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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Marcus Banks

Three ways Manchester United could line up with David Brooks transfer

Bournemouth are open to selling Manchester United target David Brooks during the summer transfer window.

The Cherries were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season and have already sold Nathan Ake to Manchester City and Aaron Ramsdale to Sheffield United.

New manager Jason Tindall this week insisted the club won't prevent anyone from leaving as long as their valuation is met.

Brooks, 23, is a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite their primary target being Jadon Sancho. The Wales international has been under consideration for upwards of a year but United would be reluctant to meet Bournemouth's £40million valuation.

United, though, have placed an emphasis on signing young British talent meaning Brooks could end up at Old Trafford this summer.

Here, we've taken a look at three possible ways United could line up with the 23-year-old in the side.

4-2-3-1

The quality drop off in the final third when Bruno Fernandes wasn't on song was evident in the run-in and Brooks has the potential to provide a creative spark when Fernandes is either struggling or not playing. Solskjaer faces the prospect of a packed schedule with Premier League fixtures likely to provide an opportunity to rest key players given United's participation in the Champions League.

Brooks has the quality to carve open defences and link the midfield to the attack, and he would be a decent back-up option to Fernandes. United currently have Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira as alternatives to the Portuguese but Solskjaer doesn't appear to trust either and Brooks would be an upgrade on both.

4-3-3

Brooks' arrival could also signal a shift in formation back to the 4-3-3 approach favoured before Fernandes' arrival. United performed well against the top six sides last season, where their counter-attacking qualities were best utilised, but often struggled against a low block deployed by lesser opposition.

The 23-year-old could line up alongside Fernandes in the centre of the park to provide extra creative spark in games where Paul Pogba is rested. It's a role Brooks is familiar with despite playing just 82 minutes in that position for Bournemouth this season. Brooks played 545 minutes from central midfield in his first season with the Cherries, scoring one goal and registering one assist.

4-4-1-1

The majority of Brooks' time at Bournemouth has been spent on the right wing meaning he could be a viable alternative if United's move for Jadon Sancho continues to stall. Dortmund have been bullish over their valuation of the England international and United have failed to reach an agreement with the Bundesliga side thus far.

Brooks has the quality to play in an advanced role on the right but could also be deployed slightly deeper. Eddie Howe used Brooks at right-wing back twice during his spell with the Cherries meaning he has the work rate needed to help out in defence.

Fred and Scott McTominay were United's best midfielders in the first half of the season but both were usurped by Paul Pogba post-lockdown. This is another potential line-up for when the Frenchman is rested.

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