Manchester United have been in scintillating form recently, moving into the top four of the Premier League and becoming the only team left in all four competitions in England. However, there is room for improvement.
Erik ten Hag finds himself light in a few positions on the pitch and in some cases, he just needs better players. As it is likely that Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst will be the only acquisitions in January, who can he bring in for the summer – for free?
Youssoufa Moukoko – Borussia Dortmund
Youssoufa Moukoko is rapidly becoming one of the most talked about prospects in football. He burst onto the scene in Borussia Dortmund’s academy, scoring a staggering 90 goals in just 56 games, which swiftly saw him promoted to the first team, aged just 17. A year later, he has made over 50 appearances for the first team, and he became the youngest player to ever play for Germany at the World Cup.
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Moukoko is a very talented striker who definitely has a good eye for goals. His precise finishing ability, combined with his dazzling dribbling, are the foundations of a great striker. The striker’s powerful physicality is often no match for defenders and his playing style has often resembled that of a young Wayne Rooney.
The 18-year-old has received interest from several big teams, with Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester United being the favourites to sign the youngster. As United desperately need a striker, there would be no better option than Moukoko, and for free, he could be the deal of the century.
Youri Tielemans – Leicester City
While Leicester City have been poor this season, there have been a few players that have stood out, with one of them being Youri Tielemans. The tenacious midfielder has been one of the club's best players, along with James Maddison, and he has attracted interest from all over.
Over the past few seasons, Tielemans has showcased his incredible passing ability and his intelligence to dictate the tempo of the game from the middle of the park. The Belgian can play all across the midfield, as a defensive midfield and further up behind the striker. His versatility and technical prowess would be a good solution to Ten Hag’s ‘light’ midfield.
Acquiring the 25-year-old for free would be a steal, as he has been consistently outstanding for the Foxes over the years. Many United fans would believe Tielemans to be a drastic improvement on Scott McTominay or Fred, and he could perhaps be the replacement to an ageing Christian Eriksen in the future. However, United would have to fight for his signature as the likes of Arsenal are also said to be after the Belgian midfielder.
Leandro Trossard - Brighton
Now - this signing is the wildcard option. His contract was due to expire in June but Brighton are believed to have triggered a one-year extension to tie him to the club until summer 2024. Because of the relatively short extension to his deal, it would be worth United considering a bid for him in the summer - as he's likely to be available for a relative bargain as his contract is running out.
Trossard has had the season of his life so far with Brighton, with seven goals and three assists in the Premier League. United fans will remember his heroic hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, and he has been just as dangerous throughout the campaign.
The tricky and skilful winger would prove to be a great understudy to Marcus Rashford, and his recent improvement in end product would make him a worthwhile signing for the Reds. The Belgian international thrives when he has the ball in tight spaces, as he has the skill to escape with possession and maintain the attack, which would be a needed sight for United who often struggle against low blocks or defensive teams.
United have the opportunity to sign a quality squad player who can improve the squad depth of the winger department, which would be especially important considering Jadon Sancho’s recent lack of form. Trossard would be a perfect backup for the left-wing spot, who has experience of playing well in the Premier League. Much like Antony, the skillful winger would be a great fit for Ten Hag.
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