After defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League final, what can United fans expect this summer?
As the smoke clears after a frustrating final game of the season for the Red Devils, we caught up with a representative from MUHQ News to discuss progress this season, transfers and young players.
It was a desperately disappointing night for United fans on May 26 when Unai Emery masterminded a heroic performance from the Yellow Submarine, and ultimately David De Gea's missed penalty ended their hopes of winning Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his first trophy as manager of the club. Overall though, a second place finish and another European final must be seen as a good campaign. We asked if Ole should remain at the wheel, and what the coming months could mean for the club.
Unai Emery has won an incredible FOURTH Europa League... where does he rank among the best managers? https://t.co/VRhO2mIhlk
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) May 30, 2021
Q. Looking back over performances and progress this season, is Ole still the right man to take the team forward?
A. "In relation to last season, I think there has been progression but still we are still nowhere near in terms of where we should be. Losing three semi finals last season hurt a lot but to get to a final, albeit the Europa League, is the next step forward. Runners up in the Premier League and unbeaten away all season in the Premier League is massive improvement. If we'd won our home games, we'd have been very close to City and maybe even nicked it. The #oleout brigade seem to pop their heads up when we have a bad result or a bad performance but moving forward, if we have the same progression again next season, we’ll not be far away. You need to give him time and a bit of money so he can get the team his way and hopefully push on for honours. We’re moving in the right direction though."
United's youth academy is famous for bringing through outstanding players of the future. With Mason Greenwood having a great impact on the first team this season and some other fresh faces emerging on the fringes, we wondered how bright things look at the club as far as players coming through.
Q. What do you expect from Mason Greenwood's development in the coming years?
A. "Mason is a young lad who cut it in the reserves, hence introduction to the first team was always on the cards. He’s played well when he’s been in the lineup and coming on as a sub. He’s got the pace, the brain and by far has the ability to be a United player for the foreseeable future. Maybe the introduction of Sancho, if it happens, may push him on but he also needs to bulk up a bit in my opinion. He gives you options for moving the front attackers around when or if needed but there’s no doubt the ability is there. Learning from Cavani is a great way to improve, which I'm sure he will."
✅ Mason Greenwood was the most popular choice to keep with Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Edinson Cavani completing the top five.
— Rich Fay (@RichFay) June 14, 2021
Full story 👇 https://t.co/YV5HDeJuhT
Q. What other young players do you see coming through and making an impact in the near future?
A. "We’ve got a few young lads on the verge at the moment which has always been the United way in the past. James Garner is a massive prospect, a defensive midfielder who can pop up with a few goals. Shola Shoretire is a left winger who has great potential. There seems to be a lot of hype about these two lads at the minute. Hannibal Mejbri is another young prospect. Amad Diallo and Axel Tuanzebe should perhaps be getting more game time in my opinion."
Manchester United are no strangers to a big signing and this summer is sure to be no different. They've been linked with some huge names and football Twitter is full of rumours and wishlists. We asked what areas they need to focus on and who in particular could come in and have an immediate impact on the first team.
Q. What areas of the team need improvement via the transfer market?
A. "We desperately need a centre back to go along side Maguire. I think this is the position we need to fill immediately. When you think of the long term partnerships over the years - Bruce and Pallister, Rio and Vidic, etc - having a solid central defence is a must in this league and definitely in Europe. We need to be looking at a striker too in my opinion as Cavani is only here another season and Martial is not exactly a fans favourite - I don’t think a lot of reds would be bothered if he left to be honest. We’ve got a very sparse front line if injuries occur. I would like to see Dean Henderson become first choice keeper, maybe David De Gea will stay another year and help Dean Henderson improve. I have faith in Scott McTominay in midfield, maybe another year or so and he’ll be a top player."
Q. Who would you bring in if you could?
A. "I would personally like to see Harry Kane up front for United. He’s got the ability and has always had an eye for goal from a young age. The addition of Sancho would secure that right wing position. Jack Grealish is another one who’s caught my eye, not sure if him and Bruno can play in the same team though as you probably need a defensive midfielder to pull the strings. As for centre back, a few players have been linked but I like the look of Pau Torres. I could go on all day as everyone gets linked with United at this time of year."
Jadon Sancho expects to join United this summer #mufc https://t.co/RXqYMAxTSH
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) June 14, 2021
United are linked with just about every big player in the world every summer so it's tough to predict who they'll bring in. One thing we can assume is that it will be a big transfer window for the club. They've edged closer to Man City this season but with Liverpool and Chelsea sure to go big again next year, United will need to bolster the squad in some key areas to keep moving forward. We might have to wait until after Euro 2020 to see some deals get over the line and know a little bit more about how much the team is going to improve going into next season.
MUHQ News is a fantastic resource for Manchester United fans looking to keep up with all the latest news and information about the club. It's an active Twitter page and an essential follow for all reds.
Follow them on Twitter: @MUHQNews
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