Manchester United will look to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window, and they may already know who that player will be.
Manchester United is in a pickle as they prepare for the summer transfer window. Erik ten Hag hopes to complete the next stage of his rebuilding at the end of the season, but his plans for the team are hampered by the fact that he has already received more financial backing than the club had anticipated.
The success of his new arrivals has certainly justified the Dutchman’s record-breaking spending last summer, though how much they spent cannot be ignored.
It means that, while Ten Hag may have big plans for the upcoming transfer window, he must also accept that funds may be limited until a possible takeover is finalized, posing a problem for him. with a genuine quandary.
Following a surprise tactical set-up against Leeds, United has two undroppable.
Qualification for the Champions League and player sales will be important parts of the summer budget, but until those two things are guaranteed, United may only be able to afford one big signing this summer.
This is especially troubling given the desire to sign an elite forward, another creative midfielder, and a new goalkeeper, while other positions are also being considered for improvement.
United’s priority is to sign a new striker, which could consume the majority of their budget if they pursue either Victor Osimhen or Harry Kane.
It means there may be limited funds to strengthen other areas of interest, but they may already have a low-cost option in Marcel Sabitzer to add an extra midfielder.
The 28-year-old has already shown signs of real promise in his three appearances since signing last month, but he’ll need to do more if he’s to earn a permanent contract. Sabitzer is on loan until the end of the season, and while there is no option to make the deal permanent as part of the original agreement, talks could take place if he continues to impress.
The problem is that any success Sabitzer has between now and the end of the season may increase demand for his signature and raise his valuation, which may work against United in the long run.
That would be a welcome pinch of salt, given that he would have accomplished the short-term goal of bolstering the United midfield in their time of need.
The Austrian has impressed in his first few weeks at the club with his hard work on defense as well as his passing range.
Sabitzer played a key role in the opening goal against Leeds on Sunday, with a brilliant burst of pace and an excellent pass to pick out Luke Shaw for the assist.
He not only drew attention for his work on the ball, completing all 13 of his passes into the final third, but he also led the way with two interceptions and won all of his attempted tackles.
What’s more, his first appearances have come as part of a makeshift midfield alongside Fred, and there’s reason to believe he’ll be even more effective when paired with Casemiro instead.
Given United’s midfield absences, Sabizter has adopted a more defensive approach than usual in his first few appearances, but we could see an entirely different side to his game when he is given the freedom to attack while playing alongside a proper defensive midfielder.
If that is the case, the case for a permanent move for the Bayern loanee would only strengthen, though it is understandable that expectations should be managed at this early stage of his career.
Sabitzer appears to be the ideal short-term solution for United; in the best-case scenario, he could also be a long-term one.
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