It’s no secret that Manchester United will be active in the transfer window this summer, as Jose Mourinho is desperate to catch up with their blue neighbours.
There has been plenty of talk this season about “unlocking” Paul Pogba and while some would argue a former world-record signing shouldn’t need much help, there is certainly a need for one more top-class midfielder at Old Trafford.
Nemanja Matic has strengthened the United spine since his arrival from Chelsea last summer, but they are still lacking someone to be the link between Pogba and the Serbian.
Ander Herrera was voted fans’ player of the year last season, but is far from a top-class midfielder, while Scott McTominay is unlikely to continue playing week in week out next season.
If Mourinho is to kick on and help United catch their now superior rivals, they must sign another central midfielder this summer who helps unleash Pogba while bringing something new to the team. Here’s three possible candidates.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lazio
Valued at £49.5million by Transfermarkt, any deal for the 23 year-old would likely be a costly one, but it could be worthwhile. His size and strength will appeal to Mourinho, and he has found his place as one of Europe’s best goal scoring midfielders this season. He wouldn’t be the defensive-minded player some United fans are after, but a team with Pogba and Milinkovic-Savic in it would never be short of goals.
Lucas Torreira, Sampdoria
Torreira has broken onto the Serie A stage in the last 18 months, averaging nearly three tackles, over two interceptions, and over 60 completed passes per game this season. He has bundles of energy and can strike the ball from distance, which could aid United when they’re struggling to break teams down. He is a tireless worker whose linkup play and short passing would keep the midfield ticking over nicely, and also offers that extra defensive stability for Pogba to roam further forward.
Leander Dendoncker, Anderlecht
Sticking with the mould of midfielder Mourinho usually opts for, Leander Dendoncker would offer a bit of everything to the United midfield. A more defensive minded player than the other options, signing Dendoncker would surely mean pushing Pogba further forward in a 4-2-3-1. This would also allow the wingers and full backs to play with more freedom, as they would have two true defensive midfielders protecting the centre backs. The 22 year-old Belgian is valued at just £16.2million by Transfermarkt, and would surely jump at the chance to join a club of United’s size.
