Jump directly to the content
retail therapy

Manchester United transfer gossip: Five players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could sign to keep Paul Pogba at Old Trafford

  • The France international is keen on a return to Juventus, with Real Madrid also keen
  • Ed Woodward does not want to lose his star asset as it suggests United can no longer attract or keep top talent
  • So who could the Red Devils try and bring in to appease their discontented star signing?

The transfer saga surrounding Manchester United star Paul Pogba threatens to rumble on throughout the entirety of the summer as speculation about the midfielder's future intensifies.

After Jose Mourinho's sacking in December, fans saw an upturn in the player's form which coincided with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's arrival as interim boss.

 Paul Pogba seems destined to leave Manchester United, so what can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer do to keep him?
8
Paul Pogba seems destined to leave Manchester United, so what can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer do to keep him?Credit: getty

But results soon began to take a turn for the worse, as did the standard of the France international's performances. His comments in the media did little to qualm the chaos brewing inside Old Trafford.

Describing a move to Real Madrid as a 'dream' went down like a lead balloon with supporters who had stuck by Pogba during his lowest ebbs throughout his second spell.

It seemed inevitable the 26-year-old would be heading to the Bernabeu to play for Zinedine Zidane, but then rumours of a move to former club Juventus began to gather pace.

Having missed out on the Champions League yet again, the Bianconeri are desperate to add a European crown to their trophy room.As you can see from this exclusive interview with leading French journalist Julien Laurens, a return to Turin is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Julien Laurens admits that going to Juventus is an option for Paul Pogba

 

Ed Woodward is loath to lose such a mercurial talent, even though certain members of the United dressing room want Pogba sold.

The club's executive vice-chairman spent a world record £89million to bring Pogba back to Manchester, and believes selling such a prized asset would make the Red Devils look weak.

So how can Woodward work alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ensure Manchester United are not forced into flogging their record signing?

The Norwegian has made it abundantly clear he wants to sign younger players so as to nurture them into superstars, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka set to follow Daniel James to the club.

However, the 'Baby-Faced Assassin' may find the pressure from both the fans, the squad and the board to sign certified superstars grows from a faint murmur to a deafening crescendo.

 Ed Woodward is under pressure to attract top talent to Old Trafford
8
Ed Woodward is under pressure to attract top talent to Old TraffordCredit: getty

The transfer market is notoriously difficult to negotiate so (as a full disclaimer) marvelbet369.com is well aware pulling off even one of these transfers will be difficult enough, let alone five.

But the club have got to do something to convince Pogba Old Trafford should be where he plays his football next season, so why not with some retail therapy?

Scroll down to see potential superstars Solskajer could sign this summer.

Matthijs De Ligt (Ajax)

 The 19-year-old is one of the most coveted players in the world alongside Paul Pogba
8
The 19-year-old is one of the most coveted players in the world alongside Paul PogbaCredit: getty

Earlier this summer it seemed as though United had beaten both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of the Ajax captain.

Still only 19, De Ligt impressed last season with his aggression in the tackle and incredible composure and maturity.

But Juventus appear to be closing in on the signing of one of the most in-demand players in world football.

United's defence has been cause for concern for years, shipping a record 54 goals - their highest in the Premier League era. Signing De Ligt would drastically improve their backline and send a message to the rest of the world.

Transfermarkt Value: £67million

Bruno Fernandes - Sporting Lisbon

 Bruno Fernandes is a regular Portugal international and gets goals from midfield
8
Bruno Fernandes is a regular Portugal international and gets goals from midfieldCredit: getty

According to , a Portuguese news outlet, United officials are meeting with Fernandes' agent Miguel Pinho in London today.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder scored 31 goals last season and has firmly established himself as a Portugal international - lifting the inaugural Nations League trophy at the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the 24-year-old, but are reluctant to meet Sporting's £70million evaluation.

Another signing which would re-establish United as one of Europe's most attractive sides, Fernandes could fill the void left by Ander Herrera, while his runs into the box could create space in behind for Pogba to exploit.

Transfermarkt Value: £50million

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

 Griezmann wants to leave Atletico this summer
8
Griezmann wants to leave Atletico this summerCredit: getty

Although much of the talk surrounding Antoine Griezmann joining Barcelona, a deal is still not done yet.

As of July 1, the forward's release clause will drop to £75million and the player is keen to leave the Wanda Metropolitano.

A huge fan of David Beckham, United could offer Alexis Sanchez as part of any potential deal to ensure the 28-year-old's preferred number seven shirt is available.

Pogba and Griezmann have enjoyed success on the international stage together and would surely welcome the chance to work alongside one another on a regular basis at club level.

Transfermarkt Value: £75million

Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)

 Jadon Sancho created more assists than Lionel Messi last season
8
Jadon Sancho created more assists than Lionel Messi last seasonCredit: getty

By now, Sancho is an established name after his excellent season for Dortmund and England. The 19-year-old has taken his chance with the Bundesliga side.

A product of the Manchester City academy, Sancho left these shores in 2017 and has slowly developed into one of the most dangerous young talents in Europe.

Last season, he scored 12 goals and grabbed 14 assists in the German top-flight to prove he had made the transition from prospect to superstar seamlessly.

Not only would the winger fit in with Solskjaer's transfer policy of signing promising young players, Pogba could revel in the extra responsibility of helping nurture the talented teen.

Transfermarkt Value: £100million

N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

 Kante and Pogba are good friends and work well on the pitch together
8
Kante and Pogba are good friends and work well on the pitch togetherCredit: getty

While this transfer may seem as likely as United winning the Premier League next season, there is a method to the madness.

Kante's rise to the top was astronomical, going from Ligue 2 to the European Championships in two years. Now a Premier League and World Cup winner, Kante has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.

But his last season at Stamford Bridge was a difficult one to say the least. Played in a more advanced role by Maurizio Sarri, Kante struggled to showcase his defensive nous and tenacious tackling which are trademarks of his normal game.

Although incoming boss Frank Lampard is a Chelsea legend, the France international may feel a move away may be the most beneficial option for his career. Playing alongside Pogba at the World Cup last year brought the best out of both men.

Transfermarkt Value: £90million

How could the team line up?

 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side could be unstoppable next season
8
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side could be unstoppable next seasonCredit: getty

Total cost of new signings: £382million

Topics
cricket exchange