DORTMUND, GERMANY – DECEMBER 17: Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring his … [+] team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park on December 17, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
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Over the last two years, Manchester Uniteds pursuit of Jadon Sancho became the most tedious transfer saga in recent memory. Some days, the Old Trafford outfit were reportedly close to sealing a deal for the Borussia Dortmund winger. Other days, they had apparently never been further away from doing so.
At long last, though, it seems United are set to get their man with reports in England and Germany in agreement that the Premier League club are within touching distance of meeting Dortmunds asking price – believed to be somewhere between 80m and 90m. The saga, it appears, will soon have a conclusion.
This mustnt be the end of Manchester Uniteds summer business, though. Sancho would be a statement signing, addressing a deficiency on the right side of Ole Gunnar Solskjaers team, but other areas of the pitch require attention. Sanchos addition must be the start of a larger process at Old Trafford this summer.
GDANSK, POLAND – MAY 26: Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts after … [+] a penalty shootout during the UEFA Europa League Final between Villarreal CF and Manchester United at Gdansk Arena on May 26, 2021 in Gdansk, Poland. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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A new central defender should be a priority. No other team in the Premier Leagues top four conceded more goals than United did last season with the partnership between Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire placed under intense scrutiny. While both centre backs have their individual qualities, they tend to bring the worst out of each other as a pairing.
Pau Torres and Raphael Varane have both been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but they are expensive options. Manchester United have spent big before, many times, but they rarely break the bank on two signings in the same transfer window. With Sancho close to being in the door, though, United cant scrimp on their defence.
Solskjaer could also do with a new midfield anchor to give the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba the freedom they need to cause damage to opponents further up the pitch. Fred and Scott McTominay shared this role last season, but the signing of a one-man midfield platform, like Wilfred Ndidi or Declan Rice, would improve United.
France’s defender Raphael Varane controls the ball during the UEFA European Championship 2020 … [+] football match between Portugal and France at Stadium Puskas Ferenc on June 23, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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This is before their need for a new centre forward is considered. Edinson Cavanis contract has been extended until next summer, but at 34 years old the Uruguayan is only a short-term solution. This time next year, Manchester United will need a replacement and such a player wont come cheaply. If the right candidate is available now, they should move.
The urgency of Uniteds situation in this summers transfer window is accentuated by the strong rumours swirling around Manchester City. According to many sources, the Premier League champions plan on making two marquee signings before the start of the 2021/22 season with Jack Grealish and Harry Kane on their radar.
Considering City finished 12 points clear of United at the top of the Premier League table last season, theres a real risk Pep Guardiolas side could further stretch their advantage over their rivals if there is no transfer window response at Old Trafford. Manchester United cant afford to be left behind. This summer must be about more than just the signing of Sancho.
Jadon Sancho is reportedly close to joining Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs more new signings this summer.
