Jose Mourinho did not really show the way to invest last summer, did he?
On Football Manager, fortunately, you can choose to live a bit closer to within your means and invest a little more shrewdly than the Portuguese egoist. Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are already at the club and swallowing up enormous amounts of wages, but you are still given a fair bit to work with.
The weaknesses, as so many know all too well, are glaring in the Manchester United squad. Where it may be tempting to sign some of the world’s biggest names, the number of signings required means it is probably better to spread your resources more carefully rather than trying to fix the problems with a splattering of stardust.
The board will demand great things from you and, despite the popular beliefs, you shan’t have much time if things start to head towards the realms of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
Simply put – intelligent investment is key. So here’s a look at five bargain-buys you should consider when managing Manchester United on Football Manager 2017…
Tin Jedvaj
Defence is unquestionably an issue that needs addressing at Manchester United.
One of the best possible signings to help solve such a concerning issue is Tin Jedvaj.
His potential will force Bayer Leverkusen to demand a higher sum (it is worth making it a heavily structured deal) but he is certainly worth it, particularly with such great versatility.
Iker Muniain
Iker Muniain is yet to reach his supposedly supreme potential in the real world, unfortunately.
On Football Manager, however, he is still a viable signing for a club like Manchester United and can be a real superstar if injuries can be avoided.
Fabian Schar
Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly can do a decent job as your first choice central defensive pairing, but additional depth is a must.
Jones and Rojo both suffer injuries far too frequently and cannot be trusted to perform consistently, for instance.
Schar will not cost the earth and can still improve to become a starter.
Angel Correa
Should injuries put you off the acquisition of Iker Muniain, Angel Correa has to be an alternative.
Atleti will not be all that keen to let him go, but he can be tempted away from them with the right price.
Correa has versatility in his favour and the potential to become one of the game’s best forwards.
Ricardo Kishna
Kishna will not be the cheapest wide option for Manchester United, but he is one of several young, high-ceiling Lazio players that should be considered.
Although Rashford, Mkhitaryan, Martial and Mata are the leading contenders for long-term attacking roles at Old Trafford, Kishna could easily force his way into the XI.