Manchester United Transfer News:
Manchester United suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Burnley which dented their top 4 prospects. Manchester Utd Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look into the remaining days of January window to address some issues. We look at some of the positions he will look to address.
Centre Forward: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a big decision by selling big money centre forward Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan. While Marcus Rashford has led the line admirably scoring 14 goals, the only Man Utd player to cross double figures. But throughout the Premier League Season so far, Man Utd were crying for a player who could consistently support Marcus Rashford and provide the manager with a consistent goal scoring option. With Marcus Rashford going to miss a large chunk of season Man Utd will surely look for reinforcements in the centre forward position.
Defensive Midfielder: Manchester United have struggled in midfield since the retirement of the unheralded Michael Carrick. The signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea temporarily solved the issue, the midfield of Pogba, Herrera and Matic provided the best balance for the Red Devils. However, the emergence of Scott Mc Tominay meant Man Utd had the requisite steel and tenacity in midfield. But the injury to Scott Mc Tominay and Paul Pogba combined to Nemanja Matic’s prolonged loss of form means Manchester United are crying out for midfielders who can play in front of defence. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will prioritize signing a midfielder who can protect their defence and can play in tandem with Paul Pogba and Scott Mc Tominay when he returns.
Playmaker: Due to the injury to Paul Pogba, and with age catching up with Spanish playmaker Juan Mata Manchester United have struggled for creativity and the imagination to unlock packed defences through out Barclays Premier League 2020/21. The issue once again came to the fore against Burnley where Man Utd struggled to break down a team willing to defend deep and in numbers. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used Andreas Perreira and Jesse Lingard and the duo have contributed just 1 goal and 3 assists and that too by Perreira, Lingard has failed to score or assist in the whole of 2020.
Central Defender: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loaned out Chris Smalling after securing the world record signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City. While signing Harry Maguire was a step in the right direction the loaning of Chris Smalling has proved another naïve decision by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Smalling has excelled for Roma and has been one of the standout defenders of Serie A in 2020/21. While Lindelof has improved this season, the constant injuries to Jones and Rojo means barring the first choice centre back partnership of Maguire and Lindelof Man Utd have lacked alternatives in the Centre back position