Two Signings That Would Make Manchester United’s Attack The Best In England
Manchester United made a big statement when they clinched the transfer of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku from under the noses of Premier League champions Chelsea. The Belgian completed the £75million move to the Old Trafford, snubbing a chance to return to the Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho’s team had a fairly successful season – winning the UEFA Europa League that guaranteed them a spot in this season’s Champions League, along with the EFL Cup and the FA Community Shield. However, a sixth-place finish in the Premier League was seen as a poor result from the team which was expected to be challenging for the title.
Having released Zlatan Ibrahimović, signing a new striker was of paramount importance and they have addressed that by bringing in Lukaku – the second highest goal-scorer in the Premier League last season. This is sure to improve the United attack that already comprises of stars like Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford.
And here are two more players who, if signed, can turn this United attack into the best in England.
Ivan Perisic (Inter)
The 28-year old has been strongly linked with a move to United in recent weeks, but with the Red Devils not being able to agree on a fee with his current club Inter Milan, the move has stalled (Independent).
Goals from wide areas is something Manchester United lacked last season, with the likes of Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard all struggling to contribute meaningfully in front of goal. Juan Mata may have managed to chip in with important goals, but he isn’t a natural wide player either. So, this was one area that was a bit of concern for Jose.
Perisic may not be the be the biggest of the stars in the world of football, but he is someone with proven mettle in Europe and has been performing very well at this level for quite some time now. Last season, he managed to score 11 goals and set up 12 more for an inconsistent Inter side, from 42 games in all competitions. Able to play on either flank, possessing serious pace and brute force to match it, the 28-year old will add more goals to the United attack.
Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina)
Another player who has been rumoured to be on United’s radar, the 23-year old Italian could turn out to be another excellent addition to the Red Devils’ ranks.
Bernardeschi has emerged as one of the most promising wide players in Italy and had a wonderful season with Serie A outfit Fiorentina. The Italy international finished with an excellent tally of 14 goals and 5 assists from 42 games across all competitions. Able to play on either flank, in a No.10 role and also as an auxiliary forward at the top of the attack, the 23-year old will provide Mourinho with a lot of options with his versatile nature.
Juventus are reported to be interested in him, but it is likely that they will drop the interest now that they have managed to sign Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich. That would provide United a window to move for the 23-year old. With him in the ranks, United will have more flair to their attack, an added element of creativity and another source of goals. No-brainer, isn’t it?