Planning will already be underway for the summer transfer window for Manchester United with several names linked ahead of the off-season.
Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is a name that continues to be mentioned, with some reports now suggesting that United are frontrunners for his signature. The France U21 international is a key player for the Eagles and turned down a move to Chelsea last summer.
He has however struggled with injuries this campaign. Despite that, he has still managed to score seven times and provide four assists in 16 league appearances this season with Palace feeling his impact when on the pitch.
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If Olise does arrive at Old Trafford in the summer, then it will provide more attacking options to Erik ten Hag or whoever is in charge come the first game of the season. The France U21 international could come straight into the starting XI on the right of the attacking three in behind Rasmus Hojlund.
That then leaves a decision over who takes a place on the left. Marcus Rashford has regularly got the shout this season, but given his struggles, along with Alejandro Garnacho’s performances, the latter may just get the shout with the former dropping to the bench.
In behind the midfield three, both Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro will play more holding roles with the hopefully fit again Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez coming back into the back four at left-back and centre-back respectively.
Man United XI: Onana; Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Olise; Hojlund
This, of course, could be the lineup if Olise is the only incoming in the summer, which is not likely to be the case. United are said to have drawn up plans for the window as far back as September.
The club are understood to be targeting four key areas including right-back, centre-back, central midfield, and the attack. A slight change in transfer approach may also be taken under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe an emphasis more on players who could have a resale value, a category which Olise could fall into.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
