Crouch picks out signing which will make Man Utd the ‘strongest’ PL side
Peter Crouch has named the position which Man Utd need to strengthen if they want to become the Premier League’s best team.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have had a mixed start to the 2021-22 campaign. They have recorded league victories over Leeds, Newcastle and Wolves but have struggled in recent weeks.
They were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on September 22 by David Moyes’ West Ham. Manuel Lanzini’s ninth-minute goal proved to be the winner at Old Trafford.
Man Utd have also dropped points to Aston Villa and Everton in their last two Prem fixtures, either side of a Champions League victory over Villarreal.
Solskjaer is determined to end the club’s wait for a trophy. But they could be held back by their weak central midfield yet again this term.
With Paul Pogba now placed at left wing, Fred and Scott McTominay tend to operate in the heart of the side.
Fred’s instability was once again on show against Everton as he was muscled off the ball in the build up to Andros Townsend’s goal.
When asked about Man Utd’s situation, Crouch said (via Manchester Evening News): “Solskjaer will want a midfielder who can link the different units and act as a stable base when the ball is turned over.
“Every great team needs a defensively-minded man capable of progressing the ball. Xabi Alonso was a perfect example during my time at Liverpool. Put Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips in there – spending another huge amount on a new signing – and it arguably becomes the strongest group in the league.”
Rice and Phillips have emerged into two of the Prem’s best midfielders in recent seasons. However, that means they will not come cheap.
West Ham will request a minimum of £90m for Rice in the summer transfer window. Chelsea and Manchester City are also thought to hold an interest.
Phillips, meanwhile, emerged as a Man Utd target on September 28. Given the rivalry between them and Leeds, it would be a hard transfer to pull off.
The Whites are determined to keep hold of their star man and recently began contract negotiations.
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Everton bid for Man Utd man revealed
Everton chief Marcel Brands has confirmed that the Toffees were interested in Donny van de Beek.
The Netherlands international has struggled at Old Trafford since his £35m move last year. He has spent most of his time on the sidelines under Solskjaer.
Everton attempted to lure him away from Manchester on loan during the recent window but were knocked back.
“We had him on our list,” Brands said. “At the beginning of the transfer window, we enquired at United, then it was impossible.
“At the end of the window, I received a call from Guido Albers, his agent, that he might be rented out after all. But at the last minute it was cancelled. Stopped again.”
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