Manchester United are plotting the next steps in their quest for success and dominance, with Champions League football already confirmed for next season.
The Red Devils have endured another season of transition, but the arrival of Michael Carrick has done wonders for their consistency and has steadied the situation over the last few months.
Sacking Ruben Amorim was a bold decision from the Manchester United board, but it has paid off in every aspect, with the future looking bright once again at Old Trafford.
The summer will be one to watch for United supporters, as not only will recruitment and reinvestment into the squad be a huge talking point, but the future of the managerial position heading into their Champions League campaign will also attract significant attention.
There are reports this week that the club are now eager to open talks with their interim manager to decide whether he is the right man for the permanent role next season or if they should explore alternative options.
Resolving the managerial situation over the next few weeks will be absolutely essential for planning their transfer window activity and determining how they intend to maintain their place among the Premier League’s elite while continuing to push for major honours.
That has not stopped the rumour mill from turning over the last few months, though, with United linked to numerous players capable of improving the squad.
According to TEAMtalk, United are reigniting their interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham.
The publication claims that the Red Devils are plotting a major overhaul in central midfield and are expected to recruit at least two players this summer to strengthen their options.
Bellingham was on United’s radar last summer and discussed internally as a potential signing, but he ultimately chose to leave Sunderland and continue his development in Germany.
Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his resurgence in the Bundesliga, meaning competition for his signature is expected to be fierce.
Should Man United sign Jobe Bellingham?
Despite a difficult start to life in Germany, Bellingham has drastically improved under the guidance of Niko Kovac, and his development has clearly not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite clubs.
The 20-year-old Englishman – once hailed as “powerful” by his brother and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham – is a versatile and technically gifted midfielder with an impressive work rate, boasting strengths in defensive contributions, interceptions and reading the game.
United’s priority this summer must be refreshing their midfield, especially with Casemiro’s departure imminent, and replacing his influence, energy and leadership will be absolutely imperative if the club are to maintain the high standards they have set this season.
Competing across multiple competitions next season will present a completely different challenge after spending the majority of the last 12 months playing once a week, so adding players capable of offering a diverse skillset and tactical flexibility would be hugely beneficial.
The sticking point could ultimately be the financial package required to prise Bellingham away from Dortmund this summer, with no clear valuation currently set.
However, if United can negotiate a reasonable deal, signing Bellingham would represent an enormous statement of intent from the club.
The young midfielder possesses all the attributes required to become a long-term prospect for the project at Old Trafford, and under the right guidance, he could grow into one of the defining figures in Man United’s next era of success.
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