A couple of days ago we looked at three strikers who may, or may not, be of interest to José Mourinho. Now we will look at four more players who would operate in defence or behind the strikers, either in the full back position or in a defensive or an attacking midfield role. In our modest opinion any of the four would be a sound purchase for United. If they could get more than one, then better still.
So to the first one, which has a reasonable chance of happening:
Nemanja Matic
A player Mourinho bought while at Chelsea and, if Antonio Conte signs Timoue Bakayoko, one who would become surplus to requirements. Is excellent at the “holding” midfield role and would work well with Ander Herrera, forming a reliable and formidable partnership.
The player has already expressed his willingness to join United which is another reason Conte will allow him to leave. Having players who would rather be somewhere else is never good for morale.
WSA player rating – 8/10 Chance of being at Old Trafford next season – 8/10
Anderson Talisca
Would be a massive upgrade on Marouane Fellaini and is only one inch shorter. He can play both as an attacking midfielder or a forward and will score a reasonable amount of goals, something else United lacked last season. Again, he has apparently expressed his willingness to come to United, (there aren’t that many players who don’t), but it remains to be seen whether or not anything will actually happen.
WSA player rating – 8/10 Chance of being at Old Trafford next season – 5/10
Fabinho
Another one who can play in more than one position which is becoming a much sought after trait in today’s football. He can play as a full back or a defensive midfielder and, as is usually the case with Brazilians, can run all day.
He was originally seen as a back-up option if United failed to land Nemanja Matic and, as that deal appears to be getting closer, this one may not happen. That would be a pity because, at 23 years of age, he has a long career ahead of him. We shall just have to wait and see.
WSA player rating – 8/10 Chance of being at Old Trafford next season – 5/10
Nelson Semedo
A right back who currently plays for Benfica. He would be suitable for United for a couple of reasons. Firstly, he had a very good partnership and understanding with United’s new recruit, also from Benfica, Victor Lindelof. Secondly, it would appear that Matteo Darmian is seeking a move back to Italy and Juventus are interested. This would leave United short in that area of the pitch and who better to fill the gap than the Portuguese international?
The possibility of him coming to United has grown in recent days, probably because it looks like Darmian will leave, and he would be a very good addition if the deal could be struck.
WSA player rating – 9/10 Chance of being at Old Trafford next season – 6/10
So there you have it! Another four players under the microscope, any one of which would be a welcome addition to the Manchester United squad.
In fairness, and as you can probably guess from the scores, we feel the most likely of the four is Nemanja Matic but you never know.
With plenty of time left it could still transpire that United sign none of the players we have mentioned and bring in players in whom we are currently not aware they even have an interest. Gareth Bale, for example, has been mentioned recently as becoming available should Real Madrid buy Kylian M’Bappe from Monaco and, as the player wants to go to Madrid, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
Still, there’s only another two months of this pantomime left and then we can start concentrating solely on the football.
WHY SAY ANYTHING? 