Manchester United are one transfer away from the best overall midfield in the world, it doesn’t have to be Jadon Sancho, but they must address their defence if they’re going to be successful.  

They don’t have Kevin De Bruyne or Mohammad Salah or Kai Havertz but all together with their midfield on paper is astounding – it is no wonder they eventually sailed to third place in the Premier League.

With Donny van de Beek joining the Red Devils and probably playing alongside Pogba, Manchester United are one right winger away from the best starting midfield in the world.  

Punters using bookmaker codes will have taken note, Man U have been missing energy for the past two years and their recent signings have and will continue to change that.  This midfield is very attacking.  Donny van de Beek plays a central midfield role but is slightly more attacking than others in this position.  Reminiscent of Roy Keane who is more famous for his more defensive holding role but was actually very good box-to-box.  

Donny van de Beek will be alongside a marauding Pogba. The Frenchman’s career has been revived since the introduction of Fernandes and his keen ability to set the rhythm of play and tendency to drop back to pick up possession.  

Manchester United finally have some ball carriers in the centre of the park.  It was laughable to watch Ander Herrera for the past few years, run with the ball for 10 yards and either lose it or get scared and play the ball back.  This will all be boosted by the return of Scott McTominay who will provide great competition for places, and of course Juan Mata is a nice little ageing backup.

It seems like the power is in Dortmund’s hands and hopes of signing Sancho before this season starts are fading. So do they bide their time or do they sign another suitor who may be cheaper and come with less expectations, here are my suggestions:

• • • Kingsley Koman – He is 24 and has already consistently proven himself at top clubs in France, Italy and Germany, only Spain and England are left. Manchester United could be that place.
    • Ousmane Dembele – Reports on whether he is one of the many players on the transfer list differ, but if he is, then paying a cut-price fee for him would be a steal.  He can use both feet and play on either wing.
    • Jack Grealish – He’s a good choice but I prefer him more as a CAM than an RW.  Still could be a great signing in general

However, if they are going to turn these investments into success then, like most teams in the Premier League’s Top 6, Manchester United need to address their defensive issues. 

Aaron Wan Bissaka’s stats speak for themselves he is one of the best defenders in the league, he can’t cross, but with a good right winger in front of him that will matter less.

Luke Shaw was a very promising English LB whose career has been marred by injury and Brendon Williams is not ready. Harry Maguire cost £5 million more than Van Dijk, I can barely type that with a straight face, but he has made a couple of mistakes and will almost definitely be shaken by his guilty conviction so fans shouldn’t expect solidness in the centre back position. Which brings us to their other CB options: 

• • • Eric Bailly a fantastic, tall and strong centre back but injuries mean he can’t be relied on.
    • It seems Chris Smalling will be making his transfer to Roma permanent.
    • That leaves us with Phil Jones and Marcus Rojo for players over the age of 22 and while they can be relied on to do a job you don’t want them to be your first choice.
    • Is Axel Tuanzebe ready?  I’m not sure that the world record holder for fastest time to clear a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos is ready to be the leader in a Top 6 side.

Aiming for Upamecano was smart but his recent contract extension suggests he won’t be coming but maybe they can join the race for Koulibaly.