Manchester United don’t have the funds this summer to sign a ready made starter in midfield.
Despite a new central midfielder being on the target list for Manchester United this summer, the chances of upgrading the starting line-up in this role looks unlikely.
This is for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Ruben Amorim believes Manuel Ugarte is destined to become key for the club, with the mental and physical qualities that he needs in a midfielder being present in the Uruguayan.
With this in mind, United appear to instead be considering cheaper options in midfield to replace Christian Eriksen and offer support to a midfield which is ageing and struggled in Premier League football last season.
As a result, United have considered triggering Wilfred Ndidi’s release clause, which would be an underwhelming addition. However, there have been more exciting options considered.
Elias Montiel of Pachuca celebrates after scoring against Real Madrid.
Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United should scrap £26m bid to sign Richard Rios
One interesting option for United has been Colombian midfielder Richard Rios.
United have been scouting Rios this summer during his Club World Cup contribution for Palmeiras.
Now, there have been reports that United were planning to swoop in for Rios, with Palmeiras Online reporting that the Red Devils were plotting a £26m bid to sign the Colombian.
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However, even this is an expensive deal for the club as things stand with little financials available. So therefore, United should scrap this plan and instead focus on signing another Club World Cup breakout.
One option for United should be Nelson Deossa, from CF Monterrey after he impressed against Borussia Dortmund, but a better option can be found in the ranks of Pachuca.
Manchester United should consider move for Elias Montiel
While Rios is impressive, United should instead make a move to sign Club World Cup standout Elias Montiel.
The Mexican is 19 years old and this summer had the biggest moment of his career when he scored against Real Madrid, after having already caught the eye of the club at the intercontinential cup last year.
After his, Montiel opened up over praise he received from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, as quoted by Tribuna, where he revealed the figure had told him to continue working hard.
Montiel Club World Cup stats per 90
Stat per 90 # Percentile
Successful passes 47 90th
Pass accuracy % 85% 56th
Chances created 3.36 97th
Dribble success 100% 100th
Touches 69.51 87th
Tackles won 1.34 81st
Tackles won % 80% 72nd
Duels won 3.69 42nd
Duels won % 52% 72nd
Recoveries 5.37 88th
As a midfielder, Montiel is very well rounded and ranked highly for duels won, tackles, dribbles completed and passing alongside his creativity, which could make him the ideal rounded midfielder for Amorim and we wouldn’t be shocked to see interest develop over the next few weeks.