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Zaha? Koulibaly? 3 positions Man Utd must improve for title challenge

Every time Manchester United shows signs of a resurgence, they always seem to slip back into a rut, and that's due in large part to a lack of quality players across certain areas of the team.

Like the saying goes, form is temporary, class is permanent - Manchester United rely far too much on "form" and not enough on pure class.

Going into the 2021 season, bolster their ranks with players who can put in consistent performances throughout the course of the season, instead of relying on players who experience small bursts of form from time to time.

United have just recently bolstered their midfield with the signing of Donny Van De Beek. While the Dutchman's arrival represents a step in the right direction, there are still various positions United need to strengthen going into the new season - particularly right-wing, centre-back and striker.

Here's a look at three players who could fill those roles:


Right Wing - Wilfried Zaha

Manchester United went into the summer transfer window expecting to sign Jadon Sancho from Dortmund, but reports suggest that Sancho is unlikely to leave the Signal Iduna Park this year.

Considering United might not be able to sign Sancho, they could make a move for Wilfried Zaha.

Zaha has proven to be one of the best wingers in the Premier League over the past few years but he's somehow remained at Crystal Palace after all this time.

With Manchester United currently in need of a winger following Daniel James' inconsistent displays last season, Zaha could be a great option for the Red Devils.

The 27-year-old scored four goals and registered three assists in a struggling Crystal Palace side last season - playing alongside the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford could give Zaha a chance to truly flourish in the Premier League.



Centre-Back - Kalidou Koulibaly

Koulibaly is probably the most sought-after centre-back in the world at the moment. He's been linked with pretty much every top club in Europe due to his incredible defensive awareness and his ability to distribute the ball under pressure.

He's believed to be on par with Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk in terms of pure defensive ability, which is why he's garnered so much interest from Europe's top clubs, and despite all the interest, Manchester United would do well to make a move for the Senegal international considering how much he could improve their backline going into next season.

Despite signing Harry Magure last season, Manchester United have struggled to maintain a solid defensive set-up - Koulibaly could come into the squad and fix that, giving Solskjaer's side a real chance of competing with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title.



Striker - Moussa Dembele

Anthony Martial proved to be a reliable figure in United's attack towards the end of last season, however, Martial has a history of going in and out of form - and while Odion Ighalo has put up some brilliant displays for the Red Devils, he's expected to return to his parent club in January.

If United are serious about launching a viable title bid next term, they'll need a striker who is capable of scoring goals on a consistent basis.

On that note, United would do well to make a move for Lyon's Moussa Dembele, who, over the last two seasons has scored 31 league goals, proving to be one of the most consistent strikers in the French top-flight.

Dembele is fast, strong on the ball, and boasts a strong aerial presence - he has all the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League should United make a move for him.

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Phillip Ekuwem
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Phillip Ekuwem

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