Manchester United’s summer transfer priority and the four candidates to sign for Solskjaer – Dominic Booth

There was no debate over Manchester United’s transfer priority last summer.

The problem was that they had not landed Jadon Sancho, or any top right-wing officer, as had been the plan – although deals for young Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo had been made.

After a calm January window, summer 2021 is already in sight for United, although it is not clear which of the three or four possible areas of strengthening should be the priority. In addition to the right flank, central defense and central midfielder may demand attention.

But former United player Fabio da Silva has told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to focus on adding a right-back when the transfer market reopens.

He told MEN Sport: “If you see how Luke Shaw is doing this season, I think it’s the best season he’s had for so long at Man United. [Alex] As advanced, someone to say “if you don’t play well, if you don’t focus, if you work hard, you will lose your place”.

“It certainly allows you to play better, so for [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka if they bring in a good right-back, you’re going to help him improve. “

The Brazilian is surely right. Wan-Bissaka is certainly improving, as he showed in Southampton’s recent beating, but United should look to emulate what they’ve done with Shaw and Such this summer. It could be that the right-back, rather than the right – where they have two burgeoning young talents – will become the new transfer priority.

Here are four possible United targets in the position this summer:

Max Aarons

The Premier League’s interest in Aarons has not been lacking, who, despite appearing in the league, is currently ranked among the elite European right-backs. The 21-year-old wouldn’t be cheap for United and he could have the wrong player profile given he is younger than Wan-Bissaka and expects to go to a club where he can nail the first choice jersey.

Barcelona have been linked with Aarons which shows the esteem in which he holds across the world.

United should definitely take a look.

Kieran Trippier

United were showing interest in the star of England’s 2018 World Cup campaign, but withdrew from a deal as it became unclear whether Trippier would be able to play, amid a suspension for violation of betting rules. The Atletico Madrid star has indeed been banned, but that should be over by the summer – when his contract in Spain will be 12 months away from expiring.

Trippier has been rejuvenated since trading Spurs for Spain and given his age (30) he could be the perfect player to offer Wan-Bissaka experience and competition. Diego Simeone gives him a high rating and that is some approval, given the defensive us of the Argentina coach.

Tariq Lamptey

The small 20-year-old quickly set out to show why Chelsea were wrong to give Reece James a rating in front of him, with a series of impressive projections for Brighton last year, since a £ 3million transfer in January 2020.

At his age, he would fit into the Aarons category in United thought, as a player more likely to ask for regular playing time rather than a shared first-team role with Wan-Bissaka.

But you can’t help but think that Lamptey won’t be staying at Brighton for too long before a bigger club calls.

It has had an exceptional year on the South Coast and it will only get better. He has the attacking ability United expect from their right-back.

Manchester United smashed nine goals in front of Southampton on Tuesday night as they rebounded from disappointing results against Sheffield United and Arsenal categorically.

The game was effectively over in the first two minutes as Southampton was reduced to 10 men, but United still had to find the goals and they did it exactly, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial (two ), Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Daniel James all enter the scoresheet.

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Ricardo Pereira

Pereira hasn’t had the best of seasons with Leicester, largely due to injury, but before those setbacks he was ranked among the best full-backs in the Premier League.

He’s seen James Justin and Timothy Castagne play in his place for the Foxes lately, and shine, but at 27, he’s in his prime and is consistently the only player in the league to improve Wan-Bissaka for tackles.

The Portuguese, like Trippier, would represent an experienced option to enter the squad and compete with Wan-Bissaka, without being presented as his long-term replacement. He has two years left on his contract and is represented by Jorge Mendes, which could open the door to a move.