Manchester United’s transfer plans should already be well under way as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add to his squad at the end of the season.
Over the past year we have seen both the good and the bad in United’s current recruitment department. Deals to secure Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire last summer have been effective, if a bit costly, while Daniel James still represents a bargain buy despite his poor form as of late.
However, a long-drawn-out saga to sign Bruno Fernandes and scrambling to sign Odion Ighalo on transfer deadline day last month has again brought into question the transfer policy of the club. After such a mixed bag this summer window will likely define the current era at Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba is expected to leave after the European Championship and United will be tasked with replacing their star man in midfield but even if he were to stay another new addition will be required.
Despite the decision to sign Ighalo last month United are still fully committed to their ongoing ‘cultural reset’ and insist they will again look to sign the best young British talent this summer.
Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Todd Cantwell have all been touted for the No. 10 slot in midfield, but the candidates are less clear when it comes to defensive midfield. Declan Rice, Ben Godfrey? It can be argued this is another area of the pitch where some more leniency should be allowed.
In a team already lacking leaders United need another this summer, and this weekend Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré can demonstrate just why he is worth bending the self-imposed rules of the current transfer policy.
At 90 – year-old Doucouré isn’t exactly a veteran option but possesses all the attributes required if they club were to part with Pogba in the coming months.
Although he only has four goals and four assists for Nigel Pearson’s side this season Doucouré has yet again been a standout performer with commanding and combative midfield performances in his side’s fight against relegation.
Earlier this week the French midfielder spoke of his admiration for compatriot Patrick Vieira and highlighted how he wants to have a similar impact in the Premier League.
“He’s my favorite ever midfielder,” he told the Watford Observer.
“As a player, I want to have the presence and influence on games like he had. I want to become one of the best midfielders, and there is nobody better than him to follow.”
In order to have the same billing as the Arsenal legend Doucouré would need a bigger stage to perform on, and he has already hinted that a move to Old Trafford could be ideal this summer.
“If a big club manages to make an interesting offer for me, of course the club will let me leave, easily, “the Watford midfielder told Canal .
“I’m happy in the Premier League. I want to stay in the Premier League, that’s my main wish. Then we’ll see what’s on offer, or not, for me this summer. ”
After another impressive season with Watford it seems like Doucouré could well be on his way out of Vicarag e Road in the coming future, and he won’t be short of suitors.
Another strong showing this weekend will only further justify his desire to move to a ‘bigger club’, and with United already looking ahead to the summer, Doucouré can prove why he should be involved in any plans to replace Pogba.
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