Manchester United should recruit from PL club this summer

Much has been made of the apparent clearout Manchester United will undertake this summer, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to recruit a number of players that have the desire to play for the club.

The big names and big money has been bandied about in various newspapers, with Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, Gareth Bale and Jadon Sancho all being names inked on the Norwegian manager’s shortlist.

However, they should turn their attention to one club in the summer transfer window and stay away from negotiating with the European’s best. That club is AFC Bournemouth.

You may be surprised to hear the south-coast club mentioned but there are three players currently on Eddie Howe’s roster that can make a difference at Old Trafford.

Ryan Fraser, Callum Wilson and Nathan Ake are three players that the Cherries faithful don’t want to see leave as their performances have been a highlight in an indifferent season.

The glitz and glamour won’t be available at any unveiling of their addition in the red of Manchester and it may not excite fans but these signings will bring the right attitude and work ethic to the club, along with attacking intent and good technical ability.

First, Fraser plays in a position that United are lacking, the wide areas. The Scottish star is a direct runner and likes to take on the full-backs, with his supply this season proving he has what it takes. Currently ranked second, behind Eden Hazard, in the assist charts and tops the chances created with 25.

His contract is ending in the summer of 2020 and he has made no secret that he is reluctant to sign a new contract in order to test himself at a higher stage. A bid of £20-25 million would test Bournemouth’s resolve but with Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly interested, United would need to act fast.

His combination with Callum Wilson this season has proven deadly, with the two directly linking up for 12 goals in the top flight.

The goals from the centre forward allowed Bournemouth enjoy a great start to the season, granting the south coast side to compete in the top ten.

It was no coincidence that his hamstring injury and the club’s poor run of form came hand in hand, with the team particularly struggling away from home without his presence up front.

With the departure of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez becoming an increasing possibility, the two players may not match the glamour of the decorated internationals but he will certainly be a more fitting addition than some first-team regulars at Old Trafford. The pair’s style will please the fans who want the days of attacking football back to enjoy.

The last possible target, Nathan Ake, will easily displace Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling and can form a formidable partnership with Victor Lindelof.

He has improved considerably this term and a potential ‘step-up’ transfer has been muted in the summer although performances certainly warrant it.

Bournemouth’s defence rarely go without a game without facing a barrage of attacks and it is largely down to the Dutch international that the club has kept a number of clean sheets. Ake has saved the Cherries on numerous occasions with last-ditch tackles and clever defending, something that United could possibly do with after recent frailties have been evident at the back.

Whether the club even consider the three Bournemouth stars remains to be seen, however new additions are certainly required ready for the new season.

The club should also look at clubs not fighting regularly for Champions League with a number of youth talent lying outside the top six. James Maddison, Ruben Neves, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish could all be welcomed additions.

Manchester United will have to draw up a shortlist of the players they wish at the club but Ole and his men can’t do any worse than looking at the men located at the beach.