These two players would make Manchester United a ‘major force’

Sky Sports pundit and former England midfielder Paul Merson feels Manchester United would become a “major force” if they signed two players from fellow Premier League clubs this summer.

These two players he’s specifically talking about are Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

Aubameyang has been linked with a £50millon switch to Old Trafford as the Red Devils look to bolster their frontline next term.

The Gabon international has scored 61 goals in just 96 matches since his move from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Grealish is one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top targets this summer.

The 24-year-old has impressed in a struggling side this term, registering seven goals and six assists in the top-flight.

Grealish has starred for Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Merson, who is an Arsenal legend and also spent four years at Villa, told Sky Sports that the duo are exactly what United are lacking.

“Aubameyang is what Manchester United are missing. He is a goal scorer and goal scorers are priceless,” said Merson.

“If you look at United and the way they played against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, I thought they were very, very good. You looked at them and thought they have got a chance, especially if they could also get hold of a couple more players, especially a creative midfielder.

“You couldn’t help but be impressed with their performance and if they were to sign Aubameyang and they also got someone like a Jack Grealish, are they big players? They would be a major force, in my opinion.

“They are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals, and that’s what Aubameyang can bring. He gets you 25 goals without even breaking sweat. Add a Grealish if they can get him and then you’ve got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker, Manchester United will be a major force.

“The Arsenal fans won’t want to see another top striker depart for Old Trafford, that’s for sure, but the Robin van Persie situation was a bit different.

“At that time, it was Arsenal vs Manchester United, they were both the big teams in England and for Arsenal, it was like selling United the trophy.

“This is a bit different because you’ve got to look at where Arsenal are at the moment. They are ninth and if Aubameyang leaves, are they going to finish lower than ninth next season? No way.

“For me, there’s a lot of weighing up that needs to be done. I know the natural reaction is to think Arsenal won’t be able to replace him and his goals and they must do all they can to keep him, even if it is giving him £300,000-a-week, but you can’t just look at next season. You’ve got to look at the all-round picture.

“I’m not saying Aubameyang is not a top-drawer player, he is, but if you are Arsenal and you keep him, are you going to win the Premier League? No.

“The Gunners have a very big decision coming up.”