Peter Henry
With the title race finally over, it seems like Manchester United and Manchester City’s next battle may be in the transfer market rather than in the field.
Having worked so hard to deny City the title a week-and-a-half ago by winning the Manchester Derby, Manchester United undid all their hard work by losing against Premier League bottom club West Bromwich Albion, a result which finally confirmed Pep Guardiola’s men as champions of England.
While not mathematically confirmed, Manchester United only need four more points from their remaining to confirm Champions League qualification once again, meaning they can already start planning their summer transfer business.
Manchester City have been linked with strengthening their already impressive midfield, with Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder having been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad.
However, according to the Daily Mirror, Jose Mourinho is also keen on signing the Brazilian and wants to beat Pep Guardiola to his signature.
While Guardiola is looking for a long term replacement for his current Brazilian enforcer Fernandinho, also a former Shakhtar player, Mourinho seems to have a major rebuilding job on his hands.
Michael Carrick is retiring while Marouane Fellaini is widely expected to leave the club on a free transfer. Meanwhile, there are doubts surrounding the future of Paul Pogba who has had a wretched few months in the heart of the Manchester United midfield.
United are planning on offering Fred more money in wages in order to lure the 25-year-old to Old Trafford.
It is thought that he is valued at around £50 million.