This World Cup, several young players have shown their true worth and the Manchester United board has kept a close eye on these rising stars.
The Red Devils have improved this season under Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, and if they can maintain their present success over the second half of the season, they will be confident of finishing in the top four of the league table.
Before the World Cup break, United moved up to fifth place in the Premier League standings.
In order to strengthen his club, Ten Hag might need to find his best players in the January transfer market. Let’s take a look at these four World Cup stars who might sign with the 13-time Premier League champions in the coming months.
1. Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo had a spectacular World Cup, scoring in each of the Netherlands’ games during the group games. The 23-year-old scored his nation’s opening goal of the competition against Senegal and later found the back of the net in matches against Ecuador and Qatar.
In the last hours of the summer transfer window, United tried to capture the PSV Eindhoven winger but ultimately signed Antony from Ajax. Marcel Brands, the Dutch club’s director of football, has stated that the player is now prepared to take on a fresh challenge.
United is the best possible destination for the versatile attacker. It has been no secret that Gakpo has openly claimed about his conversations with the club and the manager.
The Dutch star would be ready to sign a new deal if United are quick with their move in the upcoming transfer window.
2. Goncalo Ramos
Another player that shone at the World Cup was Goncalo Ramos. The tournament’s group-stage matches saw the 21-year-old Portuguese striker only get 10 minutes of playing time.
However, he gained attention after scoring three goals in the round of 16 as Portugal hammered Switzerland 6-1 in his first-ever appearance for his nation.
Ramos has been in outstanding form for Benfica this season, scoring 14 goals and dishing out six assists in 21 games. And United is said to have been keeping tabs on the player for months. But in order to acquire him, they will have to pay a hefty transfer price.
3. Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao is a different Portuguese player who United is supposedly interested in signing.
The winger came on in each game and proved precisely what he’s all about by scoring goals against Ghana and Switzerland, despite being unable to push his way into his country’s starting lineup for any of their World Cup matches.
Leao has performed admirably for AC Milan this season, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists in 20 games. But the 23-year-old is reportedly worth an astounding £86 million to the Italian powerhouses. United must therefore splash a huge sum if they are serious about the deal.
4. Kim Min-Jae
According to sources, United have rekindled its interest in the South Korean centre-back Kim Min-Jae, even though Ten Hag may prioritise adding attacking reinforcements.
When the 26-year-old was playing for the Chinese team Beijing Sinobo Guoan 18 months ago, the Red Devils reportedly had the chance to sign him for under £3 million.
However, the defender eventually transferred from Fenerbahce to Napoli. Currently, he has a £38 million release clause. But given that Real Madrid is also interested in signing him and that he has performed admirably for both South Korea and his club in Qatar, he might be worth the money.
