The Manchester United squad is currently grappling with the implementation of Erik Ten Hag‘s tactics in the ongoing season. Following a season that showed significant improvement, raising hopes among Old Trafford supporters, the beginning of this campaign has been far from smooth for the club. Ten Hag’s deficiencies have come to light, and a former Arsenal legend has suggested United to secure the signature of a highly rated $32 million midfielder.
The Red Devils vulnerabilities were apparent in a hard-fought 1-0 win against Wolves on the opening weekend. They were further exposed in a ruthless 2-0 defeat to Tottenham. Although the victory over Nottingham Forest helped them climb to eighth place, it was not without embarrassment, as they conceded two goals in the opening five minutes.
A former Arsenal legend suggests a midfielder
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Manchester United has faced a persistent problem with their midfield. Injuries and inconsistent form continue to plague the team, even in the early stages of the 2023/24 season. Casemiro, arguably the standout signing of the previous year, has displayed shaky performances at the start of this term. Furthermore, amidst underwhelming initial displays for his new side, Mason Mount has already succumbed to injury.
A former Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has voiced concerns about Manchester United’s midfield struggles. In a candid statement to Sky Sports, he remarked, “If you watch the last three football matches, they’re all over the place.” Merson’s experience on the pitch and keen eye for the game led him to suggest a solution: the acquisition of $32 million-rated star Sofyan Amrabat.
Merson expressed his astonishment that more teams aren’t vying to secure the services of Manchester United’s target, Sofyan Amrabat. The player’s talents have not gone unnoticed, and the Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for him this summer. Despite a loan bid from Manchester United, Fiorentina, Amrabat’s current club, rebuffed the offer.
🗣️ “If you watch the last three football matches, they’re all over the place.”@PaulMerse believes Sofyan Amrabat is vital to what Manchester United NEED in midfield. 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/Gnl2Vranwg
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 31, 2023
Despite being fully fit, Amrabat has not yet made an appearance in Serie A this season. It’s worth noting that Fiorentina left him out of their matchday squad for their 2-2 draw against US Lecce on August 27th. Manchester United’s interest in signing Amrabat stems from the need to bolster Erik ten Hag’s midfield, especially in the defensive aspect.
With Fred’s departure to Fenerbahce, Manchester United finds itself with a gap in the defensive midfield position, which Amrabat could capably fill. This potential signing could provide much-needed depth and stability to the Red Devils’ midfield lineup.
Departures, reinforcements, and renewed ambitions
Manchester United has witnessed a series of departures from their squad. Among them is the legendary goalkeeper David De Gea, who started a new chapter after an illustrious 12-year tenure with the club. Another significant departure is midfielder Fred, a popular figure at the club for five years before moving to Fenerbahce. Additionally, Alex Telles permanently switched to Al-Nassr, while young talent Anthony Elanga joined Nottingham Forest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite the departures, Manchester United has been proactive in securing new talent. In a spree of signings, Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund have joined the club for a combined $187 million.
Watch This Story: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Ten Hag has been vocal about signing a complementary midfielder to support Casemiro in the midfield battle. The team’s vulnerability through the middle in the initial games has further emphasized the need for reinforcement in this crucial position. The ongoing saga of Amrabat’s potential signing raises questions about the likelihood of the deal going through.
What do you think about this deal? Do let us know in the comments below!