Michael Carrick has enjoyed an excellent start to life in the Man Utd dugout.placeholder image
Michael Carrick has enjoyed an excellent start to life in the Man Utd dugout. | Getty Images
Man United will have money to strengthen the wide areas in the summer with one of Serie A's best now being linked.
Manchester United have been something of a paradox this season in terms of how they have performed in front of goal.
They have consistently been one of the most creative teams in the Premier League, regularly topping the expected goals chart and only the top two teams have scored more goals. Leaders Arsenal have scored just two more than United but it is the 37 conceded in 26 games that is the biggest problem. The defence has looked more solid and more settled since Michael Carrick has changed shape, however this change has also highlighted how short the Red Devils are in certain areas of the attack.
Man United linked with move for Christian Pulisic
Last summer saw Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford all moved on in various deals. All wide players, none of whom were replaced. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrived, although neither of them could be classified as a traditional winger and, in fact, spent most of their time playing as no.10s under Ruben Amorim. Redressing this imbalance should be a priority when the summer transfer window opens.
United have been linked with a few names already with Italian media outlet Calciomercato reporting that a player who is well versed in the ways of the Premier League could be on his way back to England. As with many clubs in Europe, UEFA’s profit and sustainability regulations have had an effect on Serie A giants AC Milan and United are looking to take advantage: “Christian Pulisic could leave AC Milan for a fee around €55 million (£48m).
“Several English clubs are interested in the American for next season, and they're ready to make AC Milan an offer to bring him back to the Premier League. From Manchester United to Tottenham, including Arsenal, several clubs are monitoring Pulisic's situation.” Pulisic has 10 goals in 20 appearances this season, mainly off the right-hand side having struggled to make any sort of real impact in his time at Chelsea.
Is Pulisic the bet option?
Pulisic is a good player, but his previous form in the Premier League where he scored just 26 goals in 146 appearances is far from exciting. The USA international is highly technical, however, compared to Mbeumo, or even Amad Diallo, he can struggle with the athleticism and aggression needed to be a success in English football. There is also the question of where he would fit into the team given that Mbeumo and Amad can already cover the same position.
Of the names mentioned, Yan Diomande is who Jason Wilcox should be looking to get tied up before the window even opens. Do the ground work now before competition for his signature becomes too fierce and the price tag rises. United are said to be leading the chase for Diomande who has been on fire for RB Leipzig this season with a reported release clause of £87m almost the going rate for a player who has earned comparisons to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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