Three players Manchester United could sign before the transfer window shuts

Manchester United’s 2021/22 campaign got off to the ideal start on Saturday, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side cruised to a thumping 5-1 victory over age-old rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford. 

A hat-trick from talisman Bruno Fernandes, as well as goals from Mason Greenwood and Fred, saw the Red Devils make a real statement of intent to their fellow title rivals on the Premier League’s opening weekend.

New singing Raphael Varane, who joined from Real Madrid last week, was officially unveiled to the supporters at Old Trafford before kick-off, while fellow new recruit Jadon Sancho made his debut in the red of United as a second-half substitute.

Next up for United is a trip to the south coast to face Southampton on Sunday, but could United delve into the transfer window once more before then?

With less than a fortnight to go until the summer transfer window slams shut for another year, United are still being heavily linked with a number of players from across Europe.

Below, we list three players who could still make the move to the red half of Manchester.

Kieran Trippier

The England full-back emerged as a potential target for United early in the window, with Solskjaer reportedly looking to provide competition, and a well-earned rest, for first choice right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Speculation surrounding the move cooled while the 30-year-old was on England duty at Euro 2020, but rumours have once again started to circulate and it appears a move could genuinely be on the cards.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Solskjaer’s side are still interested in Trippier, but have been told by his current side Atletico Madrid that they will have to meet his £51 million buy-out clause if a deal is to materialise.

Despite the player apparently being keen on a return to the Premier League, Atleti boss Diego Simeone is adamant that the player will remain in the Spanish capital and is therefore unwilling to let the player go unless he is forced to do so.

Trippier enjoyed a great 2020-21 season, winning La Liga with Atletico.

Trippier’s versatility at the back would be attractive for United, with the former Spurs man being employed at both right-back and left-back by Gareth Southgate during the summer.

He is also arguably most comfortable in a wing-back role, which could give Solskjaer the option to change his formation if required.

Wan-Bissaka played the entirety of the 34 league games that he started last season, as well as playing another 20 games across continental competitions and domestic cups, so the prospect of another option in that particular position is something Solskjaer is keen on.

With two more rounds of Premier League fixtures to be played before the window shuts on August 31, Solskjaer has time to further assess his squad and may decide whether to move for Trippier in that time.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Having fixed arguably their biggest problem position with the signing of Raphael Varane to partner Harry Maguire in defence, United can now turn their attention to another problem that hindered their Premier League title pursuit last term; midfield.

For all the attacking ability of Pogba and Fernandes, United’s midfield last season often lacked balance, and they have therefore been heavily linked with a number of defensive midfielders.

The Likes of Declan Rice, Eduardo Camavinga and Saul Niguez have all been touted as possible candidates to add much-needed steel to the Red Devil’s defence, but a young midfielder has now emerged as the most likely option.

Tchouameni was one of the standout young players in Ligue 1 last season.

According to Belgian journalist Sacho Tavolieri, United have made contact with the representatives of 21-year-old Monaco midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni.

The young defensive midfielder impressed for the French side in Ligue 1 last term, and United are reportedly now considering making a move for the Frenchman.

Last season, Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic were all deployed at the base of United’s midfield at times, but the acquisition of a natural defensive midfielder could be the difference between United mounting a serious title challenge this season, or simply settling for a place in the top four.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Despite sounding almost impossible with less than two weeks of the window remaining, it appears that United making a move for Juventus star Ronaldo isn’t actually as far-fetched as it seems.

The Daily Express are reporting that the Red Devils are one of a number of teams that the Portuguese superstar has been offered to.

It has emerged in recent days that Ronaldo could depart Juventus this summer, and while the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has taken to social media to rebuff any rumours of a return to Real Madrid, the attacker has not denied rumours that he could return to United.

Ronaldo is reportedly seeking a new challenge after failing to win the Serie A title last season.

Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford, scoring 99 goals in the process, before a £99 million move to the Spanish capital in 2009.

While a move may be unlikely and would shock the footballing world, it is also reported that the 36-year-old could be available for as little as £25 million, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.

While United would undoubtedly hold at least some interest in re-signing one of the greatest players in their history, it remains to be seen whether a deal could be agreed.