Manchester United Need a New CDM

I’ve covered this in my season preview post, but with the transfer window drawing to an end and no sign of a new signing I feel the need to reiterate this. This team, this squad, looks great on paper and will surely improve off of last season. But, can we really win the title without a true CDM? Matic in his prime could play that role, but he doesn’t have the legs to do so anymore. Even if he stays fit, Matic just isn’t quick enough to cover our backline.

Fred from a physical perspective seems the best fit for the position, but he’s not tactically intelligent enough. I hope he can shock us all and take the position as his own. Fred has the tools to do so, but he needs to sharpen up what’s between his ears. The window closes in about two weeks time; if no new midfielders are signed then Manchester United will have to rely on Fred, McTominay, or Matic.

CDM – Who can we Sign?

The rumor mill has been pouring out names all summer. The most frequently brought up players include Eduardo Camavinga, Ruben Neves, Saul Niguez, and Declan Rice. For starters, we can essentially throw out Declan Rice. The Englishmen is likely to remain with the Hammers in west London, and honestly is quite overhyped due to being English. As for the remaining three, the likelihood of signing any of them remains up in the air. Saul seemed like a sure signing along with Camavinga earlier this summer, but Camavinga has reportedly shown a desire to go to Spain and Saul seems like a backup option at this point.

Ruben Neves is my favorite to be signed, but news of ongoing talks between the two clubs has gone quiet. I believe Wolves are willing to sell Neves, but they may be asking a bit higher than what United are prepared to pay. Personally, I want United to sign the 24 year old Portuguese player over all the other options. He’s young, not as young as Camavinga, but still young. He also has the Portuguese connect with Bruno Fernandes, and he has the physical attributes to excel in the CDM position. There’s two weeks to go, but with each passing day my hope fades.

CDM – Saul Niguez

The spanish midfielder who plays for Atletico Madrid in La Liga is 26 years old, soon to be 27 on November 21st. Saul Niguez has been on United’s radar for honestly a couple of seasons, but only this year did the potential of his signing seem the most likely. The Spanish international is an undoubted talent, and has performed brilliantly as a defensive midfielder for Diego Simeone’s side. The signing of Saul would be a welcome one.

Saul would improve United’s midfield immensely and he is capable of playing the 6. However, it should be said he has played in a highly disciplined and defensive side for most of his career. This doesn’t take anything away from the lad, but it is easier to seem a better defensive player in a Simeone side. Regardless, the Spaniard would be a great signing for United. The only thing preventing his move at this point I believe is his age and his price tag. Atletico Madrid have set the asking price around 35-40 million pounds. Not a bad price, but United would need to offload players like Jesse Lingard to make the move.

CDM – Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga is a highly talented midfielder for Ligue 1 side Rennes. The French international is only 18 years old and highly touted to be an up and coming star. It should be said though, Camavinga while an undoubted talent is still a risk. I’m sure Camavinga will be a great player for years to come, but at only 18 years old it may be too early for a Premier League move. There’s also the consideration of what the player wants as well.

Fabrizio Romano has said the 18 year old wants to be completely bought in on whichever club he goes to. Also, with his contract up next May, the French star could sign for a club as a fee agent in January. I would love to see Camavinga at the club, but I don’t think he would help United this season. Keep your eyes on this young kid, but don’t expect him to arrive anytime soon.

CDM – Ruben Neves

Finally, one of my favorite players and the most likely to join the club this summer; at least, he should be. News surrounding Neves’s departure from Wolves has quieted recently, but there’s no reason he shouldn’t be on the move. Wolves have set a price for Neves at only 35 million pounds. That is an unbeatable bargain for the 24 year old Premier League proven player. Neves would give United a high motored and disciplined defensive midfielder who isn’t afraid to push forward and has shown tremendous vision. The Portuguese international has 20 goals and 10 assists in 176 appearances for Wolves.

According to the most recent transfer market news, United have “shelved” their interest in Ruben Neves. Although, as we all know, there is absolutely no way of anyone truly knowing a club’s intentions in the transfer market. I believe United still want Neves, but are hoping to offload a player before making the signing.

Who Will We Get?

The million dollar question, who does United sign before the market closes on August 31st? There’s no easy answer, and there is the potential we sign no one. But if I had to guess, I’d guess we will make at least one more signing before the window closes. I think Jesse Lingard will be sold in the coming weeks and United will use that money to sign another player. I hope we sign Ruben Neves, but as of right now I believe Saul Niguez is the most likely to become a United player by August 31st.