such a negative effect on the team not having one player who can act as a shield for the defence and pass the ball forward in possession. Matic was no doubt bought for that reason but he's about five years past his best at this stage.

 

[padzilla]

And how many games has he played in the past two seasons? He seems injury prone as well as inconsistent. He's pretty average in the vast majority of games he plays. Overrated.

That is something is never mentioned about Pogba but he is massively injury prone - he must miss close to half a season each year because of fitness issues.

 

[Drizzle]

How many players do we need to sign? 5. CB, DM, RW, ST, RB.

But we can't sign 5, nor can we sign more than one very expensive player, because Glazers.

Best we can hope for is 3: one top dollar signing, a prospect, and perhaps a smart end of contract signing.

I still think Sancho would transform the way we attack. A wide forward who can retain possession, share the burden of creativity with Bruno and mean that we have a threat down the right for the first time in years. That allows Greenwood to become backup striker meaning we could get by there for another season, and Diallo and James backup RWs.

I don't think we're spending big on a centre back. £30-40m gets us a prospect like Torres or ideally an elite centre back like Varane coming to the end of his contract.

And perhaps a young DM like Bissouma. We can't afford an elite one, but a hardworking specialist could at least balance the midfield and allow Pogba and even McTominay to play a bit more advanced as a genuine 8.

Still leaves us short of right back cover unless Laird comes on.

If Pogba goes then get Grealish and play him as an 8.

Finally, we must make proper use of VDB. Even if he's a mistake, he's in the squad now and we can't afford to freeze out what is a good young player.

That would allow us to take a step forward. Probably not a genuine title challenge because we'd still have weaknesses.

Murtagh and Judge have their work cut out.

 

[Bastian]

I wonder if the club will use the next shirt sponsor deal to do some much needed work this summer and then try to keep things on an even keel after that.

Have there been any rumours of a new sponsor? How long did they extend the last deal..?

 

[AaronRedDevil]

There’s going to be a massive demand for a striker this summer in the PL. Chelsea are getting sick of Werner and City don’t really have one anywhere near as good as Ageuro. It’s not the most crucial position we need but Haaland would improve us in a lot of ways. Only way to get him is that we sell Martial and De Gea to make funds to the inevitable bidding war. Everyone knows United desperately need a proper right winger, CDM and a CB. Least we have players in other position to do some job, we have no one on the right and no Greenwood isn’t a RW or even a good one, he should be up front. Diallo is too young and putting that pressure on him is moronic.

 

[Judas]

In no particular order: ST, RW, DM, CB. If Pogba goes another creative midfielder would also then be a massive priority. There's a hell of a lot to do.

 

[laughtersassassin]

We need to show some bloody ambition. Our transfer windows are pathetic 2/3 times.

They show no intent to try catch the top teams

 

[laughtersassassin]

There’s going to be a massive demand for a striker this summer in the PL. Chelsea are getting sick of Werner and City don’t really have one anywhere near as good as Ageuro. It’s not the most crucial position we need but Haaland would improve us in a lot of ways. Only way to get him is that we sell Martial and De Gea to make funds to the inevitable bidding war. Everyone knows United desperately need a proper right winger, CDM and a CB. Least we have players in other position to do some job, we have no one on the right and no Greenwood isn’t a RW or even a good one, he should be up front. Diallo is too young and putting that pressure on him is moronic.

We are the team who needed a striker the longest so I won't be stomaching any excuses that we can't compete with city and Chelsea.

All there is with this club is excuses why we can't do things.

Last summer has been a massive set back as we didn't address a single major issue

 

[FrankWhite]

And how many games has he played in the past two seasons? He seems injury prone as well as inconsistent. He's pretty average in the vast majority of games he plays. Overrated.

Whilst I agree that he has been in and out of the team with injuries, I disagreed about the pretty average in most games part. In the games leading up to his injury, he was the only player really makes things happen offensively, scoring/creating vital goals. The more important reason why I would resign Pogba is that we currently just don't have another player in the position with enough quality. Selling (last year of contract won't generate a lot of revenue) will mean having to sign a 3rd starter (DM and RW being the first two). When was the last time we signed 2? Hopefully next season's injuries will be better with more spread out fixtures but even if Pogba misses some games, MCsauce is a decent replacement (not a starter though).

 

[croadyman]

We need a top striker, right winger, defensive midfielder and a new centre back. So thats at least £200-300m depending on who we went for so they aren't all coming in one window, especially with the financial effects of covid.

In terms of priority id go with:

1, Right Winger
2, Centreback
3, Striker
4, Defensive Midfielder

And of course if Pogba leaves we'll have to replace him too. Van Gaal and Mourinho really made a complete clusterfeck of building this squad. We'd need to spend £300-400m in one window to address all the issues properly, The Glazers will obviously never do that so it's up to Ole and his staff to scout a few gems for reasonable fees.

Totally agree about those being the areas of the team that we most need to address but DM simply has to be higher than fourth place surely, look there is no doubt we are lacking a CB with pace but can't help thinking if we had someone better in front of them we would look more confident. I am still hoping that Eddy will sign on again for another year and we can delay the ST signing until next summer. In regards to RW something has to be done there as it has been neglected pretty much since Nani played there in 12/13 and doesn't have to be Sancho either.

 

[stevoc]

Totally agree about those being the areas of the team that we most need to address but DM simply has to be higher than fourth place surely, look there is no doubt we are lacking a CB with pace but can't help thinking if we had someone better in front of them we would look more confident. I am still hoping that Eddy will sign on again for another year and we can delay the ST signing until next summer. In regards to RW something has to be done there as it has been neglected pretty much since Nani played there in 12/13 and doesn't have to be Sancho either.

The only position i'm convinced is our priority is right wing, the whole side is lop sided because of it. Yeah a top DM would definitely help the current defenders no doubt. Of the 4 positions we at least have the numbers at centreback to get through another season and maybe reinforce there next year.

 

[M Bison]

Even if Pogba leaves, I don’t see us bringing in a CM. I expect to see more of VdB next season and possibly Garner playing more.

I think we’ll bring in 1 player for the first 11, at a push 2, possibly Sancho and a CB, but other than that I don’t see us going big this summer.

 

[croadyman]

The only position i'm convinced is our priority is right wing, the whole side is lop sided because of it. Yeah a top DM would definitely help the current defenders no doubt. Of the 4 positions we at least have the numbers at centreback to get through another season and maybe reinforce there next year.

Yeah we are next to non existent at RW and zero depth at all for DM

 

[croadyman]

Even if Pogba leaves, I don’t see us bringing in a CM. I expect to see more of VdB next season and possibly Garner playing more.

I think we’ll bring in 1 player for the first 11, at a push 2, possibly Sancho and a CB, but other than that I don’t see us going big this summer.

Not replacing him would be a monumental mistake especially when we need a proper CDM anyway

 

[M Bison]

Not replacing him would be a monumental mistake especially when we need a proper CDM anyway

I agree, but presumably that was what VdB was signed for.

 

[anant]

I'd like us to strengthen just 3 positions:
1. Striker - Possibly the most pressing issue right now, as Martial is still inconsistent and Cavani is quite old to play 60 games a season. I'd love it if we sign Haaland.
2. DM - The only reason why our creativity sucks is because McFred going forward aren't that great. Having someone like Rice would mean that we can play with Pog, Bruno and a proper front 3.
3. CB - Need a fitter version of Bailly honestly. While I like Lindelof and think he has a place in the team, Maguire and Lindelof as a partnership isn't that great as their strengths are similar and they do not complement each other.

While I realize Haaland + Rice isn't going to happen, I'd like us to sign Haaland and an experienced CB for the short term this season, and maybe hope Garner can slot in somehow.

As far as Outs are concerned - I'd sell AP, Dalot, Lingard, Jones, one of Cavani/Martial (Cavani might be leaving, in case not then sell Martial as he wouldn't be getting a lot of game time), one of Dave/Henderson, release Mata, Romero, and if we can sign a top DM then sell Fred as well. But I just don't see this much of transfer activity from us, but the thing is we still would have good squad depth after selling all these players

 

[jderbyshire]

Goldbridge has just been on live saying he's talked to a 'contact' about potential transfer news.

Probably all bollocks, but... Bit of fun eh...

Apparently, the number one priority is a CB. No names mentioned though.

Also, ruled out deals this summer for Haaland (far too expensive) and Rice (doesn't want to leave London)

Indecision at the club about going back in for Sancho.

 

[croadyman]

I agree, but presumably that was what VdB was signed for.

Should he not have been given a proper chance there from the Everton game when Pogba got injured through to Chelsea where he looks to have picked up a knock himself

 

[croadyman]

Goldbridge has just been on live saying he's talked to a 'contact' about potential transfer news.

Probably all bollocks, but... Bit of fun eh...

Apparently, the number one priority is a CB. No names mentioned though.

Also, ruled out deals this summer for Haaland (far too expensive) and Rice (doesn't want to leave London)

Indecision at the club about going back in for Sancho.

Didn't someone post something here earlier about walking away from Jadon and putting all their eggs in the Amad basket

 

[M Bison]

Should he not have been given a proper chance there from the Everton game when Pogba got injured through to Chelsea where he looks to have picked up a knock himself

I’m not disagreeing with you, just playing devils advocate.

 

[KD6-3.7]

First and foremost we need some new coaching staff. Carrick, Phelan and Mckenna don't cut it. If Ole stays at least need someone to challenge him when things clearly aren't working.

But in terms of positions our priorities need to be RW, CDM, ST and CB but I highly doubt we have the money so I'd say we'll get maybe two at most, I just hope it's someone for the RW because I can't take another year of shoehorning strikers or Daniel James in that position.

 

[432JuanMata]

RW,DM,ST,CB is needed.
If the thread is taking about to win the league and challenge city then we need them all to be near the best in their position. This is nothing against Ole, he has a great record against Pep but City have a better team and better manager so we need to get a better team than them to challenge and that will be about 9-10 players

 

[kerryman]

Whilst I agree that he has been in and out of the team with injuries, I disagreed about the pretty average in most games part. In the games leading up to his injury, he was the only player really makes things happen offensively, scoring/creating vital goals. The more important reason why I would resign Pogba is that we currently just don't have another player in the position with enough quality. Selling (last year of contract won't generate a lot of revenue) will mean having to sign a 3rd starter (DM and RW being the first two). When was the last time we signed 2? Hopefully next season's injuries will be better with more spread out fixtures but even if Pogba misses some games, MCsauce is a decent replacement (not a starter though).

The stats don't lie...
Pogba managed 16 appearances last season scoring 3 goals with 3 assists and 19 appearances this season scoring 1 goal with 0 assists.
Compare that to McTominay who played 27 games last season with 4 goals, 1 assist and 24 games this season with 4 goals, 1 assist.
Pogba is talented no doubt but overrated and along with injuries and fitness issues, I just don't think he's worth what we pay him every week.
It shouldn't be too difficult to find another midfielder who is an improvement in terms of appearances, goals, assists, workrate etc. He is stealing a living the last two seasons, being paid as one of the top players n the EPL, only appearing in 35 out of 66 games (barely over half) and rarely playing like he supposedly can. Yes Pogba is famous and one of the most recognisable footballers currently but let's face it...it's not for his exploits on the football field.

 

[Devil may care]

We need 4, 5 if Pogba goes. If we get 2 good signings with our board I'd be happily surprised.

 

[ShinjiNinja26]

I think to put in a serious title challenge next season we need at least 3 first team signings at CB, RW and ST. I know we are in need of a top DM as well but providing Pogba stays I think we could cope with are current midfield options if we fill these other positions. Although it has to be quality signings e.g Sancho, Haaland type players.

 

[lex talionis]

I think to put in a serious title challenge next season we need at least 3 first team signings at CB, RW and ST. I know we are in need of a top DM as well but providing Pogba stays I think we could cope with are current midfield options if we fill these other positions. Although it has to be quality signings e.g Sancho, Haaland type players.

Spot on, mate.

 

[croadyman]

I think to put in a serious title challenge next season we need at least 3 first team signings at CB, RW and ST. I know we are in need of a top DM as well but providing Pogba stays I think we could cope with are current midfield options if we fill these other positions. Although it has to be quality signings e.g Sancho, Haaland type players.

I'd like us to strengthen just 3 positions:
1. Striker - Possibly the most pressing issue right now, as Martial is still inconsistent and Cavani is quite old to play 60 games a season. I'd love it if we sign Haaland.
2. DM - The only reason why our creativity sucks is because McFred going forward aren't that great. Having someone like Rice would mean that we can play with Pog, Bruno and a proper front 3.
3. CB - Need a fitter version of Bailly honestly. While I like Lindelof and think he has a place in the team, Maguire and Lindelof as a partnership isn't that great as their strengths are similar and they do not complement each other.

While I realize Haaland + Rice isn't going to happen, I'd like us to sign Haaland and an experienced CB for the short term this season, and maybe hope Garner can slot in somehow.

As far as Outs are concerned - I'd sell AP, Dalot, Lingard, Jones, one of Cavani/Martial (Cavani might be leaving, in case not then sell Martial as he wouldn't be getting a lot of game time), one of Dave/Henderson, release Mata, Romero, and if we can sign a top DM then sell Fred as well. But I just don't see this much of transfer activity from us, but the thing is we still would have good squad depth after selling all these players

I think you would have to add RW as well but then something tells me we will put all our faith in Amad because everyone at the club seems to prioritise CB over anything else and they probably feel that's the only position we can spend this summer, so in other words we will either have to buy dirt cheap at RW/ST or maybe Ole is forced to make do with what we have yet again

 

[lysglimt]

If we get in a super striker (and I mean someone who gets us 20 goals in a season) and one of 5-6 best centrebacks available, we should be ready to challenge. If you look at every game we haven't won this season, we could have won if we had a goalpoacher or a slightly better defender. It's not like we haven't had chances to win every single game we have played. It's just that little difference missing.

If Erling Haaland had been our striker this season, we would still have been in with a shout to win the league.

 

[snk123]

Why is Grealish not even in the discussion? I would pay any amount to sign Jack - he's the exact quality player we need to unlock sides that sit deep.

 

[croadyman]

I think to put in a serious title challenge next season we need at least 3 first team signings at CB, RW and ST. I know we are in need of a top DM as well but providing Pogba stays I think we could cope with are current midfield options if we fill these other positions. Although it has to be quality signings e.g Sancho, Haaland type players.

Yeah and also stays fit which he seems to find it difficult to manage at crucial times because without him this midfield is quite frankly one of the worst in this league and that's no exaggeration in my opinion

 

[Adnan]

In the current Covid market it's gonna be very difficult to for the club to appease the fans. So i'm expecting more meltdowns after the summer window closes.

Personally I feel to challenge Sheikh Mansour's club, we will have to adopt a strategy where we buy players and bring players through the academy. I'm specifically looking at Hannibal Mejbri as the player who we as a club could really do with stepping up to the plate. And Amad Diallo is another player who I hope will be afforded the minutes in the remaining games this season so he can showcase his talent and hence hit the ground running next season. These two young players coming good for us will be key to how things evolve next season.

And then if we can add a CB and a naturally right footed LWF to challenge Rashford for a place in the team, i'll be very happy. Grealish or Sancho would be my picks with Sancho probably the more likely signing due to his price being lower in comparison.

Sancho
CB
Amad
Hannibal

If Pogba leaves then someone should be bought to replace him if possible.

 

[anant]

I think you would have to add RW as well but then something tells me we will put all our faith in Amad because everyone at the club seems to prioritise CB over anything else and they probably feel that's the only position we can spend this summer, so in other words we will either have to buy dirt cheap at RW/ST or maybe Ole is forced to make do with what we have yet again

I don't think we'll be buying 4 players, and I believe if Amad can get himself up and going then he and Mason can provide enough from RW for atleast the next season

 

[Marwood]

I think to put in a serious title challenge next season we need at least 3 first team signings at CB, RW and ST. I know we are in need of a top DM as well but providing Pogba stays I think we could cope with are current midfield options if we fill these other positions. Although it has to be quality signings e.g Sancho, Haaland type players.

Yeah agree.

For Ole's future and the club's this summer can't be signings that have promise or need time. They have to be the types who go straight into the first XI and make the difference. If Ole gets it wrong this summer I feel he won't finish the 2021/22 season.