One could argue that attack is the lowest priority for Mamchester United this summer. Whilst Jose Mourinho’s team was hardly sparkling up front for the entirety of last season, fans of the club were primarily hoping to see the Portuguese address issues in midfield and either side of defence first.
Mourinho has addressed both so far this close season. The addition of Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred should provide United with the energy that they’ve lacked, with the Brazilian starring in Ukraine as a box-to-box operator. FC Porto’s Diogo Dalot has also been brought in, with the 19-year old expected to provide competition for Antonio Valencia at right back.
Still, as ever, United have been linked with a host of names at the top end of the pitch this summer. Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale has been bandied around as an option for taking the club’s attack to the next level, but such a transfer feels unlikely at this moment, given the Welshman’s first priority appears to be to remain in the Spanish capital. Reports have recently surfaced of another option from Los Blancos revealing themselves, however.
The Mirror, via an article on El Gold Digital, are reporting that Marco Asensio is being monitored by United as a potential option in attacking midfield. Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain are also said to be interested, with the Spanish international keen to figure out where he fits into new Real manager Julen Lopetegui’s plans before deciding on his future.
United certainly don’t lack for quality up front, but they could certainly do with more options directly behind the striker. Asensio’s flexibility to be able to play on both wings and through the middle could be a great asset, given that neither Jesse Lingard or Juan Mata excelled at number 10 last term. Alexis Sanchez’s form out wide last season also makes the case for utilising Asensio on the flanks, too.
