Defining summer for Manchester United

Undoubtedly one of the most historic and successful clubs in European football, Manchester United have hit several roadblocks over the past few years that they have struggled to get over. Since the departure of Sir Alex, United have not found the right squad balance to match up to the high levels of success the club has seen in the previous few decades. This is something that astounded fans, who came to realise how irreplaceable Sir Alex actually was. The high levels of spending in the transfer market has also failed to garner the desired results. Having being spoilt by the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand in the recent past and several others who have donned the famous red jersey, the expectations at this club are always high.

With the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool reaching such great heights this season, a key to their success has been the consistency of team selections over the span of the season. This is a philosophy that United stood for in the past, but have struggled to maintain this level of consistency in the past few seasons.

Although there is a lot of speculation of a major summer overhaul of the squad, I personally believe that the current team setup can win the title in a few years with some easily identifiable changes. Of course, a few key additions would be necessary as well to ensure squad balance and depth. There is no shortage of young and talented players, who can come together and restore the glory days back at this great club.

Ole at the wheel

In my opinion, he is the right man to lead the club. Having been a United player for several years and tasted great success while doing so, he would be hungrier than ever to restore the fear factor back into the club while eliminating all the complacency that has set in. While United have burnt their fingers in the past with experienced European managers, they have all failed in creating a strong connect with the players which has lead to their early departures. Ole needs to really focus on each player and strengthen them to complement his team and tactics. With the right combinations and squad depth, he could restore attacking and exciting football at the Theatre of Dreams. He needs to rekindle the football that Sir Alex excelled at over his long tenure.

“When I was given the job there was an understanding that we had to get Manchester United’s DNA back into the club and the team. That doesn’t mean I want to live in the past. It would be naive to tell players to do all the same things we did when I played. But I want to create a culture that we all believe in." (Ole - The Telegraph)

Paul Pogba - Tough to manage, tougher to mark

If he stays at the club, make him the captain. Yes, this would seem like a wild and unpopular sentiment, but I believe it could bring out the best in the team. There are very few people in world football right now that elicit fear out of their opponents like Paul Pogba. On his day, he is one of the best footballers to watch, but his inconsistency tends to frustrate those that back him so strongly. This added responsibility could bring out the best in him, which he could translate his teammates. He has proven himself on the domestic and international stages, very recently a World Cup winner, and losing him could be fatal to United. A talismanic player and leader, he could bring back the fearful respect that Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney demanded from their players. Ole needs to put faith in him and build the team around him, but at the same time exercise a firm control over him.

Bring the fear back to the Theatre of Dreams - Create a solid back 4

The biggest problem area at Manchester United for the past few seasons. They have not managed to maintain a consistent selection for their back 4, something that clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have solidified. Continually changing the back 4 not only affects the team tactics, but also the midfielders and goalkeepers due to higher levels of miscommunication. The priority should be on getting a experienced centre back who has played at the highest level and creates a sense of security at the back, similar to what Van Dijk has done at Liverpool. While Luke Shaw has had a career defining season, the right back role needs to be filled up. The player who is chosen to replace Ander Herrera needs to also work in sync with the new centre backs.

Youth - propel them to the front line

The young players that the club have are currently some of the best out there. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are the forefront of this conversation. They have been very pivotal to the club over the last few seasons, and now need to become a part of the core. Neither of these deserve to be benched, as they could make it into most starting teams in world football. At the same time, they need to have the right attitude and work ethic. I question whether Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez are the right fit for this new team. They could be replaced. Academy players like Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong should be given more regular appearances at the highest level, and they could produce the results. There is no point in signing some high profile names if it means the younger players decide to play elsewhere.

Manage the speculation - Invest in the right talent

United are a club that almost every talented player gets linked with during the summer window. The concern would lie in the fact that Ole Gunnar has not managed a club of this scale in the past with constant media speculation and rumours. He needs to clearly set his target and hope the club management help him see these through. He must shortlist a few key position areas and aggressively target each. The appointment of a Technical Director could help him make the signings he needs.

The right changes will bring the desired results. It is clear that the avenues for growth are infinite for this club, but it is high time they find the right combination. Instead of several new signings, a restructuring of the team could be sufficient to achieve greater levels of success next season.The fans are getting more restless with each passing season, and this will only create more pressure on the players. The players need to start realising the great club they play for and give the jersey the respect it deserves. It is exciting to see what this summer holds for the club.