Wayne Rooney has revealed his Manchester United transfer wish-list following the worst Premier League season in the club’s history, and it includes the return of a title-winner
Wayne Rooney has identified three key signings that could help Manchester United bounce back from their worst-ever Premier League season. And one of them is a return for former goalkeeper David de Gea.
The Red Devils, who have won the Premier League a record 13 times, are currently languishing in 16th place with a record low of 39 points. Their dismal league performances have continued under Ruben Amorim, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag in November.
Despite their chronic struggles in the league, United will salvage Champions League football from the season if they can defeat Tottenham in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Bilbao.
However, the squad clearly needs a complete overhaul to compete at the highest level domestically and in Europe next season. Rooney, United’s all-time leading goalscorer, believes that the addition of his former team-mate De Gea, along with striker Victor Osimhen and defender Marc Guehi, could be the catalyst for a turnaround.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video Sport, the former England forward said: “I’d probably sign David de Gea back. I think Manchester United have missed him and I think he could still do a very good job.
“The second one, I would sign Osimhen. He’s a number nine, I think he’s a really good striker and possibly available. And the third one, it would be difficult but I’d sign Guehi from Crystal Palace. As a centre-back, I think he would have a really good impact on the club.”
De Gea enjoyed 12 seasons at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League title once and being crowned United’s Player of the Season four times. The 34-year-old was let go in July 2023 and spent nearly a year searching for a new team before joining Fiorentina at the start of this season.
The Spaniard has been a standout performer for the Serie A side, helping them to secure European football while making it to the Europa Conference League semi-finals. He is set to face United in a pre-season match this summer, which will undoubtedly be an emotional encounter for the Spaniard. His replacement, Andre Onana, who was brought in for his superior ball-playing skills, has made numerous high-profile blunders since his £47.2million arrival from Ajax in 2023.
Osimhen, meanwhile, is one of Europe’s top striking talents, having recently helped Galatasaray win the Turkish Cup while on loan from Napoli. The Manchester Evening News reports that United are eyeing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as their main striker next season, although the Red Devils have previously been linked with the prolific Nigerian.
Meanwhile, another United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has made it clear what he thinks the team needs. He said: “Forget Delap’s ability, potential, whatever you want to say about him. It’s not about that right now for Man United. I think they need experience in there.
“Someone who knows how to score and someone that these younger guys can learn off. Rasmus Hojlund needs help. He doesn’t need a competitor.”
England and Crystal Palace defender Guehi is in demand too. The 24-year-old, who has been linked with Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham, will come with a hefty price tag, especially after helping Palace to FA Cup glory against Manchester City.
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