Rohan Sengupta
Manchester United surprised the football eternity when they snapped up Alexis Sanchez under the noses of noisy neighbours Manchester City this month. But United still need to spend big in the summer despite the high-profile capture of the former Arsenal star, believes former Red Devils captain Paul Ince.
To challenge for the biggest trophies, Ince wants Jose Mourinho to sign a new striker and two new full-backs in the summer.
“There’s a seriously big summer coming for Manchester United. When you’re a club like that, you’re always trying to improve. And sometimes, that means current players lose out, but that’s just how it goes,” Ince was quoted by Manchester Evening News.
“Come summer I’m expecting around three or four more players to come to Old Trafford. There are still issues to address, and it’s all Jose Mourinho forming his team.
“He came out the other day and said he thought Luke Shaw was world class. I can see what he’s getting at, but he’s gone from slating him and refusing to playing him to saying he’s one of the best in the world. I know what he’s trying to do, give him a boost, but I’m not sure it’s right to go calling him world class.
“It sounds brutal, but that left-back area will surely be one of Jose’s priorities. Matteo Darmian has been far from impressive, and I still don’t believe Mourinho thinks Shaw is the answer. Danny Rose is a name that keeps popping up, with him not getting a game at Tottenham, and he would be fantastic at United. If I was Mourinho, I’d be looking to sign him.
“Another one you have to think about; is how long is Antonio Valencia going to keep going? He’s been truly incredible this season, and he still looks strong and fit, but he’s 32 now and it would be good to have cover sooner rather than later for him.
“No United fan likes to accept it, but the chances are those chats from Real Madrid about David de Gea will start rearing their heads again. So, if you’re Mourinho and you know they could be on the horizon, do you start looking out for a top class goalkeeper?
“This one might shock people, but I reckon Mourinho will be on the lookout for another striker. A different kind of striker to Lukaku, more of a fox in the box. Obviously, it looks as though Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be on his way out unfortunately, so he could do with having a back-up option there. Someone who is lethal in front of goal is needed at the club, an out and out goal scorer.
“If there’s one player that doesn’t deserve to lose out with Sanchez’s arrival, it’s Martial. He is one of the most talented players in the league, and probably still has 25% worth of improvement to come. He’s frighteningly good.”
In my opinion, we need a central midfielder – strong and capable of dictating the tempo of the game. Jose should try and sign Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez as we are in dire need of a left-footed right winger.
Who else do you think Manchester United should target?
