Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern are braced for a big week as they look ahead to next season’s Europa League final with Ajax, where the success of the Red Devils’ campaign hangs in the balance.
Victory in Stockholm will seal a successful first season for Jose Mourinho, complete with two trophies, whilst defeat will raise huge question marks over the campaign this season- especially with the vast amount of money spent last summer.
Our landlord believes Mourinho needs to evolve to succeed at Old Trafford next season and is urging the Portuguese boss to take a look at the club’s talented youth ranks, where he believes some gems are ready to be unearthed.
The punters in the bar agree and believe that pre-season will be the perfect opportunity for youngsters to make a positive impression on Jose Mourinho, as they seek to follow Marcus Rashford into the first-team frame and become a vital asset for the Red Devils next season.
Andreas Pereira
Manchester United have faced problems in defence this season, particularly in the wing-back areas, and Andres Pereira may be the answer to Jose Mourinho’s problems after the 21-year-old’s impressive campaign on-loan with La Liga minnows Granada.
The Brazilian youngster has been an ever present figure for the Spaniards this season, making 34 appearances and scoring four goals, although he’s mainly been utilised as a left-winger. He may see his future there but, if he’s to succeed at Manchester United, a change may be necessary.
With Pereira’s credentials, he could become a starring wing-back for the Red Devils and pre-season would be the perfect opportunity to try things out.
Tahith Chong
17-year-old Dutch midfielder Tahith Chong is highly-rated at Manchester United and his season with the U18’s met a premature end in the early part of 2017 after he suffered a serious injury, which required surgery and saw his campaign cut short.
Chong should be fighting fit for next season though and he may have the opportunity of breaking into Manchester United’s first-team during the pre-season campaign, as the Red Devils look to assess all of their options ahead of the new Premier League season.
Injuries this term have seen Manchester United’s ranks severely depleted and young players like Chong may be crucial next year.
