Manchester United could decide to swoop up a solid player this summer for free and it would bolster a key area in the squad.
Manchester United have prioritised bolstering their attacking options this summer, having already secured the signing of Matheus Cunha and now actively pursuing Bryan Mbeumo.
After last season’s difficulties in front of goal, it’s no surprise that Ruben Amorim has made strengthening the forward line a key focus.
Nevertheless, United are also aiming to reinforce other crucial areas of the squad—especially central midfield and the wingback roles—as they strive to assemble a more balanced team ahead of the new campaign.
But there is some doubt about whether there will be enough cash in the budget for a position like wingback this summer once the other positions are sorted.
United have chance to swoop up “extraordinary” star for free
It looks like United could be set to spend over £160 million on three signings in the frontline and those at the club should be looking at some low-cost deals to bolster some other areas.
The free agent market has provided some great signings for other clubs in recent years and it has been confirmed this week that Kyle Walker-Peters will be leaving Southampton at the end of his contract this month.
Walker-Peters has spent just over five years with The Saints and 28-year-old has managed to play 148 games in the Premier League so far. Ruben Selles described him as an “extraordinary” player.
There is reported interest in the right-back from the likes of Everton and his former club Tottenham Hotspur, although it should also be a deal that the Reds consider.
Walker-Peters is naturally a more offensive option than Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui on the flank and could be brought in as a backup at right wingback, a position he has regularly played beforehand.
Amad is expected to start in that position but there is limited depth out wide, and Walker-Peters has also shown across his career that he can play on the left side as well, which could be useful to the Reds.
Walker-Peters publicly praised Wilcox
Of course, Walker-Peters had been at Southampton when Jason Wilcox took charge of the club as director of football, before his eventual move to Old Trafford.
Wilcox helped bring a new direction at St Mary’s during his short stint and the defender praised that impact when The Saints were chasing promotion in the Championship.
“Relegation isn’t the factor to why we’re better now,” he explained. “Things have been sorted out upstairs and we’re in a better place. We have a real clear direction.”
Now in a similar role at United, Wilcox could decide to enter the race to bring Walker-Peters in, and the player clearly appreciates him.
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