With the summer transfer window now in full flow, Man United are being linked to a lot of names. They’ve already sealed the blockbuster signing of Jadon Sancho and also signed Tom Heaton on a free deal.
The Red Devils are likely to sign a few more players to make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad strong enough to compete for top titles. However, there are a few particular names United should stay away from. Let’s look at who they are.
Kieran Trippier
The Kieran Trippier interest comes from Solskjaer wanting more depth in the right-back spot at United. He wants someone to get the best out of Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Alex Telles did for Luke Shaw. Trippier is an England international, experienced candidate but not worth spending over £30m on.
The Atletico Madrid defender is defensively quite vulnerable, making poor errors now and then. While his attacking contribution is pretty good, it’s not insanely good (like Shaw who’s provided 3 assists in 4 Euro 2020 games) that he can make a huge impact at United.
Moreover, the Red Devils already have an up-and-coming star in Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese wing-back has improved defensively and is a menace in the attack. He scored 2 goals and registered 3 assists for AC Milan last season, showing great awareness to get around the penalty box to create chances.
United also have academy star Ethan Laird coming through the system. He can also compete for the spot soon. With more pressing needs needing to be fulfilled, the Red Devils should walk away from another right-back signing.
Kamaldeen Sulemana
Now, this target popped out of almost nowhere. Recently, it was reported that United are trying to hijack Ajax’s move to sign FC Nordsjaelland youngster Kamaldeen Sulemana. He is a left winger – who can play in both wings – and had 18 goal contributions (10g, 8a) in 30 appearances last season.
However, the Red Devils already have a bunch of young attacking options. They recently signed Jadon Sancho who can play in both wings. Marcus Rashford score 21 goals and provided 9 assists last season.
Amad Diallo is coming through as an exciting right-winger, while Anthony Elanga proved his potential as a left-winger last season too. Dan James can also play down both wings. There’s just no need to add more names to positions that already have a lot of cover.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be close to leaving Juventus this summer. As a result, rumours started popping up about a potential return to Old Trafford.
However, this move shouldn’t be explored by United right now. As per L’Equipe, Ronaldo currently earns £900,000-a-week wages (with add-ons included) at Juventus. Even if he decides to half that pay, it’s still too high and can destabilize the wage structure at United. Moreover, it can also cause players like Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Rashford to start demanding higher salaries and cause potential trouble in future too.
Moreover, Ronaldo doesn’t fit the plan United are currently seeking. United’s current squad is a youthful one that is being honed to continue giving rewards for years to come. Despite his brilliance, CR7 probably only has a few more years at the top. Ronaldo’s eagerness to hog the spotlight and not contributing defensively could also adversely impact United.
Declan Rice
There’s no doubt that Declan Rice is among England’s most promising young midfielders. He’s performed really well in the Euros, putting in some commendable performances from midfield. But he is not someone who West Ham United will give away for cheap.
The Hammers reportedly want £90m to sell him this summer. That itself is a big reason why United should stop pursuing him. The Red Devils are still said to be ‘interested’ in a summer move for Rice – but there’s no way they should even consider breaking the club transfer record for him.
As per Transfermarkt, Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma has a transfer value of £22.5m. Wilfred N'Didi is valued at £54m and could come for cheaper. Eduardo Camavinga could be signed for around £30m.
United shouldn’t blow a huge chunk of their budget on a defensive midfielder right now, which is why they shouldn’t target Rice’s signing anytime soon.
