- How Manchester United Can Transform Their Midfield With £100M?
Regardless of what Manchester United will choose to do with Erik ten Hag, they need a major midfield rebuild. They need a midfield capable of competing with top Premier League clubs.
Although there has been some questionable coaching under Erik ten Hag, for the best part of the last 2 years, Manchester United have not had top options in midfield.
The signing of Mason Mount was important, but injuries have limited his impact. Manchester United need better technical players, especially at the base of midfield.
Adhering to the rumoured new transfer strategy at Manchester United, we explored and found 3 players (Under £100m combined) Manchester United can buy to rebuild their midfield. These players will give sufficient options for Erik ten Hag or any manager coming in if the Dutch manager is sacked.
Youssuff Fofana (Free)
He is a must-have for Manchester United. A DM with an impressive carry rate in one of the most physical leagues in Europe.
According to reports from The Athletic, Manchester United are already weighing up a move for him.
If Fofana didn’t run down his contract at Monaco, the Principality club will be getting at least £50million for his services this summer.
Fofana has everything a solid DM/CM should have in the modern game. He is technical enough to play out and escape pressure, and his passing is impressive. He should be the first business Manchester United do this summer.
Xaver Schlager (£25m)
Relatively underrated, but quite popular among scouts. Schlager has all the tools to become one of the best midfielders in the world at the right club, and he is just approaching his peak.
He was important for Leipzig last season, and is currently valued at €25million.
What Schlager does for Leipzig compares closely to what Declan Rice does for Arsenal, but the Austrian is even more technically gifted than Rice. With a daring left-foot, he isn’t shy to dive into tackles and help his side stay solid at the back.
A younger option would be Nicolas Seiwald, but with just 6 starts in the Bundesliga last season, it is difficult to determine if he is ready for a big step-up to a club like Manchester United.
Douglas Luiz (£70m)
Valued at €70Million, Aston Villa are reportedly open to selling him to balance the books. He is the perfect center midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes.
Douglas Luiz has shown last season that he can be reliable while defending and also in attack. The Brazilian scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists in the Premier League last season. His output, work rate and versatility will help balance Manchester United’s midfield.
These 3 players already have enough experience at the highest level. They can slot right in at Manchester United and immediately help the club challenge for important trophies.
They will also compliment Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes by taking pressure off young Mainoo, and help Fernandes have more freedom.
Signing these players will help Manchester United to not enter the rat race of signing young players that not ready for the big step-up. This will also help Manchester United avoid overspending on youngsters out of desperation, like Chelsea have demonstrated in recent years.
