It has been made evident in recent weeks that Manchester United are building towards a very busy summer transfer window – both in terms of buying and selling.
With the new ownership now in place, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, Manchester United are beginning to take shape from a structural point of view away from the pitch.
It has been a long time coming that the Red Devils modernise their set-up, with incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth managing the department, reporting straight into football-orientated chief executive, Omar Berrada.
A huge criticism of Manchester United’s on-field performances has been down to the recruitment of players who have not been up to standard. Either signed and lured away from competitors due to behemoth wages, or simply not good enough to play at the level, fans will be hoping Ratcliffe’s ownership brings a new dawn.
One of the positions Manchester United need to recruit in is right wing. In recent seasons, the Red Devils have struggled to sign an out-and-out winger for the right hand side that has lived up to expectations.
Jadon Sancho was the first to be brought in, for an outlay of £80 million from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, who has now gone back to Dortmund on half a season loan.
Last summer, Manchester United dipped back into the right wing market, this time opting for Antony from AFC Ajax, Erik Ten Hag’s former club. The Brazilian might have started his career in the North West of England well, but he has fizzled out spectacularly and now reduced to a bit-part role off the substitutes bench.
This costly transfer was a total of £90 million, which looks astronomical given what has been repaid on the pitch. Still young, at 22, Antony might well come good eventually, but if there is an opportunity to recoup a healthy portion of the outlay spent, Manchester United should seriously consider it.
And so, yet again, the Red Devils enter the summer transfer window needing to strengthen a number of positions. One name that has been continually linked this season has been Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.
The London-born winger is eligible to represent both France and England, and came through the ranks of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Reading, where he eventually went on to make his debut.
Since arriving at Selhurst Park three years ago, Olise has elevated his game considerably. A tricky and intelligent winger, the France U21 international has the ability to beat his opposite man down the flanks, but also come inside and link play with the midfield and centre forward.
Reportedly, Olise has a £50 million release clause in his contract, which looks a snip for a player who is Premier
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League-proven and his best years ahead of him. At 22, Olise has shown consistency and an appetite to continue to improving season after season.
It is another big leap from Palace to Manchester United, but there is nothing to suggest the 22 year old cannot make it. His technical ability is off the charts and he is now starting to add crucial goals and assists to his game on a regular basis. Another added bonus is his set-piece ability.
The Red Devils cannot afford to be spending £80 million per-player, per-position, and so Olise being available for £50 million highlights great value in a competitive market.
