Paul Pogba contract, Erling Haaland transfer and new centre-back - Man Utd state of play entering summer

Published on: 09 May 2021

Over in the blue corner of Manchester, the title celebrations are underway for a fifth time in nine years. A few miles away, the all too familiar feeling of dread is setting in at Old Trafford.

It has been nearly eight years since Manchester United last got their hands on the Premier League crown in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge and even if second place is an improvement, the 13-point gap speaks volumes of the contrast between the two clubs.

Many have pointed to City’s exorbitant spending during that time, which cannot be denied, but there is a consensus that one club have nailed their recruitment strategy — and the other is Man United.

Four managers, hundreds of millions spent and a few cup triumphs later, there is still much work to be done. Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward is leaving following the European Super League controversy, which puts boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a tough situation in terms of forward planning.

An important summer transfer window lies ahead for the 20-time league champions and Solskjaer’s desire to strengthen his squad is well-documented, with a centre-back one of his priorities amongst other areas.

If the Norwegian gets his way, United’s long wait for No.21 may finally come to a joyous conclusion in 2021/22.

A new centre-back

It’s high time the Red Devils acquired a central defensive partner for Harry Maguire — and Solskjaer knows it.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Dayot Upamecano, Ruben Dias are just some of the names linked with a move before deciding to either stay at their respective clubs or head elsewhere.

So what do they need? An imperious presence in aerial challenges, strong in the tackle and, as is the case with many centre-backs these days, a great deal of pace. United do tend to pass out from the back, so having that comfort and ability with the ball is essential.

Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane would certainly fit the bill but his asking price — believed to be in the region of £61m — may be a sticking point, with Mundo Deportivo reporting Chelsea are also interested.

The 28-year-old has played at the highest level for the best part of a decade and may relish a chance to play in the Premier League after spending a decade in Spain. With Varane’s contract expiring in June 2022, capturing the Frenchman would be a clear statement of intent.

Erling Haaland transfer

When Woodward does eventually leave his position, there will be some regret from his side at passing up the opportunity to sign a generational talent in Erling Haaland.

United were not keen on being used a stepping stone by the Norwegian striker and withdrew from the race for his signature. But since arriving at Borussia Dortmund in January 2020, the 20-year-old, has found another level of goalscoring with an incredible 39 goals in 38 appearances this season.

Naturally, the Norwegian is now one of the hottest properties in world football and with his representative Mino Raiola keen to discuss his next move, United simply have to be in the conversation.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG appear to be the only other clubs able to afford his wages and the £70m release clause which becomes active in 2022.

If Solskjaer can use his close relationship with Haaland to seal the deal, it could be a key turning point in their quest for silverware.

Pogba contract

It appeared inevitable at one point last season that Paul Pogba would be leaving Manchester United. With his fitness and confidence levels at an all-time low and United managing without him, a fresh start seemed to be the convenient solution for all parties.

Pogba has since rediscovered his best form after recovering from injury and for the first time in a long while, the Frenchman looks content with life in the North West. Still, United have a decision to make if he decides not to extend his contract, which expires next summer.

His agent Raiola is notoriously difficult during talks and with only a year left to run on his current deal, the leverage is on Pogba’s side of the negotiating table. But the £89m playmaker is running out of alternative options.

A return to Juventus had been mooted last summer but their interest cooled, while Real Madrid no longer seems to a realistic destination for the 28-year-old given their financial problems.

Losing Pogba for nothing is simply not an option and, while it seems to be in everyone’s best interests to renew his contract, United face an anxious wait until they reach an agreement.

A replacement for Fred

It has often felt like United have been missing a vital cog in their midfield. Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred have all been given a chance to impress in the midfield double pivot with Pogba, but have lacked the consistently to nail down a regular spot.

When Solskjaer looks to his rivals’ squads, he can see that City have Rodri to replace the ageing Fernandinho. Chelsea are fortunate enough to utilise the tireless N’Golo Kante to protect their defence. Even Leicester are well-placed with Nigeria international Wilfried Ndidi, who has been linked with United in the past, embracing his role as midfield general.

For all of Fred’s improvements of late, the Brazilian has struggled to match the expectations since joining from Shakhtar in 2018. Former United man Paul Scholes recently criticised the 26-year-old for his error in the Europa League semi-final win over Roma, suggesting he offers “nothing going forward.”

It has become increasingly evident that an energetic, box-to-box operator is required. Brighton ’s Yves Bissouma is an ideal candidate, while Monaco’s highly-rated Aurelien Tchouameni is attracting attention from Europe’s elite.

It may be an expensive signing for little reward in terms of goals and assists, but it could prove pivotal if United are to re-assert their dominance on English football.

Source: m.allfootballapp.com

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