After Sesko: Man Utd could forget Baleba by signing "world-class" £42m star
After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, it’s no secret that Manchester United desperately needed to improve their first-team squad during the summer window.
The Red Devils lost 18 out of their 38 league outings last time around, with Ruben Amorim unable to transform the club’s fortunes in England’s top-flight.
However, he’s not the only boss who’s been unable to overturn the situation at Old Trafford, given that the side have now gone over a decade without a league title.
The 40-year-old will hope that his big-money spending, which has seen him splash in the region of £200m, can help him in his quest during his first full year at the helm.
It’s a surprise so much has been invested by the hierarchy, but it was desperately needed, which could see further talents make the move to join the Red Devils this summer.
The latest on United’s hunt for Baleba this summer
Carlos Baleba is another player who has also been linked with a move to join United this summer, with the hierarchy’s attention being turned to the midfield department.
The Cameroonian, who currently plies his trade for Brighton and Hove Albion, has been a leading talent in the Premier League in recent years – featuring 34 times for the Seagulls last season.
His performances have led to interest from Amorim’s side, but any deal could prove to be a difficult one if his current asking price is to be believed.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m to sell the 21-year-old this window, with his current employers wanting to keep hold of their star man.
It’s also been reported that the player himself could be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, but a deal could be a long shot given his mammoth price tag.
However, the club should be looking past a move for the youngster, potentially turning to another alternative before the closure of the summer window.
The player who United should try and sign ahead of BalebaIn their attempts to land a new talent in the centre of the park this summer, United have been following a whole host of options to bolster their current ranks.
Morten Hjulmand has been mentioned as a player who could return to feature under Amorim, after previously starring under him during his time at Sporting CP.
Javi Guerra is another talent on their radar, with the Valencia youngster allegedly keen on a move to the Theatre of Dreams, given his current side’s financial issues.
However, the club should be stepping up their interest in Douglas Luiz, with the Brazilian a player who they have held talks with over the last couple of weeks.
The 27-year-old could be available to depart Juventus this summer, after making just three starts in Serie A last campaign, following his £42m move from Aston Villa.
He’s already been subject to huge interest from Nottingham Forest and Everton, but no deal has been agreed for his signature, which could see the Red Devils swoop in to land the star.
His underlying stats are arguably better than fellow target Baleba, offering United an all-round option at the heart of the side, whilst also handing Amorim a more Premier League-proven option.
Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Adam Gilks, completed more of the passes he attempted, with more of which going into the final third per 90 – which could hand Amorim more of a creative presence from a deeper role.
Games played
19
34
Progressive carries
2.7
1.4
Progressive passes
5.9
3.9
Pass accuracy
88%
86%
Key passes made
2.5
0.7
% of tackles won
67%
60%
Tackles in defensive third
1.2
0.8
Take-ons completed
79%
57%
Carries into final third
1.7
1.5
He also won more of the tackles he entered, whilst making more of his dispossession attempts in the defensive third – able to offer that ball-winning presence the side has desperately lacked.
His all-round ability in and out of possession would massively improve the options at the manager’s disposal in the club’s quest for success during his tenure at the club.
Given his lack of action with the Italian outfit last season, it could make a deal easy to complete, needing to make the move quickly to avoid missing out on his signature.
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