Manchester United’s midfield is as important as ever, however, in terms of funds this summer it is not among Jason Wilcox’s priorities.
The summer transfer window has less than a month to go and Manchester United could yet see plenty of business to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Ineos’ transfer plans have clearly been goal centric thus far, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha adding plenty of creativity and goal threat to the ranks this summer, both being drastic upgrades on those who have been replaced.
Following this, Jason Wilcox and co are doubling down on the need to overhaul the attack and a new striker is next on the agenda.
United are pushing to sign Benjamin Sesko this week, in a deal which will use most of the remaining budget that is available this summer prior to sales.
This is all well and good, with United needing a striker after Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles over the past two years, however it leaves little to spend on a midfielder.
Pre-season has shown that United need to sign an athletic midfielder, which Amorim has already demanded, and Manuel Ugarte’s terrible performance against Everton only adding to this need.
So with any midfielder likely to be a cheaper option, who could United target?
Javi Guerra in action for Spain U21 during Euros.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Javi Guerra
Assuming United are going to try and sign a midfielder who has capabilities to start, we would suggest anything below £30m might be possible this summer, although this could be more if sales are completed.
However, one cheap option for United is Valencia’s Javi Guerra, who is one of the most exciting young midfielders in Spain.
United have been credited with £21m interest in Guerra, which sounds like a fee which is too good to pass up on, and it truly is.
Valencia are in financial difficulty and Guerra is refusing to sign a new contract, which sees him potentially available for an absolute bargain.
Guerra ranks alongside Jude Bellingham and Pedri for his all-round midfield abilities which sees him perfectly capable of doing any role in the midfield for Amorim.
Lucien Agoume
Following on from Guerra, United may also make a move for Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, who has been linked by Spanish media, with a move to Old Trafford.
Agoume is an all rounder in midfield, capable of doing it all, however it is defensively that he stands out.
Agoume is in the 95th percentile for interceptions across Europe’s top five leagues, which speaks to how impressive he is without the ball.
Likened to N’golo Kante, Agoume would cost around £20m, which makes him an absolute bargain in this current market, while Arsenal have also shown an interest in recent months.
United could place Agoume alongside Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes and the Frenchman would do all the dirty work, while he is stronger and bigger than Manuel Ugarte which should help with not being bullied in midfield.
Patrick Berg
Both Agoume and Guerra would cost around the £20m mark, however, Norweigan and Bodo/Glimt star Patrick Berg could be available for significantly less than this.
Berg wouldn’t cost more than £10m, and at 27, he could be the perfect low cost squad player to add to the ranks this summer before spending big on an Adam Wharton in 12 months.
Berg is a level below the other midfielders mentioned, and therefore would arrive with no expectations, however he could be the bargain of the summer for whoever signs him.
Compared with other midfielders across Europe, Berg is in the 99th percentile for tackles and clearances, while being in the 97th for interceptions.
Berg also shines in his progressive passing and creativity, which would also be a huge benefit as Amorim’s deepest midfielder needs to be able to do it all.
Similar to Berg, United may also be interested in Wilfred Ndidi and Corentin Tolisso, both of whom would cost below £10m.