{"id":548534,"date":"2020-04-05T15:08:29","date_gmt":"2020-04-05T19:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=548534"},"modified":"2020-04-05T15:08:29","modified_gmt":"2020-04-05T19:08:29","slug":"report-manchester-united-name-surprising-target-positions-for-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/04\/05\/report-manchester-united-name-surprising-target-positions-for-the-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"REPORT: Manchester United Name Surprising Target Positions for the Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/clubs\/manchester-united\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Manchester United<\/a> have named some surprising target positions for the summer transfer window, according to James Robson of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.standard.co.uk\/sport\/football\/man-united-transfer-targets-jadon-sancho-scouts-quality-a4407361.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evening Standard<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Manchester United Name Surprising Target Positions for the Summer<\/h2>\n<h3>The Situation<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/65cb97b8\/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer<\/a> is setting the bar high for incoming transfers. He wants a specific type of player, with good off the pitch attitude, as well as on it. He wants someone who is \u201chumble and arrogant, with an X-factor\u201d. Hence, only three signings in the summer, not replacing <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/5eae500a\/Romelu-Lukaku?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Romelu Lukaku<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/436a9dd0\/Ander-Herrera?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ander Herrera<\/a>. Top-class players are all that Solskjaer wants, and with the power to veto any move, the Norwegian will get it, no matter how long it takes.<\/p>\n<h3>Right Wing: The Most Pressing Target Position for Manchester United<\/h3>\n<p>The most problematic position for Manchester United this season has been the right-wing. While <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/6639e500\/Andreas-Pereira?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andreas Pereira<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/c931d9f9\/Daniel-James?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel James<\/a> have both tried to fill it, with the latter having been far more successful than the former, neither have done it to a world-class quality, that of someone like <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/dbf053da\/Jadon-Sancho?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jadon Sancho<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Borussia Dortmund\u2019s star player fits all of Solskjaer\u2019s criteria, and is British too. He is a fantastic individual and one who would be the poster boy for the Red Devils\u2019 next decade. Sancho would be a tremendous signing, both in the immediate future and for a long time to come.<\/p>\n<p>Although<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/2020\/04\/05\/report-jadon-sancho-makes-intriguing-decision-over-manchester-united-and-chelsea-transfer\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> it looks as if Sancho is on his way to Manchester<\/a> in the summer, the Red Devils have to come up with alternatives. Among these are <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/b2bc3b1f\/Wilfried-Zaha?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wilfried Zaha<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/8f696594\/Memphis-Depay?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Memphis Depay<\/a>, both of whom United sold years ago, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/sport\/football\/transfer-news\/manchester-united-transfers-sancho-depay-18038062\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">both of whom have buyback options<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There are others too, but Sancho is by far the best option.<\/p>\n<h3>Striker: An Important One to Fix Having Failed to Replace Lukaku<\/h3>\n<p>Another position in which United have struggled is a striker. Romelu Lukaku left in the summer, and the Red Devils failed to find a replacement last summer.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/8b788c01\/Anthony-Martial?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Martial<\/a> has played a role covering for him but is not a clinical striker, something which United need, and he <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/2020\/03\/18\/report-manchester-united-could-lose-star-striker-anthony-martial\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">may be leaving<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/1f44ac21\/Erling-Braut-Haland?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Erling Braut H\u00e5land<\/a> is at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.football365.com\/news\/man-united-haaland-transfer-news\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">top of their wishlist<\/a>. However, he may not be available until 2021, so they may have to look elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/21a66f6a\/Harry-Kane?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Harry Kane<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/b561db50\/Raul-Jimenez?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ra\u00fal Jim\u00e9nez<\/a> are <a href=\"https:\/\/strettynews.com\/2020\/03\/21\/harry-kane-and-raul-jimenez-included-in-list-of-four-man-united-striker-targets\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">both options<\/a>, but they seem unlikely.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/49fe9070\/Timo-Werner?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Timo Werner<\/a> could also <a href=\"https:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/2763061-timo-werner-admits-manchester-united-admiration-amid-transfer-rumours\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">move to Old Trafford<\/a>, though <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/clubs\/liverpool\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Liverpool<\/a> seem to be in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/sport\/football\/article-8182145\/Liverpools-sign-Timo-Werner-placed-hold-delay-recruitment-plans.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">driving seat<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/8c90fd7a\/Victor-Osimhen?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Victor Osimhen<\/a> is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunnewsonline.com\/osimhens-man-u-move-hangs\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">younger alternative<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/df69b544\/Antoine-Griezmann?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Antoine Griezmann<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/sport\/football\/10378284\/antoine-griezmann-barca-exit-107m-transfer-atletico\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">may leave<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/category\/la-liga\/barcelona\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Barcelona<\/a> having flopped there, but there is no definitive target at centre-forward as of yet.<\/p>\n<h3>Centre-Midfield: A More Surprising Priority, But Necessary Nonetheless<\/h3>\n<p>A surprising addition to this list given <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=acaeba74,b853e0ad,add0b197&amp;search=Fred&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fred<\/a>\u2019s improvements this season, and the quality of <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/867239d3\/Paul-Pogba?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul Pogba<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/d93c2511\/Scott-McTominay?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott McTominay<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/eb7822d7\/Nemanja-Matic?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nemanja Matic<\/a>, central midfield is a priority this summer.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/57d88cf9\/Jude-Bellingham?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jude Bellingham<\/a> seems a <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2020\/03\/24\/manchester-united-handed-shock-boost-race-sign-birmingham-wonderkid-jude-bellingham-12449999\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">more likely candidate<\/a>, with the Red Devils working on his transfer, but BVB are also in the fight for his signature.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/7b9c2d84\/Eduardo-Camavinga?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Eduardo Camavinga<\/a> is <a href=\"http:\/\/thepeoplesperson.com\/2020\/03\/20\/eduardo-camavinga-manchester-uniteds-dream-midfield-signing-213315\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">another<\/a> 16-year-old in a more defensive midfield position, while <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/384d58d9\/Denis-Zakaria?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Denis Zakaria<\/a> could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.the-sun.com\/sport\/premier-league\/541083\/man-utd-leading-transfer-race-for-monchengladbach-midfielder-denis-zakaria-with-liverpool-also-keen\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fill a similar spot<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>United recently got a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/2020\/04\/05\/report-donny-van-de-beek-makes-unexpected-admission-regarding-manchester-united-and-real-madrid-transfer\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">major boost<\/a> in their chase of <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/50dc94ce\/Donny-van-de-Beek?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Donny van de Beek<\/a>, who would provide a more attacking option, while both <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/b0b4fd3e\/Jack-Grealish?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Grealish<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/fbref.com\/en\/players\/ee38d9c5\/James-Maddison?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Maddison<\/a> could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.express.co.uk\/sport\/football\/1250711\/Manchester-United-transfer-news-Jack-Grealish-James-Maddison-Aston-Villa-Leicester-reason\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">do likewise<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Red Devils have proven since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer\u2019s arrival that, despite being linked with many players, they will only choose who is best for the job, and they may not even be on the radar as of yet.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo<br \/>\n<a id=\"oart7__fSHxlvpIr0H5G3A\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.co.uk\/detail\/1134942265\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'oart7__fSHxlvpIr0H5G3A',sig:'RLZf5CFhOQJkNpmkPaCkzevyS7LqLWUPhQpIOe0ZBr8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1134942265',caption: true ,tld:'co.uk',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Manchester United have named some surprising target positions for the summer transfer window, according to James Robson of the Evening Standard. Manchester United Name Surprising Target Positions for the Summer The Situation Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is setting the bar high for incoming transfers. He wants a specific type of player, with good off the pitch [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3312,"featured_media":548559,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,30,3],"tags":[4063,1393,264,2138,1621,1446,4097,36,3197,136],"class_list":["post-548534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-manchester-united","category-news","category-premier-league","tag-2019-20-premier-league","tag-erling-haaland","tag-harry-kane","tag-jack-grealish","tag-jadon-sancho","tag-james-maddison","tag-jude-bellingham","tag-manchester-united","tag-ole-gunnar-solskjaer","tag-world-football"],"modified_by":"Ben Robinson, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3312"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=548534"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548534\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/548559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=548534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=548534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=548534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}