4 European Under-21 Stars Who Should Be on Manchester United's Radar

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship wraps on Tuesday, as Sweden take on Portugal in the final, but which of the players on show in the Czech Republic over the past couple of weeks should be on Manchester United's wish list?

There are no defenders on this list—United have plenty of defenders with potential, and what they need in the back four is experience. Neither is there a replacement 'keeper here in case David De Gea does leave. That is another position that may be better filled by a more senior player. 

What follows is a list of talented youngsters who would address United's needs further up the pitch. Let's take a look at four U21 stars who could fit in at Old Trafford.

William Carvalho

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William Carvalho has been linked with United for a while now—take Sam Adams in the Mirror in August 2014 as one example.

His performances at the European Championship have made it very clear why the Portugal midfielder has attracted so much attention. John Ashdown of the Guardian was fulsome in his praise of the Sporting man, saying he inspired Portugal in their run to the final. He focused on a specific moment in the semi-final against Germany, illustrating Carvalho's standout display: 

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The ball broke loose in the middle of the Portugal half. Two German players converged on it but in a couple of strides the Sporting player had beaten both to the punch. A laconic shimmy later and the two players in white were on the turf, their tackles having swiped at thin air, and Portugal were away on another counterattack.

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Louis van Gaal has not yet moved for Carvalho, but every passing year makes it seem more likely the Portuguese will grow into a really high-quality midfield anchor. United are crying out for a player of his type, so it is a transfer which would make a lot of sense.

Kevin Volland

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Germany may have disappointed in their semi-final against Portugal, but their safe passage through the group stage owed much to Kevin Volland's brace against Denmark. The Hoffenheim forward is his country's captain at U21 level, and while his scoring record is not in the upper echelons, he shows plenty of promise.

He managed eight goals and five assists for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last season, making him his side's top scorer and second-highest assist maker. He played much of the season in a wide-forward position, and his versatility would be an asset in terms of breaking through to United's first team.

He played as a centre-forward in the game in which he scored a brace against Denmark, though, and he looks dangerous there. He was unable to prevent his side going down to a heavy semi-final defeat in what was ultimately a disappointing tournament for Germany, but Volland has a big future ahead of him. United should, at the very least, be keeping an eye on his development.

Domenico Berardi

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In his superb progress report on Domenico Berardi's season at Sassuolo, Bleacher Report's Adam Digby wrote, "The jewel in [Sassuolo's] crown was undoubtedly Domenico Berardi, a versatile attacking player with a heady combination of skill, pace and personality that made him a highly sought-after star."

It is going to be a challenge for any side other than Juventus to secure Berardi's signature if he leaves Sassuolo, as Jack Sargeant explained over at SB Nation. Juve sold their share in Berardi to Sassuolo earlier in the summer but have a buy-back clause on the player. 

Therefore, bringing him to United would be a tall order. However, if Van Gaal is looking to strengthen his options in wide-forward positions, presuming United move permanently to 4-3-3 next season, Berardi would fit the bill and is a player who should be taken into consideration.

Pione Sisto

Speaking with Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, he described Pione Sisto as having "flashed brilliance" as a substitute for Denmark during their run to the semi-finals. Sisto was recovering from injury, otherwise would surely have been a starter for his country. 

The Midtjylland winger is an exciting talent. Full of flicks and tricks, Sisto would certainly get the Old Trafford faithful out of their seats. He is another in the breed of attacking wide players who would fit into Van Gaal's 4-3-3 system, although it is easy to imagine the Dutchman having palpitations thanks to Sisto's unpredictability. 

Sisto will have a big future somewhere, and it would be a lot of fun for United fans if that was at Old Trafford.