OLE Gunnar Solskjaer guided United to the Champions League via the Premier League, but the season stuttered to a halt following the 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the semi-final of the Europa League on Sunday evening.
United End editor Tom McDermott reflects and pick out five areas the Norwegian must address before next season.
SIGN JADON SANCHO
Paul Scholes said that if United had Jadon Sancho playing for them yesterday evening, they’d have won against Sevilla – and he’s absolutely right.
Rashford hasn’t looked the same since the return from lockdown, Martial is running out of steam after his most impressive campaign, and Greenwood is still young and learning.
Even James from the bench looks lost and in need of a rest. It’s why more quality and options are required in that final third.
If United walk away from the Sancho deal now, then further questions need to be asked about the ownership and the direction they are wanting to take.
SIGN DAYOT UPAMECANO
Chris Smalling has returned from Rome but the real answer plays for RB Leipzig.
Young, powerful, quick, excellent in the air and in one-versus-one situations, 21-year-old Dayot Upamecano is only going to get better.
Why wouldn’t the “biggest club in the world” make a move for him then? United have missed out on many “top” signings over the years but this feels like one they simply can’t afford to given the defensive issues.
One player doesn’t solve a crisis but we saw how important Bruno Fernandes’ introduction has been from an attacking point of view.
The same is required in defence
SECURE POGBA
I would have sold the Frenchman last summer. But, such are United’s issues in other areas, replacing him could become a nightmare.
Is selling him and spending £80m on Jack Grealish the answer?
United need as much quality as possible and if Pogba can stay happy and play regularly, he could save the United hierarchy additional time and hassle in the transfer market.
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DE GEA… OR HENDERSON?
De Gea’s value has undoubtedly dropped but by selling him, Solskjaer could raise significant funds in order to help reinforce other parts of the squad.
Henderson is the one United see as the long term replacement for De Gea but if the coaching staff believe he will make less mistakes than the Spaniard over the course of the season, then the decision isn’t a hard one to make.
@MrTomMcDermott
TAKE ARMBAND FROM MAGUIRE
Don’t drop him from the side completely, but do remove the added pressure the captaincy brings.
Let him rediscover his best form without having to lead at the back, something I still believe isn’t natural to him.
Maguire is a very good defender but shouldn’t be the “lead” centre half if you’re serious about winning things.
