Despite failing to win the Premier League title since 2013, the Red Devils remain one of the biggest clubs in England. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men still have some work to do to catch up with their noisy neighbors Manchester City, but they still managed to finish second in the league table. However, some of their stars would be better off finding new clubs this summer, and Italy could be a tempting destination for some of them. So here are three Manchester United players who could use a move towards Serie A during this transfer market.
Nemanja Matic (Defensive Midfielder)
Since his return to Chelsea in 2014, the Partizan Belgrade youth product has been a stalwart for both The Blues and Man United.
The 32-year-old made a name for himself as one of the toughest midfielders in the league. With his commending presence in the middle of the pitch, and his decent distribution skills, it’s easy to understand why Matic became a favorite of tactically-rigid managers like Antonio Conte and José Mourinho.
Speaking of the latter, the Portuguese will be in charge of Roma starting next season, and he would love to be reunited with the former Benfica man for the third time.
The Serbian’s role at Manchester United has diminished recently, and a move to Serie A would allow him to extend his playing career, especially under the guidance of manager who fully trusts his abilities.
Preferable Destination: Roma (Loan with obligation to buy)
? It would take a fee of around €10M for Roma to sign Nemanja Matic from #mufc. The operation could be closed with the formula of a loan with a mandatory option to buy. [@CorSport via @Sport_Witness]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 25, 2021
Paul Pogba (Central Midfielder)
So it seems that the English side would need a revamp in midfield. The French star had returned to the club for a record fee in 2016, but besides flashes of excellence, he has thus far been unable to replicate the form his produced at Juventus, or even the one that he displays with his national team.
The 2018 World Cup winner has been repeatedly linked with a return to Turin, but this move always seemed to be too complicated to be materialized – and perhaps it’s still the case until this very day.
However, with the 28-year-old willing to see out the final year of his contract before leaving as a free agent, the management could be finally willing to listen to other clubs’ offers.
An exchange deal with Cristiano Ronaldo has been mentioned in the media, and whilst it sounds like fantasy football at first, such a deal could potentially make everyone happy.
Preferable Destination: Juventus (Exchange deal)
Man Utd could use Paul Pogba in ambitious swap deal for Juventus duo https://t.co/SISH2M0riQ pic.twitter.com/UpOutZmEBz
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) June 11, 2021
Amad Diallo (Winger)
During his first six months in England, the Atalanta youth product barely appeared on the pitch for the Red Devils.
Even though Solskjaer proved his willingness to rely on young players – with Mason Greenwood being the prime example – we’re not sure if there’s still any space left for an additional wonder kid.
Whilst the Ivorian should keep fighting for a future at Manchester United, a temporary return to Serie A in order to gain some experience could be a reasonable idea.
At Sassuolo, the 18-year-old would find his older sibling – Hamed Junior Traoré – as well as a club that enjoys playing good football whilst relying on youngsters and helping them develop.
Preferable Destination: Sassuolo (Dry loan)
? @MasonGreenwood ? @AmadDiallo_19 ?
Our young forwards have been shortlisted for the 2021 #GoldenBoy award ✌️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 15, 2021