Manchester United’s 3rd summer signing

With Fred reaching agreement to join Manchester United this summer and Diogo Dalot having reportedly completed his medical at the club, TFF assesses the most likely third summer signing for the Old Trafford giant.

Because, let’s make no bones about it – Manchester United WILL sign more players this summer. TFF expects 4 or 5 new faces in total with a raft of departures to partly pay for the influx and to keep the squad at the streamlined size that Jose Mourinho tends to prefer.

So what else is needed? The areas which look weakest, and which Jose is rumoured to be wanting to strengthen are at left back, centre back, right wing and possibly up front.

TFF thinks that Manchester United have more than enough quality at left back and will look at other areas first. Ashley Young is enjoying an Indian summer, Luke Shaw will surely come good and new boy Diogo Dalot has played there too.

The centre back issue is more pressing. Eric Bailly is world class. But he doesn’t yet have the perfect partner. Toby Alderweireld is the most obvious option but the fees being mooted may be prohibitive for a 29-year-old.

On the right wing the two most obvious targets appear to be Willian of Chelsea and Gareth Bale of Real Madrid. TFF thinks that most fans would love to see the Welshman become the marquee summer signing. He can change games on his own. He will be extremely difficult to prise from his club but he would win Manchester United the title.

A move for Cristiano Ronaldo can never be ruled out either.

With Jose Mourinho seemingly not convinced about Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford at number 9 he may fancy a back up for Romelu Lukaku. Marko Arnautovic has reportedly been assessed and is a wonderful talent. But 50m is a lot to pay for an understudy.

Outside bet?

Manchester United may. have a cheeky punt on Ryan Sessegnon but would likely loan him back to Fulham for a season.

TFF’s predicted 3rd summer signing: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)