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Forget Muriqi: Man Utd need one of these 2 experienced strikers instead

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Kosovo striker Vedat Muriqi has Premier League clubs turning heads. Solskjaer sent scouts to watch him play against England where the striker tucked home a penalty. But is this undiscovered talent what Man Utd need in their forward line?

Solskjaer admitted that his side is not complete in terms of tactics and personnel, meaning that a few signings could be made in the next two transfer windows.

Man Utd lack in both the midfield and attack, being limited in players and quality.

The main goalscorer at Old Trafford was Romelu Lukaku until his departure to Inter Milan in summer. Currently, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford lead the Reds’ attack, despite both being unproven strikers. New signing Dan James is giving the forward’s a run for their money, being joint top scorer for Man Utd with Rashford, who has scored three goals, two of which were penalties.

Is Muriqi the right signing for Man Utd?

The 6 foot 3 striker is certainly built for the demands of the Premier League. He made a name for himself last season as he scored 17 goals and got 8 assists for his former club Caykur Rizespor. Before swiftly moving to Fenerbahce for only £3.1million.

However, Man Utd desperately need a prolific striker who can reach the 20 goals per season mark on a consistent basis in the Premier League. Muriqi, on the other hand, has reached 17 goals on two occasions in Turkish football but has fallen well short in other seasons.

Man Utd’s safe bet would be to acquire the services of a proven Premier League striker. Such as Jamie Vardy or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. As opposed to adding another hit-or-miss player to the squad.

2 Real Madrid players Man Utd should go for instead of Kroos

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Paul Pogba’s move to Real Madrid could result in a player moving the other way. But who can Man Utd go for to replace the midfielder?

Real Madrid made attempts to sign Paul Pogba in summer, but the Reds managed to keep hold of their prized midfielder for one more season.

With Man Utd’s current midfield lacking in both depth and quality, they already need to sign one or two midfielders without the loss of Paul Pogba. With the loss of Pogba, that adds yet another item to the shopping list for Man Utd, who have several positions already that need more depth.

According to reports, Real Madrid are considering using the 29-year-old German midfielder Toni Kroos in their attempt to sign Pogba for a lower price than what Man Utd originally set for their star man.

However, there are 2 players Man Utd could use more than Toni Kroos and should be offered by Real Madrid in a swap plus cash deal for Paul Pogba…

Casemiro

27-year-old Brazilian international Casemiro has been a successful defensive midfielder with the Spanish giants since moving from Sao Paulo in 2013. Spending six years in Madrid will have given Casemiro the talent, fitness and pedigree to slot nicely in front of Solskjaer’s back four and play a pivotal role in transitioning from defence to attack.

Gareth Bale

Man Utd was rumoured to be considering a loan deal for Bale in summer. The Welshman has been out of favour in Madrid despite proving his class on multiple occasions. A recent example is being taken off in the 3-0 defeat to PSG although he was their best player on the night.

Bale’s astronomical wages could be a difficulty in the process, but Man Utd certainly need quality in their side and will have to spend big to get it.

Man Utd youngsters hit and miss on a tough night for the fans

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Man Utd played in the infamous Europa League on Thursday night football, with a mismatched squad of youth and fringe players. In a very dull, disappointing performance, seeing the inclusion of the young Reds was one of the few positives of the outcome.

Fans have been calling out to see the likes of Axel Tuanzebe, Tahith Chong, Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood getting more game time, with the first-team squad not appearing to be doing much better,

However, the 1-0 win against Astana from a well taken Mason Greenwood finish was far from enough to prove that they are ready for the first team or Premier League football.

Although Man Utd controlled the game, it was not a convincing performance. Astana had two or three counter-attack opportunities that all looked like they could have been scored.

The Reds had 20 shots to Astana’s 3. Whilst some shots, particularly from Fred and Greenwood, looked absolutely stunning, there is no way Man Utd should only be winning this game by one goal.

Chong’s pace and determination were evident, but his involvement was light. Gomes drifted in and out of the game, but looked totally world-class on the ball. Greenwood got his goal, but his usual ability would have seen him score two or three.

Overall thoughts?

Overall, it appears that there is a reason that the selected team against Astana are not the first team, as they looked disjointed and unimpressive.

Marcus Rashford consistent lack of impact continued in a game he should have probably missed out on. But the 200k per week Premier League star failed to make any contribution whatsoever against the team from Kazakhstan.

Though, Solskjaer said post-match that we will see this team feature a lot this season, meaning these players will get a lot of game time in Europa and the League Cup. This is excellent news for the youngsters, but will they be part of a Champions League run next season?

Are Man Utd links strong enough to attract on-fire 20y/o striker to Old Trafford

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Out of nowhere. 20-year-old Leeds-born Norwegian Erling Haaland has caught the world by storm with his recent run of form.

Erling Haaland, now playing for RB Salzburg, was turning heads whilst playing for Solskjaer’s previous side Molde.

The young forward scored an impressive 12 goals and 4 assists in 25 games, enough for the Austrian giants RB Salzburg to spend £4.5million. Should Haaland take another step up to a bigger European club, that fee will increase by at least ten times over.

Since starting his campaign in the Austrian Bundesliga, RB Salzburg remains undefeated seven games in. With their star boy Erling Haaland scoring 17 goals and getting 5 assists in 9 games. One of which was a cup game and the other a Champions League.

So far, Haaland is proving himself on every stage he performs on.

Should Man Utd’s own Norwegian, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, see him as a strong fit to his squad, there would certainly be those who assume that their national bond played a large role. But looking at the aforementioned goals and assists for a 20-year-old striker demonstrates a natural ability, and a determination to take his game to new levels.

However, will Solskjaer’s Norwegian heritage be enough to lure Erling Haaland, when the world’s biggest clubs have all heard of him?

There is no doubt that Haaland will make a big move in the coming years. His father confirmed that his son has aspirations of making it in the Premier League, after already being part of Leeds and Man City as a teenager.

Man Utd’s current squad most definitely need this sort of goal scorer. They have failed to score more than two goals in a single since the opener against Chelsea. Perhaps a move for Haaland to Man Utd isn’t so far away.

2 Serie A midfielders Man Utd need to replace Matic in the winter window

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Man Utd could lose yet another midfielder as Juventus have their eyes on Nemanja Matic for the January window, meaning that the Reds have to sign someone as a replacement…

Nemanja Matic has rarely featured this season under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He made his first appearance in the 1-1 draw against Southampton as a substitute, a questionable decision as the defensive midfielder is far from a match-winner.

Matic’s first start for the Reds this season came against Leicester City as Pogba was out injured. Although the Serbian did little to harm the team’s performance, the introduction of Fred in his place allowed Man Utd to take much more control of the game, particularly in the midfield.

Falling out of the first team, Matic has been unhappy with the amount of game time he is currently getting. Now, Italians are set to hijack yet another Man Utd man as Juventus are weighing up a deal for Matic in January.

As January transfers are often difficult to accomplish, Solskjaer should begin preparing for his replacement by considering these two Serie A midfielders for the transfer window…

Blaise Matuidi

Man Utd could cleverly swap the experienced defensive midfielder for someone of similar calibre. Matuidi is one of the fiercest midfielders in the game, and would successfully serve as a more commanding figure than Matic in front of Man Utd’s back four.

Furthermore, Matuidi won the World Cup with Paul Pogba and the French connection in the midfield could give Man Utd an impressive second-half to the season.

Suso

Man Utd’s main problem in their unbeaten pre-season, was the 25-year-old Italian who ran the midfield in their face-off with AC Milan, scoring a wonderful goal.

Able to play the wing also, this attacking-midfielder has the creativity and finesse to massively increase Man Utd’s goal tally.

Although there would still be a hole in the defensive midfield position, Scott McTominay is rapidly becoming a solid first-team player for Man Utd.

Man United should get rid of these 2 flops in January

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Man United are still a lot of signings away from challenging for the Premier League title again, they’ll do well to reach the top four this season. However, it’s important they sell the right players, as well as sign them.

United still have a lot of deadwood, that simply isn’t good enough. Without squad depth, you won’t challenge for Premier League titles. I understand their main priority is to significantly improve their starting 11. However, at some point, they’ll have to sign quality squad players too, if they want to challenge in Europe and for the league title.

Check out the first episode of our Builders Bucket Challenge

So, there’s a number of players I could’ve gone with, here’s the two I think should leave United in the next transfer window…

Fred

Their must be a player in their somewhere, Man City tried to sign him and he cost a fee of £50 million. I’ve seen glimpses to suggest why they signed him, but not a consistent basis.

Now Scott McTominay has nailed down the holding role, Fred is the third choice behind Nemanja Matic. Cut your losses, sell him for a few million and strengthen elsewhere. It’s pointless having a £50 million player sitting on the bench for year upon year, his value will keep decreasing.

Phil Jones

He’s had chances and time at United to prove himself, and he’s not at that top standard. Albeit I think people exaggerate how poor he is, Jones would fit in a mid-table side very well, he’s never going to be Man United task.

Times change, but I associate United have defenders like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, even Harry Maguire is leagues above Jones. Chris Smalling has left on loan and I’d be surprised if he ever played for United again. Jones should be sold and he can resurrect his career elsewhere.

Reading’s exciting youngster could have a big Man Utd future

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Manchester United have always had magnificent goalkeepers. Peter Schmeichel, Edwin Van Der Sar and David De Gea to name a prolific three. More recently, Man Utd have produced a future star in Dean Henderson, as well as having the second-best second-goalie in the league, Sergio Romero…

So when Man Utd say they are interested in signing a goalkeeper, it usually means they are top quality.

In this case, it is Reading’s academy who have pulled through with producing a future start goalkeeper. Coniah Boyce-Clarke, a 16-year-old English goalkeeper, who met with Man Utd whilst playing against their under-23s at only 15 years old.

Ever since Man Utd have kept a close eye on this athletic young goalkeeper. And their eyes certainly lit up after seeing what he did for England’s under-17s.

Boyce-Clarke recently lifted the Syrenka Cup with England’s under-17s after beating the host, Poland, in a penalty shoot-out. Where the Man Utd target saved two penalties, effectively winning the team the tournament.

The Reading goalkeeper is a prominent fixture in their under-23s squad, demonstrating the confidence and maturity this youngster has.

Man Utd’s next first-team goalkeeper may well be the brilliant talent of Dean Henderson, currently gaining Premier League experience with Sheffield Utd.

The Reds could put Boyce-Clarke through a similar process, readying him for first-team football by the time he reaches 23 or 24. Preparing him for eight to ten years between the sticks at Old Trafford.

With current first-team goalie David De Gea stalling a contract renewal, we could see Dean Henderson feature for Man Utd sooner than expected. Should he be Man Utd’s first team goalkeeper until he reaches the age of 30, Boyce-Clarke would only be 24, and hopefully ready to take over Henderson.

Former Man Utd man is the key to bringing back the glory years to Old Trafford

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Man Utd fans have been calling out for a Director of Football since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, due to decisions on transfers and wages being consistently damaging to the club…

Manchester United have signed several word-class players and employed several world-class managers, to no avail. The club has spiralled down season by season with no signs of improvement.

The common denominator in Man Utd’s decrease in status is Ed Woodward and the Man Utd board.

This is why many fans of the once-great club see no signs of revival until appropriate personnel is appointed to oversee transfers. And after years of promising to fill the position, sights have been set on ex-Man Utd goalkeeper and current chief executive for Ajax Edwin Van Der Sar.

And here are 2 reasons why Man Utd need to appoint him immediately.

Understanding the club

Ed Woodward’s only connection to Man Utd is the moments he signs his name underneath a cheque. Other than that, he has no understanding of the history, demands, emotional fans or projections for the future.

Employing someone who does will almost nullify Man Utd’s chances of making more terrible transfer decisions.

Understanding the game

Again, Ed Woodward’s understanding of football is evidently limited. Another reason for the mess Man Utd is currently in.

Van Der Sar has excelled in his role at Ajax, playing a huge part in their recent success. With the available funds and facilities at Man Utd, there is no cap to what the Dutchman could achieve in terms of building the perfect Man Utd squad.

Removing Ed Woodward from the football side of the business will finally allow the club to compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus once again. Woodward is exceptional at bringing funds into the club but is utterly useless at spending it.

If Man Utd get their man, it could signal the end of a fan favourite

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Man Utd was heavily linked to Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho in summer. But unfortunately for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he may have to wait a while to see the youngster in a red shirt. This season so far could have been very different with Sancho at Old Trafford…

Reports have claimed that Man Utd held talks with Borussia Dortmund for the services of Jadon Sancho back in March. To no avail. As the executives of the German club assured that the winger was not for sale in summer.

Sancho has made his way into the England squad, bagging himself two goals in a 5-3 win against Kosovo. More than that, his performances have shown no signs of shyness, lack of confidence or ill-form. The forward three of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho would make the people of England wish another World Cup was just around the corner.

Could Sancho edge out Rashford

This is interesting, as it looks as though Sancho could begin to shove Marcus Rashford out of the starting eleven. And should Sancho have become a Man Utd player in summer, the same could have happened at Old Trafford.

Daniel James has looked immense so far this season, he is a lethal weapon on the left-hand side. To even more of extent, Jadon Sancho has mastered the right-hand side, leaving Anthony Martial as the new number 9 in the centre of the attack.

These three players seem fairly consistent in their work-rate, quality and talent, despite their tender ages.

However, Marcus Rashford hasn’t quite lived up to expectations just yet and is very hit-or-miss with his performances. Quite to Man Utd’s bemusement, new signings such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James have exploited the lack of work-rate and quality in the rest of the team. Bringing in Jadon Sancho in summer would have multiplied this ten-fold.

Man Utd securing defenders long term services could result in a new title-winning back-four

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Victor Lindelof endured a bad first season or so at Old Trafford after arriving in summer of 2017. However, he found form, seemingly out of nowhere, and became Man Utd’s most trustworthy defender.

Now, Man Utd want to offer him a £150,000 a week deal to keep the brand new back four together for the next five years…

Last season, Lindelof found form and became a fantastic addition to the Man Utd squad. In a season where Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Ashley Young featured heavily to the frustration of fans, it was Lindelof who got all the praise.

Unfortunately for the Swede, he has had a rocky start to the season with his brand new teammates Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka beside him. His weakness of winning aerial duels has proven to be the bane of an otherwise solid-looking Man Utd defence.

Does Lindelof deserve a new contract?

But is this enough not to renew his contract? This defender was recently approached by Barcelona, who tend to steer away from signing players they do not 100% believe will bring quality.

Other than that, his overall gameplay is actually very good. His distribution and passing abilities helped Man Utd tremendously last season. Now, Man Utd have two centre-backs who can do this with ease. Playing from the back in the modern game is pivotal, and Man Utd have done this superbly on several occasions.

Last season, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones struggled with this, often panicking and losing possession in dangerous areas.

Solskjaer wants this back-four to grow together over the coming years. Should Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw reach their maximum potential, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire continue being fit and of the highest quality, Man Utd’s back four could be the new Gary Neville – Rio Ferdinand- Nemanja Vidic – Patrice Evra.

Next stop, fixing the midfield!

After a total rebuild of the back four and introducing Axel Tuanzebe to the bench is a magnificent start to Solskjaer’s reign. But their major downfall is the midfield. When Pogba’s future is decided, and new midfielders are introduced, Solskjaer will finally have a model of what he will be working with for the foreseeable future.

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