There is no denying that there has been progression for Manchester United this season under the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils are on course to finish the season in second place, but a challenge for the title still looks a distant dream.
There have been glimpses of a United side that is closing the gap throughout the season to this point, but there has also been evidence that there is still work to be done. For every performance like the one at the Etihad, which saw United beat Manchester City, there has been a performance like the one that saw United draw 0-0 at Crystal Palace.
However, there is no denying that this is the closest United have been to producing a side that could challenge for the title since to retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, but which three players should the Red Devils bring in to bridge the gap?
Harry Kane
There is no doubt that Manchester City are going to be looking to bring in a new striker in the summer, as Gabriel Jesus isn’t of the quality required and Sergio Aguero’s injury problems are meaning that he is unable to play an important role.
United also need to be in the market for a new number nine, as there are doubts surrounding whether Anthony Martial is really of the quality that United need of a player to fire them to glory. The Red Devils will need a marquee name that is likely to score 20+ goals every season, and there are few better options than England captain Harry Kane.
Signing the Spurs forward will certainly not be a cheap move, but it would ensure that United have a player that will make them immediate title contenders.
Kane is not a striker that possesses the pace of a racing horse in the TwinSpires.com free picks list, but he has a unique sense of positioning and he is an incredible target man.
Kane himself may look to force through the move, as Spurs have gone backwards since reaching the Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino, and a player of the quality of the striker should be aiming to win the biggest prizes in the game.
Declan Rice
West Ham’s Declan Rice will also be pretty high on the wish list for United this summer, as they need a new defensive midfielder that can take the club to the next level. Scott McTominay and Fred have been outstanding for United this season, but the club will need something different in the middle of the park if they are to reach the level that fans expect. Nemanja Matic isn’t getting any younger, and could be sold in the summer, while questions regarded the long-term future of Paul Pogba are expected to continue throughout the summer.
Rice would be a perfect fit for United, as he could build up a strong relationship with McTominay, just as he has with Tomas Soucek at the London Stadium. Like Kane, a move for Rice will not be cheap for United, but the performances of Jesse Lingard mean that the attacking midfielder could be used in any potential deal for the 22-year-old.
Jules Kounde
Despite United having a decent defensive record this season, there is still a need for the club to bring in one more central defender that can slot straight into the back four. The partnership between Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof has been decent, but it is clear for all to see that they don’t compliment each other well enough to be considered title challengers.
United need a ball-playing central defender that is quick to play alongside Maguire, and Jules Kounde ticks all the boxes that United need. The Sevilla central defender has enjoyed another excellent campaign, and has a number of potential suitors, but United could be at the head of the queue if they agree to pay the asking price that the Spanish set have put on the 22-year-old.
