Manchester United's search for a new holding midfielder goes on, and the latest reports suggest they will pursue a current World Cup standout. Michael Carrick has a few needs to address this summer, and business has been relatively slow so far, although that is not abnormal during a World Cup summer.
Ederson has been snapped up from Atalanta, but the Red Devils still want to find a more natural replacement for Casemiro, who left the club at the end of his contract. Wherever you look at the top of the game, teams are able to call upon elite holding midfielders, so it's not a position United can fail to address.
Tottenham managed to win the Mateus Fernandes race, but United may go even younger in their midfielder search.
Man Utd now considering World Cup sensation
Ayyoub Bouaddi in action for Morocco at the 2026 World CupBurt Granofsky/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA
According to GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs, United have now muscled their way into the race to sign Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has emerged as one of the brightest young talents at this World Cup. Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the 18-year-old this summer, but the race is not over.
The midfielder's current club, Lille, are said to be asking for €80million this summer, which works out at around £68.5million. More than one club could agree to that fee this summer, giving Bouaddi a pick of clubs.
At just 18 years of age, Bouaddi has gone head-to-head with some of the top midfielders in the world this summer, including Casemiro, and he has looked very comfortable in a Morocco side that asks a lot of midfielders. The African nation play a brand of football that asks midfielders to win back the ball and drive forward quickly, playing with a rapid transition.
The question for United will be whether they feel as though Bouaddi is ready to play week-in, week-out at Premier League level. The Red Devils are only going to sign one midfielder for that kind of money this summer, so they need to be sure about their target being a ready-made starter.
Bouaddi compared to France legend Kante
Bouaddivia Reuters
Morocco boss Mohamed Quahbi has said of Bouaddi this summer: He plays with a lot of maturity and class. He’s the type of player that I always love having in my team. He always plays with his head up and carries himself with real authority. He’s a modern player and is super intelligent – it’s a pleasure to be able to work with him.”
Elsewhere, BBC pundit and former Arsenal and France striker Olivier Giroud has said: “He is a complete player and can perform several roles. He moves everywhere on the pitch. He is a little like Kanté.”
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick embraces Casemiro Related
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