Manchester United quite clearly have a significant transfer shortlist this summer, but priorities elsewhere could mean missing out on certain talents.
With financial restrictions this summer, Ineos won’t be able to have the statement-making transfer window they’d have ideally wanted.
The club have a limited budget and will likely need to sell before being able to buy big beyond one addition. This will leave Manchester United needing to prioritise the positions which absolutely need to be strengthened.
We’ve already seen the club do this, missing out on Michael Olise who’d have been more a luxury than a necessity in a summer when there are simply too many required additions to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Now, United fear missing out on another exciting target…
United fear missing out on Desire Doue
After not being able to pursue a deal for Olise due to financial restrictions and having to first prioritise the defence, midfield and striker positions.
Now, according to a report by GiveMeSport, United are concerned that they’ll miss out on talented French 19-year-old Desire Doue, despite previously being in talks.
Rennes are believed to want as much as £60m for Doue this summer and this price would be too much for United to justify as he isn’t a solution to any urgent problem this summer.
United are rivalled by Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs in having an interest in the wonderkid from France, and according to the report United scouts have been blown away by Doue.
Signing Doue would be a brilliant move, however this summer it appears impossible with so four positions needing additions before Doue would be looked at.
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Doue could be a long-term target but United must avoid this summer
As with Olise, Ineos refusing to pay big bucks for a player who isn’t a necessity is a positive and must be viewed as such, despite Doue being one of the best youngsters in football.
The chance to sign a talent like Doue could be tempting for many clubs however with Ineos acting like responsible owners, they seem to be avoiding impulse buys.
However, if Doue doesn’t depart Rennes this summer, it could be a move which United come back to next summer once luxuries can be added, as Doue is a “one of a kind” talent.
Doue could end up being one of the best-attacking midfielders in the world, so long term, he’d be an excellent Bruno Fernandes successor. But United are probably right to avoid this summer, as frustrating as it may be.
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