Manchester United reporter notebook: Donny van de Beek thirsts for more transfer activity | Football news



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Jadon Sancho remains Manchester United's number one target and the club remains optimistic about a deal

Jadon Sancho remains Manchester United’s number one target and the club remains optimistic about a deal

Sky Sports News North West reporter James Cooper discusses pressing issues arising from Manchester United and possible transfer activity after the signing of Donny van de Beek …

For Manchester United fans who have been gnashing their teeth over a lack of transfer activity this summer, many will admit they have been impressed with the speed and smoothness of a deal for Donny van de Beek that improves his options from midfield to a price that does not seem excessive.

In addition, the arrival of the Dutchman caused a thirst for more activity.

Jack Grealish may have been the ideal target to sit next to Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, but Aston Villa’s survival in the Premier League caused him to simply become too expensive and no longer considered someone to bring this summer: that ship has sailed.

However, Jadon Sancho remains his number one target and there is still optimism that a deal can be reached with Borussia Dortmund. In fact, that may prove to be the least dangerous part of taking the player to Old Trafford in the coming weeks; the biggest hurdles remain Sancho’s salaries and agent fees, which have been described as “outrageous.”

Movements in these areas would allow a transfer to be unlocked and there is still high hope that a solution could be found to finally keep all parties happy, especially since there is a belief that Sancho would like to join Ole’s project.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees Donny van de Beek as an attacking midfielder, Dutch soccer expert Marcel van der Kraan told Transfer Talk.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees Donny van de Beek as an attacking midfielder, Dutch soccer expert Marcel van der Kraan told Transfer Talk.

Can VDB play with Pogba and Bruno?

A £ 40 million deal for someone who played in the first team with Ajax, made his mark in the Champions League, scored 40 goals in three seasons and is still only 23 years old seems like a good deal. Van de Beek was captivated by Solskjaer’s plans and that raises expectations that the number 34 will be another piece in a puzzle designed to make United true contenders at home and abroad.

The only question is how does he fit into Solskjaer’s system and the image of the first team? The answer lies in the end of a season in which Manchester United posted an impressive third place, but then ran out of gas when Europa League glory called.

Van de Beek is a different player than Fernandes or Pogba, he can sit deep and create or play higher on the field, contribute with goals to reduce the offensive gap with Liverpool and Manchester City, find space and weave the game to attract other players . the game.

It will be a case of rotating and resting the trio with two of the three tending to play, but that doesn’t mean the three can’t line up together. Van de Beek could also provide cover for the defense alongside Pogba, as he could alongside Matic, McTominay or Fred.

Chris Smalling has enjoyed a rebirth with Roma manager Paulo Fonseca

Chris Smalling has enjoyed a rebirth with Roma manager Paulo Fonseca

No Upamecano, Smalling to stay?

The other area of ​​the team that needs attention is defense. Dayot Upamecano was extensively investigated and impressed United’s recruiting experts, but he will not be coming to Old Trafford this summer.

The RB Leipzig defender is someone who could be a target later on, maybe even next summer, although there will be more suitors for his signature if he continues to impress. Solskjaer would still like a quality signing to put the proper pressure on Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.

Maguire, like Bruno, was very dependent on him last season: he wants to play in every game, but the demands placed on him next season as captain of a team with even greater ambitions mean he will have to rest from time to time. when.

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Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol says any potential Manchester United moves by RB Leipzig central defender Dayot Upamecano will be ‘very difficult’ to complete this summer.

Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol says any potential Manchester United moves by RB Leipzig central defender Dayot Upamecano will be ‘very difficult’ to complete this summer.

Interestingly, the solution to that dilemma could come from Chris Smalling, who was expected to depart in this window. The 30-year-old’s shares are up thanks to his loan from Roma – he loved playing in Italy, he made a fantastic impression and while there is much clamor for his return, Roma have yet to take a fresh approach.

It’s 50/50 whether you stay or go; Part of his thinking will be how much playing time he would get if he stayed in Manchester and if Roma return with a more impressive offer it could be difficult for United to resist. But if Solskjaer sees him as a true powerhouse candidate, he could provide additional purchasing power elsewhere.

It will also be intriguing to see where Marcos Rojo stands next season, whether Axel Tuanzebe can shed injuries to realize his potential and, with Teden Mengi making his presence felt, whether Eric Bailly can mount his own challenge.

Dean Henderson has been chosen to challenge David de Gea next season

Dean Henderson has been chosen to challenge David de Gea next season

Riddle number one

One of the key areas of discussion will be which of David de Gea or Dean Henderson will wear the gloves when Crystal Palace hits town on September 19. Solskjaer wants to compete for places on his team, but there has never been a situation where every man has a genuine and strong argument to be number one in the club.

Dean Henderson is a young and ambitious goalkeeper who made his mark on loan and is back with a lucrative long-term contract and ambitions with England. Solskjaer has publicly said that his destiny is to be the first choice for the club and the country.

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Micah Richards and Gary Neville weigh in on Manchester United’s transfer business so far

Micah Richards and Gary Neville weigh in on Manchester United’s transfer business so far

Against him is a multiple player of the year winner and one of Manchester United’s highest paid assets, but even De Gea would be a bit stumped by the mistakes that made his season finale disappointing. Perhaps a real threat in Henderson will be just the catalyst to see De Gea elevated again to one of the best in the world.

In the short term, the man who will lose appears to be Sergio Romero, who is certainly too good to be a No. 3 goalkeeper and there are many clubs that are talking to Manchester United about trying to sign the Argentine international.

Where is the future of Lingard?

Looking back on a season that delivered far more than previously thought at the turn of the year, Solskjaer concluded that the over-reliance on Bruno Fernandes could not continue. He has become the driving force and driver of the team, but the final games showed that even one season contender signing cannot do it all alone.

With Premier League progress one goal plus a return to the Champions League, Fernandes will not and should not play in every match. The team will benefit from a player who is allowed to be at the peak of his powers more often.

It seems strange that Pogba is also someone to plan a new season instead of a doubt or a problem, releasing a part of the salary should facilitate a new deal and there is no doubt that he will be fitter and more effective when he returns. a side.

It appears that Manchester United’s midfield business is finished this summer and it seems to be well supplied with different options: Fernandes, Pogba, Van de Beek, Matic, McTominay, Fred and Mata, raising questions about Andreas’ future moves. Pereira and Jesse Lingard.

For Pereira there have been a lot of loan interests at home and abroad, while with Lingard, the problem remains that he likes it inside the dressing room, but would you rather be in a place where you are guaranteed to play first team football? If you end up going, it will be with a cordial greeting.

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