Jadon Sancho is in at Manchester United, with Borussia Dortmund confirming the transfer – and he is just part of the puzzle.
Sancho completes United’s attack, at least until Edinson Cavani needs replacing in 2022.
There are three further steps the Red Devils need to take in order to really move forward and become title winning calibre side.
Sign a centre-back
ESPN report United are making advances in attempts to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
Varane wants a new challenge and United can provide it. He would form a solid partnership with Harry Maguire and give the club one of the best backlines in world football.
Agreeing a fee with Real Madrid won’t be simple. But it is helped by the fact Varane has only one year left on his contract.
United would still have Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly as depth, with Axel Tuanzebe expected to go out on loan.
Extend Paul Pogba
Signing Varane may help United’s chances of extending a deal for his France international teammate Paul Pogba.
Pogba’s contract has just one year left to run. United will be doing everything possible to convince him to stay especially after his Euro 2020 performances.
United saw last season what he is capable of. Pogba won games by himseld, and thrived in an attacking role.
Pogba may drop deeper into a two man midfield or United could reshape to a 4-3-3 with Fernandes coming further back.
The third and final step would be a move to get the best out of Pogba.
Sign a defensive midfielder
If you want Paul Pogba to play at his best, then give him an elite defensive midfielder.
Pogba thrived next to Ngolo Kante for France, being afforded more time on the ball. Kante does the majority of the defensive work which allows Pogba greater freedom.
United need to find this player, and don’t expect a mega bid for Declan Rice. The club’s scouts need to be working overtime on this, to whittle down targets in the £40 million range.
The club can claw this money back in player sales, with Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Tahith Chong among those surplus to requirements.
An extra move for a right-back is considerable but not essential with Diogo Dalot capable of filling in. Midfield has to be a greater priority.
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