Injuries and suspension issues have plagued Manchester United’s midfield, and as Erik ten Hag has rotated his options, he has discovered some uncomfortably obvious truths.
With United on the verge of securing a Champions League spot for next season, the Dutch manager must bring in quality during the summer as he currently lacks quality replacements for new arrivals Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes.
Given that the club is trying to balance its books and a versatile presence is needed right now, it is likely that one of Fred or Scott McTominay will be replaced during the summer.
The striker who ultimately joins the team and the transfer budget will both be important factors, but according to the Argentine edition of AS, the manager of United has already found the ideal candidate.
According to the rumor, Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton is “almost at the top of the list” of midfielders that the team is interested in signing because of the way he performed during the FA Cup semifinal match between the two teams.
The 24-year-old’s versatility, which includes the ability to play as the defensive pivot as well as further forward and as the advanced playmaker, is a major draw for the former Ajax coach.
Erik Ten Hag was floored by the performance following the FA Cup semifinal, according to the report.
“The Dutchman sees in the Argentine Casemiro’s partner in the double pivot for the ‘Red Devils’ because of his versatility in midfield, where he has played in all possible positions, switching from midfielder to winger in some games.”
The Argentine international has played 33 times for the mighty Seagulls in all competitions, scoring ten goals and dishing out two assists.
Newcastle and Liverpool have also learned about his abilities thanks to his performances. Liverpool wants to make him their next marquee acquisition, while Eddie Howe views him as Bruno Guimaraes’ ideal partner.
The former Argentinos Juniors star has proven himself for both his country and Brighton, and even though Roberto de Zerbi’s team is holding out for €70 million, a summer transfer is unavoidable.
With both teams scheduled to face off in the Premier League on Thursday, United and Ten Hag will have another opportunity to evaluate Mac Allister in person.
Read Also,
Borussia Dortmund not interested in Man Utd Jadon Sancho
The transfer rumor mill is about to go into overdrive as the summer window approaches quickly.
Jadon Sancho possibly re-signing for Borussia Dortmund is one story that has recently surfaced.
However, as noted by Sport Witness, a regional newspaper has cast doubt on any potential agreement.
Dortmund is reportedly “not concerned” about a move for Sancho because of the financial ramifications and the need to upgrade other areas of the field, according to German media.
Sancho is already on a lucrative contract in Manchester, and he would demand a high transfer fee if he were to leave Old Trafford just two years after his arrival.
Dortmund is also looking to strengthen the center of their defense and is aware that Jude Bellingham and Mahmoud Dahoud will likely leave their midfield in the summer.
Sancho is therefore not a top priority for Dortmund, and it seems likely that he will remain at United for at least another season.
Since leaving the German club in 2020 for a reported £73 million, Sancho’s performance has dipped.
The Englishman has struggled to maintain any real form while playing for United, but he has displayed flashes of his unmistakable talent.
Midway through the season, Erik ten Hag allowed him an extended period of time away from the team for personal reasons. Sancho will be hoping to repay the manager by returning to his best the following season.
Sancho will be anxious to get off to a strong start in the upcoming year in order to secure his position in the United starting lineup.
Given the effort United put into bringing Sancho to the team and the potential value of the winger to Ten Hag, they will want to stick with the player to give him the best chance of succeeding.
With the FA Cup final coming up, Sancho may still have a season to remember.
The 23-year-old’s performance against Manchester City at Wembley could be the spark that ignites his United career.
After agreeing to a new five-year contract with Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag urged Alejandro Garnacho to advance his career there.
