Three players Man Utd need to start winning trophies again

Manchester United will head into the next transfer window eager to build on the progress they have made over the past year.

The signings of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James were undoubtedly a step in the right direction, highlighting that there was finally some structure to United’s transfer policy.

That point was further cemented in January, with Bruno Fernandes’ arrival from Sporting Lisbon adding some much-needed sparkle to the squad.

While Fernandes has been hugely impressive since joining United, other new faces are needed if United are to become genuine challengers for silverware.

Read on as we look at the three players who could be the difference between success and failure next season.

Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur

If United could grab a striker with Kane’s pedigree, you can bet on them with confidence to challenge for trophies next term.

While his record of 181 goals in 278 for Spurs is impressive, he would be expected to increase his output with someone like Fernandes behind him.

The supposed £200 million asking price is certainly steep, although it is highly likely that a deal could be struck at a lower price given Spurs’ financial worries.

While Erling Braut Haaland’s £63m release clause makes him an interesting proposition, the fact it can’t be triggered until 2021 makes Kane the better bet.

Donny van de Beek

With Paul Pogba’s future still very much up in the air, United will probably need to strengthen their midfield this summer.

The club continues to be linked with Donny van de Beek, although they face stiff competition from Real Madrid to secure his services.

Madrid were believed to have a £48m deal in place back in January, but the midfielder insisted that he wanted to stay in the Netherlands for the time being.

He has since said that he would be open to a move to a big club and United’s previous successes with Dutch players could tip the scales in their favour.

Dayot Upamecano – RB Leipzig

Upamecano has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe, with the likes of United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich amongst the clubs monitoring his progress.

The 21-year-old has been a standout performer this season, helping Leipzig up to third in the Bundesliga and into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The French defender has a £52.5m release clause in his contract, which makes prising him away from Leipzig much easier.

Signing a top-class centre-half to partner Maguire would give United the perfect platform to challenge for silverware and Upamecano definitely fits the bill.