First Man United deal of the summer will reportedly be confirmed this weekend

First Man United deal of the summer will reportedly be confirmed this weekend

Manchester United are set for a busy summer transfer window after what has been a disappointing campaign overall for Jose Mourinho’s side, as the Red Devils have failed to challenge for Premier League glory despite an array of top-class signings last summer.

Pressure is on Mourinho’s men to improve their fortunes next season and the Portuguese boss is likely to go all-out in the summer transfer window once again, as he seeks world-class recruits in his attempts to beat a world-beating side.

An array of top-class players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer and the Red Devils could clinch their first signing of the close-season earlier than expected, as Colombian outlet Radio Caracol suggested James Rodriguez’ move from Real Madrid could be confirmed on Sunday.


The 2014 World Cup hero is tipped to leave the Santiago Bernabeu after a frustrating few years in the Spanish capital, where the highly-rated midfield has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the first-team.

Zinedine Zidane’s side are reportedly set to wave goodbye to the South American this summer and Manchester United are favourites for his signature, although the deal is certainly a strange one for Mourinho’s side to complete.

The likely losses of Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer mean that focus on the attack is necessary, whilst major improvements are needed in defence to find a top-quality central partner for Eric Bailly.

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Full-backs are also needed, whilst a new goalkeeper may also be required if Real Madrid find success in their long-term quest to lure David De Gea to the Spanish capital, and James doesn’t fill any of the aforementioned roles.

Midfield is arguably where Manchester United are strongest, as the boast the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, amongst others, and you’d argue that a more defensive-minded midfield recruit would be the most necessary addition if the Red Devils were to strengthen their ranks here.

Rodriguez, an extremely attacking player, fills the same role as Paul Pogba does, with the Frenchman unlikely to be replaced, although the Colombian can feature on the wings- but that would lead to considerable less opportunities for the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.

French ace Martial has been linked with an exit this summer and a potential arrival of James could push the former Monaco ace out of the exit door but offloading the youngster would probably be a deal United come to regret, as Martial has impressed during the early days of his Manchester United career.

Rodriguez’ arrival would be a major statement of intent but it wouldn’t really improve Manchester United on the field, so the pressure is still on Mourinho to considerably strengthen his ranks this summer.