The rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City never ends. This time Man United vs Man City collided strongly in the transfer market.
Man United, who first achieved success, must always be wary of their city rivals, Man City.
The Red Devils can no longer be careless let alone close their eyes, because The Citizens have proven that they are more successful than Man United in the past decade.
After Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013, Manchester United only won 3 trophies: 2015/2016 FA Cup, 2016/2017 English League Cup and 2016/2017 Europa League. If it may be added that Man United also won the 2013 and 2016 Community Shield.
Man United failed to add to the collection in the trophy cabinet after losing on penalties to Villarreal in the Europa League final last season.
Man United’s trophy achievement is still lower than that of Man City after 2013. In total, Manchester Blue won 11 domestic trophies in the last 7 seasons.
In the last four seasons, Man United reportedly poured transfer funds reaching 416 million euros. However, there is no trophy that can be obtained by Man United.
Unlike Man City. Although slightly more extravagant than Man United with a total transfer fee of 442 million euros, Man City managed to win 10 trophies, including the Community Shield trophy.
Not wanting to be humiliated by their neighbors again, Man United began to step on the gas in the transfer market this season to add strength in 2021/2022.
After being runner-up, the Red Devils were so aggressive in the market for buying and selling players. Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier are targeted to maintain squad depth.
Varane’s presence is expected to strengthen the Man United defense sector which is still the homework of every Manchester Red coach in recent seasons.
Harry Maguire, who has always been the first choice in the central defender position, does not have an ideal partner. The figures of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are considered inconsistent.
Therefore, the arrival of Varane can be hope as an ideal duo for Maguire at the back. With Varane, Solskjaer can have many options in the defense sector.
The Norwegian coach can play three defenders (Lindelof/Bailly, Varane, Maguire). While Luke Shaw and Trippier serve as wingbacks.
Meanwhile, if with the option of four defenders, Man United can play Trippier / Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw.
With the arrival of Varane and Trippier, United’s two needs for next season are quite fulfilled. Defense can be more solid, attacks can be sharper.
Shaw, who had drowned when he was with Jose Mourinho, is now more beautiful in the left sector of defense. The score of one goal and three assists at Euro 2020 proves Shaw, that he is ready for the new season, as well as a threat to rivals Man United.
After strengthening the defense, United also want to make their attack even more sharpness with the presence of Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
The purchase of Sancho could boost the sharpness of Man United. Last season Sancho contributed 16 goals by providing 20 assists for Dortmund. Meanwhile, Man United in several matches has difficulty breaking into the opponent’s goal and has minimal goals.
Meanwhile, not wanting to lose the trophy in the 2021/2022 season, Man City is also preparing to add strength. One of Pep Guardiola’s biggest work is finding a replacement for Sergio Aguero.
Guardiola’s quick response was to persuade Harry Kane to leave Tottenham Hotspur. The England striker is reported to be joining Man City after being redeemed for a dowry of £160 million.
After getting Kane, Man City will still try to bring Jack Grealish as a fighter midfielder to the Etihad.
Grealish’s presence can guard the depth of Man City’s squad, as well as add variety to Pep Guardiola’s playing tactics.
The reason is, Man City itself already has some typical creative midfielders like Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva.
The top midfielders will further support the sharpness of a number of wing attackers such as: Phil Foden, Ferran Torres, Raheem Sterling, to Riyad Mahrez.
Unlike Man United, Man City already has the right formula in defense with the excellent performance of the duo of John Stones and Ruben Dias last season.
If a number of Man United and Man City recruits are realized, the 2021/2022 Premier League competition could be even more fierce.
With these purchases Man United can speak more in the competition for the Premier League title.
The reason is, the gaps in the Man United and Man City squads are covered, while Chelsea, which performed well last season can also be more solid.
Premier League fans only need to wait for Liverpool’s reaction, which actually fell short last season after winning the previous season due to the loss of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
