How Man Utd could line up with Sancho and Ramos

Martin Macdonald

21 Jun 2021 11:50 BST

One of the most drawn out transfer sagas of recent memory has been Manchester United's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

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Last summer, the Red Devils made the Englishman their primary transfer target and were locked in negotiations with Dortmund for months, only for no deal to materialise as the Bundesliga giants refused to budge on their £100 million valuation.

According to reports from Germany, Dortmund would be willing to accept a lower offer than that this summer as like every other club they have been hit financially by the ongoing pandemic.

Those most recent reports suggest that Man Utd and Dortmund are currently around £10m apart in their respective valuations, though talks are expected to continue over the next few weeks.

It seems almost inevitable that Man Utd will finally pull the trigger on the deal and that Sancho will ply his trade at Old Trafford next season.

Another player strongly linked with a move to England with the Red Devils is Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos.

The World Cup winner had been in negotiations over a new contract with Los Blancos over the past 12 months, but the club were unwilling to grant his wish of a two-year deal, which eventually left to his confirmed departure last week.

Even at 35, Ramos remains one of the best defenders in the world on his day, while his leadership qualities would certainly be of value to any side in Europe.

Man Utd are keen for a new partner for Harry Maguire, and although Ramos would not be a long-term solution, they are looking into the possibility of bringing the Spaniard in for the 2021/22 season.

So, if these two deals happen, how will Man Utd line up?

Man Utd XI with Jadon Sancho and Sergio Ramos

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need to decide sooner or later whether he considers David de Gea or Dean Henderson will be his number one goalkeeper moving forward.

For the moment, it seems the latter has the edge.

The club have been pursuing Kieran Trippier this summer but with talks with Atletico Madrid hitting a speedbump recently, Aaron Wan-Bissaka should retain his place at right-back with Luke Shaw on the left.

Ramos will come in to partner Maguire in the centre of defence at the expense of Victor Lindelof.

The constant speculation surrounding Paul Pogba means his future at the club is still uncertain, but reports this week have suggested they could look to make him the highest-paid player at Old Trafford to convince him to stay.

Should they happen, he will likely play in his preferred central midfield position.

Scott McTominay will probably be his partner but Man Utd could opt to bring in someone more defensive.

Sancho will slot in on the right wing which will means Mason Greenwood will be able to play more centrally, though Edinson Cavani will be the number one striker next season.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes will take up the other attacking midfield spots.