The knockout round of the European Championship begins on Saturday afternoon, because after two days of transfer enjoyment, all eyes will return to international football.
In a week’s time, Jadon Sancho could well be a Manchester United player, although signing a deal isn’t as urgent as long as he’s part of the English line-up anyway.
This weekend’s games will once again give a number of United players a chance to shine for their nations on a global stage and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could well get more food for thought ahead of the start of preparation next month.
But even if his club stars won’t light up the European stages in the coming days, Solskjaer already has a lot to think about before going into the new season.
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Getting the best out of Paul Pogba
This shouldn’t take a major international tournament to point out, but United needs to find a way to get the most out of Paul Pogba next season.
The 28-year-old is greatly supported by the support of N’Golo Kante on an international level, which speaks for United to sign a new defensive midfielder who is a little more urgent.
Pogba will be a contender for Player of the Tournament award if France fulfill their role as favorites, with their freedom from attack being an important aspect of their role at international level.
By granting a similar privilege, United will not only get the most out of their record signing, but it may also convince United to stick with him beyond his current contract.
Bruno Fernandes is overworked
While it might take a new signing to get the most out of Pogba, it’s pretty clear that more calm will get the most out of his midfield team-mate Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese has recorded the third most minutes at Euro 2020 after a tough season in which he played the most games for club and country among all those involved in the five best leagues in Europe in the 2020-21 season.
His patchy shape is no surprise given the workload he has faced over the past twelve months, but it is once again a warning to Solskjaer as to how he uses his talisman.
Sancho’s proposed signing should take some of the strain off Fernandes in terms of creativity going forward, although he still needs to be carefully looked after by his manager.
Bruno Fernandes has not fired at Euro 2020 yet
(Image: 2021 Getty Images)
Daniel James has yet to play a role
A positive result of the summer tournament was the rejuvenation of Daniel James after his difficult second season at Old Trafford.
When he played for Wales, he has regained his confidence in his preferred position on the left wing, and with his improved performance in the box, he has proven to be one of the foremost opportunity creators at Euro 2020.
There were still moments of frustration for Welsh fans with his final product, but James’ lightning-fast pace makes him a constant threat even when he has a day off.
The 23-year-old won’t be a regular for Solskjaer in the coming season, but he clearly offers something completely different in attack and is a useful squad player.
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Luke Shaw will be crucial next season
Another player who impressed during the European Championship is Luke Shaw, who, despite only two appearances, created the most chances of all players in the English squad.
Shaw enjoyed a stellar campaign for United and was unlucky not to be named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, though few would complain that Fernandes took the crown instead.
Last season, the 25-year-old established himself as arguably the best left-back in the Premier League, if not in all of Europe, and shows that such performances are more the rule than the freak form today.
Any success in the next season depends not only on signings who do their part, but also on Shaw, who maintains the last level of performance.
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Marcus Rashford could miss the start of the new season
Marcus Rashford has chosen to wait until the end of the English campaign before deciding if he needs surgery to fix his shoulder problem.
The academy graduate performed admirably as he struggled with injuries for most of last season, but the heavy workload seemed to affect his fitness and form as he has only scored once for United in the last 10 games of the campaign .
Rashford made 76 appearances for the club and country in the last 12 months so it’s no surprise that his performances suffer in the face of such a relentless performance.
He won’t want to spend time off the field but in the long run his career could benefit from an extended break and subsequent surgery this summer.
Solskjaer gave Marcus Rashford a lot of playing time last season
(Image: NICK POTTS / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Jadon Sancho Reality Check?
Every hour there seems to be a new update on how “close” Jadon Sancho is to United. Most fans won’t be happy until they actually see him put on their famous red stripe.
The 21-year-old is certainly an exciting offensive talent, but is he really the player you need this summer when Mason Greenwood and Amad are already on the right?
Gareth Southgate is believed to have thought other players outperformed Sancho in training, which explains why the striker was limited to just six minutes at the championship.
It plays the devil’s advocate, but the Dortmund winger could well prove a point if he lands at Old Trafford by the end of the summer.
