The quality Crystal Palace and Everton pair that Man Utd can sign for free this summer - opinion
Man United need to make sure they are savvy with their transfer business this summer.
Manchester United’s transfer window so far has started off full of big spending. They have already signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5m, and are trying to work a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo for around £55m-£60m.
Furthermore, United are trying to sign a striker too, and have been linked to both Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike, both of whom are expected to cost over £60m. As they have not sold anyone yet, the Red Devils may need to be savvy with some of their transfer business.
Free agents are a useful way of adding much-needed squad depth without risking PSR concerns or overspending, and seeing as United still need to improve in central midfield and at wing-back, there are two options they could add on a budget this summer.
Man United should sign Abdoulaye Doucoure
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is expected to become a free agent at the end of the month after the Toffees decided against renewing his contract as they move into the Hill-Dickinson Stadium.
The 32-year-old has a vast amount of Premier League experience and could be a useful addition for Ruben Amorim, especially considering that he won’t cost anything. This past season, the Mali international made 36 appearances for David Moyes’ side, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Seeing as United are set to lose Christian Eriksen as a free agent, they could sign Doucoure as a replacement that can add some much-needed squad depth in central midfield, behind the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
Tyrick Mitchell should also be added
Furthermore, the left-wing-back spot is a contentious position for United, despite the fact that they signed Patrick Dorgu in the January transfer window. The 20-year-old is still young and could benefit from his minutes being managed. Luke Shaw’s constant injury problems are also an issue for United.
He made 12 Premier League appearances for Man United last season, failing to score or assist, and he certainly looks like he could do with more development before becoming a first-choice left-back for Amorim.
Crystal Palace full-back Tyrick Mitchell is out of contract this summer, and the 25-year-old would be a no-brainer for United, considering that they were linked with him for a transfer in January.
Mitchell made 37 Premier League appearances last season for Palace, producing five assists. His attacking prowess would make him an ideal wing-back in Amorim’s system, and could easily become the first-choice for United. He has an estimated market value of around £21.3 million.
The 25-year-old also has hopes of getting into the England World Cup squad next summer, and so moving to Man United may be the springboard he needs to gain the attention of Thomas Tuchel. However, it is understood that Palace want to keep hold of him.