Man Utd have reportedly held talks with a 'secret midfield' target in recent daysplaceholder image
Man Utd have reportedly held talks with a 'secret midfield' target in recent days | Getty Images
Man Utd have reportedly held talks with a 'secret midfield' target in recent days
Manchester United enjoyed one of their best results and performances for several months on Saturday as they defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford in Michael Carrick’s first game in charge.
The Red Devils beat their rivals with second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu while Mason Mount had briefly made it 3-0, only to see his late goal chalked off.
It raises the mood around the club are a tumultuous few weeks that saw Ruben Amorim sacked and with Darren Fletcher overseeing a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League before being knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
Part of Amorim’s frustrations at United before his exit surrounding the club’s January transfer business plans.
However, those deals are unlikely to happen without Amorim there to now push for them.
One deal they could pull off is a short-term loan move for a midfielder with Premier League experience. Reports on Friday claimed the Red Devils had held talks with a ‘secret midfielder’ with an eye on short-term loan deal.
Journalist Ben Jacobs said: “It would be until the end of the season, relatively economical and they have Premier League experience, and they are currently playing outside of England."
It has led many fans to question who it might be. The player would need to have Premier League experience and no longer being playing in England - while their current club would likely deem them available if they’re willing to sanction a loan.
One player who fits all three levels of criteria is former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
It was reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week that seven Premier League clubs had been offered the chance to sign the 11-cap England international. He has been with Serie A giants AC Milan since 2023 but Manchester United along with Aston Villa Newcastle United, Brentford, Everton, Sunderland and Fulham have all been made aware he is available this month.
The 29-year-old, who turns 30 next week, has 157 Premier League appearances with 10 goals and nine assists to his name.
Of course, United could well be in talks with a different player but no other ex-Premier League star fits the bill in the same way Loftus-Cheek does. He is available for loan, has experience in England and is currently playing outside of his home nation.
Loftus-Cheek was called back into the England squad in September. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel is clearly a big fan of him, as he said when explaining the decision to recall him: “He’s a very, very nice guy to be around, very friendly, very polite, good sense of humour, and he is full of quality.
“Sometimes I’m not sure if he is aware how good he is, how good he can be, but he fits in seamlessly because of his character and quality. He showed it straight away.
“He competes for a place in central midfield.”
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