Manchester United has been linked with various world-class midfielders throughout the season. As the club has been running through some defensive dilemma from the past few months because of which Ralf Rangnick has been made to change his starting XI quite frequently.
The focal spot that needs improvement in the current United squad is a player who can shield the center-backs effectively and hold on possession for the team.
The midfielders who are at our disposal have been marred by some of the other weaknesses which are regularly exploited by opposition attackers. Fred, Scott McTominay, and Nemanja Matic have been playing for the team for the past five years and there haven’t been any new faces coming up.
Although Fred has been playing tirelessly, he has been constantly dispossessed. Scott McTominay has been improving a lot and has gained Rangnick’s faith but he alone isn’t enough to cover up every blade of grass in the midfield zone.
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Nemanja Matic has already left his prime years way behind him and we need a replacement at his place.
As the club failed to sign any new midfielder this January, it went on to hurt them in the following months as they were eliminated from the domestic cup and have been eliminated from the Champions League as well.
There has been a host of players that have been linked to the club or we must say every other player in the world is linked with Manchester United. But only a few could be able to join the club as Ralf Rangnick has made them his prime targets for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Let’s take a look at these three midfielders who could join Manchester United this summer and stabilize the club’s shrunken ship.
1. Declan Rice
Being a proven player in the Premier League makes Declan Rice one of the hottest properties in world football right now. The West Ham United midfielder is known for his remarkable versatility as he can play both, as a defensive midfielder and as a center-back.
He is a specialist in breaking attacks, holding possession, and shielding the center-backs efficiently. He could be a perfect fit in the current set-up under Ralf Rangnick as his ball-winning abilities are second to none. To make it sweeter, he has already scored four goals this season which is his career-best record for goals in a single season.
Declan Rice has been a regular for the England national team as well. Also, West Ham manager David Moyes has made it clear that Rice is one of his most beloved players.
He can fill the voids leftover by Fred and Nemanja Matic, but he will not come for cheap. West Ham United is reluctant to let their captain and star midfielder leave for anything less than £100m.
Bargaining with the Londoners could be a tricky task for Manchester United, but it is worth it if the club can go all out to sign the reliable 23-year-old defensive midfielder.
However, United will face stiff competition from Chelsea who is favorites to land Declan Rice.
Chances of Declan Rice signing for Manchester United: 6/10
2. Ruben Neves
Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, who has been a regular for Wolves since their return to the Premier League, has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
As Wolves have shifted to a more attacking style of play under Bruno Lage, Neves has been used in both central and defensive midfield this season.
The Portugal international is known for his passing ability, having made 1,011 passes this season, more than any other Manchester United player, and completed 12 through balls, with only Bruno Fernandes having more.
Despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s more defensive style of play, Rubene Neves has also showcased his attacking talent, as he had 62 clear shots on goal. His ability to hit long-range goals has made him even more dangerous to deal with.
Last season, the 24-year-old improved his defensive output as well, winning the fifth most tackles in the Premier League. Apart from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, his total amount of tackles and interceptions was also the highest in the Wolves squad.
Ruben Neves was consistently linked with a move to the theatre of dreams in the January transfer window but Ralf Rangnick preferred to stay away from a deal.
Wolves will ask for a fee of around £40m and looking at this sum, it seems to be a cheap deal for Manchester United.
Chances of Ruben Neves signing for Manchester United: 7/10
3. Boubacar Kamara
Boubacar Kamara has grown into a matured defensive midfielder after rising through Marseille’s academy. Kamara has spent much of his time in Marseille’s midfield focusing on his defensive duties, winning many of his duels.
He was used as the main pivot by former manager Andre Villas-Boas, and his tackling style ensures he can shield the center-backs really well.
Kamara has been actively engaged in Marseille’s build-up play under Jorge Sampaoli, indicating that he has what it takes to succeed under Rangnick’s offensive style of play. He has played as a defensive midfielder, a center-back, and a full-back during his career.
Kamara will be available on a free transfer in the summer, and if United wants to add depth to numerous positions in the squad, he would be a wise signing.
Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and West Ham United are also made inquiries about the possibility of signing the Marseille midfielder.
Chances of Boubacar Kamara signing for Manchester United: 7/10
Players who missed out:
1. Franck Kessie- Barcelona is set to sign the AC Milan midfielder and the Red Devils will miss out again. He has completed his medical and will sign for a £6.5m net salary.
2. Amadou Haidara- The RB Leipzig midfielder was one of the favorites to sign for Manchester United in January as he was deemed as Ralf Rangnick’s favorite target. But as the German tactician will step ahead for the advisor role, we don’t feel that Haidara could be a prime target for a new incoming manager.
3. Frenkie de Jong- The Netherlands international was linked to a move to United but Xavi has made it clear that Frenkie is a key member of his squad and will not let him leave so easily.
4. Kalvin Phillips- Manchester United have cooled down their interest in the Leeds United midfielder. The current reports claim that Aston Villa is readying a bid for Phillips and could beat the likes of Manchester United and West Ham.
