How Man United could line up next season if they secure all targets
Football
By
Mirror
| Feb 10, 2020
Manchester United have been linked with thousands of players since Ed Woodward assumed the role of executive vice-chairman at Old Trafford.
And to Woodward's credit, the 48-year-old has orchestrated many deals for the Red Devils, despite many of them being considered success stories.
This summer both Woodward and under-fire Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are under intense pressure to get it right.
Here's how Manchester United could look next season if everything goes to plan for Woodward and he's able to complete deals for the players who have appeared most prominently on his radar over the past few seasons.
United's defence was heavily bolstered in the summer when the club parted with a staggering £80million to land Harry Maguire from Leicester City.
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The Red Devils followed this up by signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back, meaning little needs to be done to strengthen the rest of the defence.
Solskjaer appears happy with both Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams at left-back, while centre-back Victor Lindelof has performed well so far this campaign.
That said, one name that has been firmly on Woodward's radar for some time now is Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The 28-year-old was linked with a move to United prior to the Red Devils landing Maguire, and appears to be a player Woodward wants at Old Trafford.
United splashed out on Bruno Fernandes this January, but with Paul Pogba apparently moving on in the summer the Red Devils need someone to partner him.
James Maddison has been continually linked with a move to United, and is someone the club will likely prioritise signing as soon as the window opens.
The Leicester star will set the club back a small fortune, but looks to be worth the outlay.
Marcus Rashford has emerged as a mainstay in the United team this season, but needs support from better players around him.
The Red Devils have been poor in front of goal this campaign, and targeting attacking players will be another of Woodward's priorties.
Jadon Sancho is a player admired by the club's executive vice-chariman, and someone United have been linked with continually in recent years.
Like the above two players he will cost a fortune, but again, he's a favourite of Woodward.
Finally, the most unlikely transfer to take place - despite this man topping Woodward's wishlist - is Erling Haaland to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were targeting the striker this January, but missed out to Dortmund.
It's very unlikely the Norwegian will leave the Bundesliga giants after just half a season, meaning no show of intent from United is set to see him leave.
Woodward's dream XI: David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Kalidou Koulibaly, Luke Shaw, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, James Maddison, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Erling Haaland.