As reported by Daily Mail, Ashley Young has urged Ole Gunnar Solksjaer to sign a world-class defensive midfielder like Macro Verratti who could play be Manchester United’s next Michael Carrick.
Manchester United has deeply invested in attack and in defence but the main position that they are still lacking is the defensive midfield. Over the years, numerous players have been made to play at that position but no one has been consistent for the club.
Michael Carrick was the last heir to master the position and he was the best in his role. But since his departure in 2018, no one has come close to the spectacular English midfielder.
Paul Pogba was made to play at that spot by Ole Gunnar Solksjaer in a lot of games last season, but it is clearly seen that he wanted to attack more. He was very vulnerable while playing deep and wanted to play as a proper central attacking midfielder.
Must Read– Paul Pogba reveals that he would love to play offensively for United
Solksjaer then tried to experiment with Fred and Scott McTominay and even till now he has been playing with the duo. It seems that his choices are rather destroying his team harmony. Fred and McTominay have been inconsistent and very much prone to commit simple mistakes time and again.
Ashley Young has highlighted the same issue and wants Solksjaer to sign a Michael Carrick type player and stop depending on the players that currently sit in his starting XI in every single game.
He said:
“The Michael Carrick type has been missing for years. They haven’t gone out and replaced Michael Carrick Don’t get me wrong – Fred and McTominay are good players but I don’t think there’s a Michael Carrick around. I was watching the PSG v City game yesterday and I think Marco Verratti is the closest one and nobody’s gone out to test the water to try to sign him. I think he would be an unbelievable signing for Manchester United.”
“I think Paul needs to play there (in central midfield). At the weekend he was playing out towards the left, I don’t think that’s Paul’s best position. I think he wants to control play and he wants to dictate. He’s a player who can find passes, the way Carrick used to do.”
His observation is absolutely spot on and it seems that even he could find the weak spot but not Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. Manchester United will try to sign a new CDM in the January transfer window and there are many names linked to the club.
Players like Declan Rice, Ruben Neves have been linked in the entire summer but United planned against signing a new midfielder.
Also, Read– Manchester United plotting a move for Lazio’s Sergej Marinkovic Savic
It seems that signing a new defensive midfielder will be a top priority for Solksjaer next year as United’s current bunch of defensive midfielders have been playing poorly again.