Manchester United looking for midfield options in January

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring transfer options for possible January transfer window reinforcements, eyeing to strengthen their most desperate position on the pitch. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made good use of Fred, Scott McTominay, and Nemanja Matic in his time in charge, but it’s clear that they aren’t enough to establish control and consistency in the center of the park.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United were interested in acquiring Eduardo Camavinga and/or Saul in the summer, before their moves to Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively. The nostalgia-pander appeal of a Cristiano Ronaldo return was too much for the Glazers and Woodward to resist however, and the remainder of the budget was spent bringing back the problematic club legend. Midfield remains a big issue for the club, and the lack of creativity has limited their build up play and ability to provide meaningful chances.

One option that many seem excited about is AS Monaco and France midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who starred alongside Paul Pogba in the French national team’s recent UEFA Nation’s League triumph. There were links late in the summer transfer window between Tchouaméni and United, but nothing came to fruition. If there is in fact concrete interest by Solskjaer and the staff in bringing him in, they will likely need to act quickly. Ligue 1 clubs are in need of cash after the harsh financial fallout of the Covid-19 global pandemic, and with the young midfielder’s emergence on an international stage other clubs will likely be interested now as well.

Tchouaméni checks a lot of boxes, mainly he comfortably plays alongside Pogba, but is one of many who can come in and immediately improve United’s situation in midfield. There needs to be commitment from the club to invest in the position and finally, hopefully, bring some balance and fluidity.