Manchester United FC are reportedly looking for a midfielder who could unlock stout and stubborn defences. United have been culprits of not breaking down teams that sit back and defend deep against them. Before having Bruno Fernandes on board in January, the Red Devils have dropped points against sides that used a low-block to defend.
The United team has a lot of pace with James, Martial and Rashford, but lacked the penetration and the final-ball. None of the midfielders were capable of doing so other than Pogba, and he was out with injury for long. Fernandes’s arrival in January has brought joy to the Red Devils as he can spot a run and pick a pass.
Bruno Fernandes has the incision in the final-ball which can unlock defences. Even against teams that sit back and defend, Bruno’s quality to pick a pass has proven vital for Manchester United. Even with Pogba and Bruno, the Red Devils will look to bring in an attacking midfielder in the summer for more creativity.
Solskjaer is keen on adding depth and creativity to his midfield to take Manchester United back to the very top. United have been linked to a host of players, but the most relevant name being linked is that of Jack Grealish. He has been the only star in the Aston Villa team that has been dreadful throughout the season.
Grealish is the skipper of Aston Villa and has taken on the mantle to keep his boyhood club in the Premier League. Grealish is a mesmeric dribbler and the stats he has conjured this season are too good to be staying at Villa.
The 24-year old attacking midfielder is the most fouled player in the Premier League this season, winning over 110 fouls. His numbers are also one of the best in the top five leagues in Europe, showing his class. Not just dribbling, he also has the final product in him, scoring 9 goals and setting up 8 more this season.
Jack Grealish is a versatile player and can play in multiple positions including attacking midfield and on the wings as well. This season, Grealish started on the left wing, but as the season progressed he played in the No.10 role.
Manchester United have a lot of good midfielders already in their squad with Fred, Mctominay and Mata. It will be interesting to see how and where Solskjaer uses Grealish in the talented United side. Let us have a look at how Manchester United might lineup if they secure the services of Jack Grealish.
The 4-2-3-1 is the most used formation by Solskjaer this season, as it suits all the players in the team. Grealish will have to settle on the right side of midfield in such a formation at United. But, he will be given the license to come inside centrally and join in with Pogba and Bruno.
This will enable the full-backs to bump forward without a lot of fear, as Matic will be screening the defence. Grealish, in this formation, will be very effective as he along with Bruno and Pogba will create overloads in the midfield. This will, in turn, allow Grealish to take-on people without having a risk of losing the ball in the process.
This version of the 4-2-3-1 will be very attacking and will be best against sides that sit deep.
The 4-4-2 diamond is another formation which could be used to get the best out of Grealish at United. In this formation, Grealish will be allowed to play in his favourite position, central attacking midfield. Grealish will have the license to move about and create overloads on the flanks as well.
Pogba and Bruno will drift in most of the times, but will also have to work hard to provide the width, when necessary. Either of Rashford or Martial can also be used to provide width, depending on which side the attack is from. The fullbacks will be allowed to go forward, but with a bit of caution, as the opposition might hit on the counter.
This formation will work against teams like Liverpool, who use the flanks to attack.
Grealish is valued at £80m by Aston Villa, but United believe the valuation will significantly decrease when Villa get relegated. The United hierarchy believes that Grealish will be available for about £40m, once Aston Villa drop down to the Championship. It has also been reported that Grealish has found himself a house near Cheshire, which is close to Carrington.
With all the reports indicating a move for the Villa captain, only time will tell if he becomes a Manchester United player.
