With Donny van de Beek’s transfer to Manchester United agreed, it is a time to be optimistic.
What makes the Dutch international’s move to Old Trafford so exciting is that it is seen as just the start of the club’s transfer business this summer.
Van de Beek is a crucial part of the jigsaw, with United paying a reported £39.3 million to Ajax, The Telegraph report.
There are a further three players linked to United who would help Van de Beek transform this team from third place also-rans into a team capable of challenging for, and even winning the Premier League title.
Thiago Alcantara
Reports emerged over the weekend that Manchester United are showing interest in Thiago.
While Liverpool are the favourites, a United move for Thiago could have a big effect in terms of closing the gap between the two teams.
Thiago, 28, is one of the world’s best midfielders and is available for £29 million, the MEN report.
Thiago would give United a different style to Nemanja Matic at the base of midfield, with his ability to help his team dominate possession.
If a deal could be done, and this is a big if, he would help United become one of the hardest teams to beat in the Champions League too.
Dayot Upamecano
Extra defensive resilience is needed next season, with Victor Lindelof letting United down at key points.
Harry Maguire still has to prove himself to a degree, and not go backwards in his second season.
United’s reported interest in Dayot Upamecano, reported by The Telegraph, is very intriguing.
Upamecano is one of Europe’s best defenders already, at the age of just 21. He would be a fantastic addition.
Jadon Sancho
The cherry on top of all of this would be a club record move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
Sancho scored 20 goals for Borussia Dortmund last season and provided a further 18 assists.
He can play on both the left and right wing, and makes United’s attack totally unpredictable.
The MEN reported over the weekend that United are still trying to get a deal done for the England international.
Mixed in with other new signings too, Sancho would be a game-changer and make United so difficult to defend against, when combined with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
While a lot has to fall into place to get Sancho, Thiago, and Upamecano all to sign for United, Van de Beek’s arrival is a positive sign.
There could be further additions too, like strengthening at left-back, or another striker, but lets not be too greedy, or unrealistic.
If United do get Sancho, Thiago and Upamecano on top of Van de Beek, there will be no limit to what this United side could achieve.
A title challenge would not just be the dream, it would be expected.
Without Thiago, the team could still challenge too, but it is the Spaniard who would be the true difference maker.
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