Midfielder - What We need ?

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Paul Scholes again slams Man United's midfield stars by questioning if they are 'good enough to make the team play football'... after Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic put in unconvincing displays at Chelsea

* Paul Scholes watched on as Man United took a point from Chelsea on Sunday
* Defensive midfield trio of Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic all started
* Scholes feels they aren't good enough to 'get the team playing football'
* United legend says better players are needed and they must be well coached

Paul Scholes has once again put the boot into Manchester United by suggesting the current midfielders at the club are not good enough to 'make the team play football.'

Scholes was watching on as United took a point from Chelsea on Sunday and left Stamford Bridge having halted their run of domestic losses - but the Red Devils legend remained far from impressed by what he saw.

Joining Michael Owen and Glen Hoddle on Premier League review to discuss the showdown in west London, Scholes quickly made his opinions known on where United are going wrong in the centre of the park.

After former Liverpool man Owen had spoken about the need for United to get all their best players on the pitch and utilise the midfield, Scholes pulled no punches with his response.


Paul Scholes hit out at the quality of Manchester United's central midfielders on Sunday. Fred was part of the midfield three Scholes spoke about, and required instructions mid-match

The 47-year-old said: 'Is that because they're not good enough, Michael? Because they're not coached well enough?

'I think them three midfield players today - your role as a midfield player is to make your team play football, did them three? Are they good enough to make your team play football?'

Interim boss Michael Carrick had opted for three across midfield; Nemanja Matic at a defensive base, with Fred and Scott McTominay either side.

Just ahead, Bruno Fernandes was deployed in an attacking role with pacey stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho further ahead.

For Scholes, though, United do not have enough star quality across the squad to go toe-to-toe with their rivals in the biggest of games, despite bringing in some huge names over the summer.

Scholes added: 'When it comes down to the proper games I just don't think they're quite good enough.

'They can't go toe-to-toe with Chelsea, they can't go toe-to-toe with Manchester City, with Liverpool.


Scott McTominay (left) and Nemanja Matic (centre) also formed part of the defensive set-up. Scholes says United's midfielders are just not good enough to get the team 'playing football'

'When they try to do that - they tried to do it against Liverpool and got absolutely obliterated.'

When asked by Owen what must be done to get back to the 'Manchester United of old,' a resigned Scholes offered a shrug and replied: 'They need a coach, and better players.'

United return to action on Thursday night when they host rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford, before then welcoming Crystal Palace to the north west three days later.

It remains to be seen if new interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who was officially confirmed on Monday, will be in charge against the Gunners as he waits for a work permit.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10254493/Paul-Scholes-slams-Man-Uniteds-midfield-stars-Chelsea-draw.html

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Nemanja Matic comes out in defence of Manchester United midfield duo Scott McTominay and Fred, claiming the pair 'don't get enough praise' following criticism of 'McFred' partnership this season

* Manchester United duo Scott McTominay and Fred have come under fire of late
* United fans often blamed the pair for their struggles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
* But Nemanja Matic has come out in support of his fellow midfielders
* Matic insists McTominay and Fred have a 'bright future' ahead of them

Nemanja Matic has leapt to the defence of fellow Manchester United midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay, insisting the pair will have a 'bright future' despite recent criticism of their partnership.

McTominay, 24, and Fred, 28, have come under fire at times this season, with some United fans scapegoating their 'McFred' midfield combination during the worst days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign.

Nevertheless, Solskjaer remained an admirer of the duo up until his dismissal last month, regularly deploying them in the middle of the park ahead of Matic, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba.

Ralf Rangnick, the club's new interim boss, also opted for 'McFred' as the midfield base of his 4-2-2-2 setup against Crystal Palace on Sunday, a move which helped them secure a 1-0 victory.

And despite their progress coming at his expense, Matic has heaped praise on McTominay and Fred while suggesting they don't receive enough of it.

'I think they're great people and great for the changing room,' he said.


Nemanja Matic has heaped praise on Man United duo Fred (left) and Scott McTominay (right). Fred and McTominay have drawn criticism at times for their 'McFred' midfield partnership. But Matic doesn't think his fellow midfielders receive enough praise for the work they do

'They improve a lot game by game and they don't get enough praise. People who score goals get praise but sooner or later they will get what they deserve.

'They give us stability and continue to work in this way. They will have a bright future.'

Rangnick was pleased with what he saw from McTominay and Fred in his opening win over Palace, however he has urged the pair to avoid playing 'square passes' in future matches.

'If you play the way that we played today, with regard to intensity, being on the front foot, playing very proactively, and having four offensive players ahead of Scotty and Fred - with Jadon (Sancho), Bruno (Fernandes), Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Marcus (Rashford) - it's highly important that you have players who are very disciplined, who are proactively aggressive against the ball,' the new United boss said.

'And both Scotty and Fred are almost perfect defensively on that. They did one or two or three mistakes, especially in the first half there were two square passes - one from Scott, one from Fred.

'I don't like those kinds of balls in midfield in those positions. But overall, when the other team is in possession of the ball, both Fred and Scotty they are almost perfect for that kind of football.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10284689/Manchester-United-Scott-McTominay-Fred-bright-future-says-Nemanja-Matic.html

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Manchester United 'eye a summer swoop for either Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice or Amadou Haidara with central midfield a priority next season'

* Manchester United are reportedly keen to improve their midfield in the summer
* England international Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are on their radar
* Ralf Rangnick would be keen to buy Amadou Haidara during the January window

Manchester United's preparations for next season are already underway with the club identifying three central midfielders to bolster their squad.

Central midfield has been a long-term issue for the Red Devils - especially in the search of someone who can provide a protective shield to the defence.

And according to the Athletic, the Old Trafford hierarchy have pinpointed Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Amadou Haidara as those who would improve things in the middle of the park.

Of those three, Bellingham is reportedly the first-choice target. Bellingham came close to joining United 18 months but chose Borussia Dortmund instead.


Jude Bellingham (left) and Declan Rice are both on Manchester United's transfer target list

The 18-year-old has excelled in Germany with his performances seeing him become an England international.

The teenager will still have another three years left on his Dortmund deal at the end of the season so it will take the Premier League outfit a big offer to persuade Dortmund to sell.

Rice has demonstrated his defensive qualities for several seasons now but the 23-year-old has shown he can go forward too following a tweak to his role at the London Stadium this season.


Amadou Haidara is the other target as United look to bolster their midfield in the summer

A large figure would also have to suffice for West Ham's talisman Rice. His manager David Moyes has declared in the past that he would cost in the region of £100million before.

Meanwhile, interim manager Ralf Rangnick would support a move for Haidara, 23, during the current transfer window but United are reticent to push for those type of deals this month in recent years - bar signing Bruno Fernandes in 2020.

Haidara is currently away too at the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali.

Aside from those three, the publication adds that Denis Zakaria, 25, is no longer wanted by United - with club scouts unsure of his fit long-term. This is despite the Borussia Monchengladbach just having months remaining on his current deal.


Denis Zakaria was on United's radar but club scouts have since changed their stance on him

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10410109/Manchester-United-eye-summer-swoop-Jude-Bellingham-Declan-Rice-Amadou-Haidara.html

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Paul Pogba to Bruno Fernandes is the most productive assist-to-goal combination in the Premier League this season - as Portuguese playmaker expresses 'relief' after ending six-game goal drought

* Manchester United beat Brighton 2-0 on Tuesday night in the Premier League
* Paul Pogba got the assist for Bruno Fernandes to score United's second late on
* It was the fourth time this term that Pogba has assisted Fernandes in the league

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba unquestionably make Manchester United's midfield tick and their bond was evident against Brighton on Tuesday night.

United won 2-0 at Old Trafford to move back up to fourth in the Premier League, courtesy of second-half strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernandes.

Fernandes' stoppage-time effort was set up by Pogba, who took a quick free-kick to set the Portuguese playmaker through on goal.

And according to WhoScored, the United pair have managed to form the most productive assist-to-goalscorer combination in the top flight this season as a result.

Pogba has now provided an assist for four of Fernandes' goals, one more than Liverpool left back Andrew Robertson’s three assists for forward Diogo Jota.

The France international set up two of Fernandes' three goals in their 5-1 win over Leeds on the opening day of the season, before providing an assist in their 4-1 over Newcastle in September.

And on Wednesday the bromance was clear to see once more as Fernandes took to social media to share images of the pair celebrating together with the caption '#Brogba'.


Bruno Fernandes (left) and Paul Pogba have proven the most effective partnership this season. Pogba assisted Fernandes for the fourth time in the Premier League - more than anyone else. United fans will be hoping the pair can combine once again on Sunday at bitter rivals Leeds

Fernandes has now scored eight Premier League goals for United this season, with Tuesday's strike his first in six games in all competitions.

And the emotion of ending that run was clear as he tweeted on Tuesday night: 'Happiness and relief. Let’s go United'.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick will be hoping Pogba and Fernandes can combine once more on Sunday when they travel to bitter rivals Leeds United.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10520125/Paul-Pogba-Bruno-Fernandes-productive-Premier-League-assist-goal-combo-SEASON.html

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Christian Eriksen would offer Man United a creative contrast to Bruno Fernandes and bring experience to Erik ten Hag's dressing room - plus he'd come on a free... but signing the Dane is pointless unless they solve their defensive midfield issue

* Christian Eriksen has been linked with a move to Man United this summer
* The Dane, 30, returned to action at Brentford after suffering a cardiac arrest
* He has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football again
* United can't offer it right now but signing him this summer makes a lot of sense
* Erik ten Hag would value him and he offers something different to Fernandes
* But attacking midfield shouldn't be the priority for United in summer window

On a number of levels, Christian Eriksen is a signing that makes a lot of sense for Manchester United.

Summer departures mean United must restock their midfield, Eriksen's schooling in the ways of Ajax means he'll understand what Erik ten Hag wants to do, he would not only reduce the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes but offer a point of difference and, most pleasingly for the club's hierarchy, he is available on a free.

But bringing in the 30-year-old Denmark star must be just one part of the Ten Hag rebuild at Old Trafford and by no means the most urgent.

Eriksen is a top quality player but he is not the assured defensive midfielder United have desperately needed for about four years now. Nor is he a right-back, or a striker, the other areas of concern in the United team.


Christian Eriksen plays for Brentford at Old Trafford last season - but will he join Man United? The Danish star, 30, has resurrected his career after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020

He would represent a smart piece of business, costing only his wages, but is just one piece of the jigsaw puzzle.

Eriksen remained coy about his next destination when asked about his future on international duty this week.

He'll head off on holiday following a positive season he probably didn't expect to have and consider all his options, keeping his phone close at hand for calls from his agent.

United are but one possibility. His former club Tottenham, who could offer Champions League football right away, are linked, as well as Everton.

Continuing at Brentford, where he relaunched his career so successfully in the second half of last season, is another possibility.


Signing Eriksen on a free would make sense for United as Erik ten Hag rebuilds the ailing club. Playmaker Eriksen is a fine creator and also has a penchant for the spectacular with his goals

But, as Sportsmail reported on Wednesday, United are interested in the Dane and their parallel pursuit of Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, who could cost them upwards of £65million, doesn't affect things. They have different skillsets, after all.

In truth, United will need more than one midfielder through the door ahead of a campaign that begins at home to Brighton on August 7.

Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata have all left the club in Eriksen's position alone, leaving just Fernandes and Donny van de Beek, returning from his loan at Everton, to unpick opposition defences.

Top level managers already fret about burn-out but the coming season, with its winter World Cup and congested schedules either side, will be something unprecedented.

So adding Eriksen will enable Ten Hag to rotate in the central and attacking midfield positions, meaning Fernandes wouldn't have to play every game as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick tended to do with him.

Eriksen and Fernandes share many traits but also are different enough to offer a contrast depending on the opposition and the circumstances.


Eriksen is sufficiently different to Bruno Fernandes to offer a point of difference for United. But if Eriksen did arrive, it could be bad news for Van de Beek even with Ten Hag in charge

Fernandes is very capable of pulling off defence-splitting passes that only have a 20-30 per cent chance of completion from his playmaker role.

Eriksen is more considered and methodical, placing a greater value on not giving the ball away. He's also a hard runner and would happily help press opposition defenders as Ten Hag will demand.

But we all know that Eriksen is more than capable of those magical moments, whether a brilliant pass or long-range goal.

Given United scored only 57 league goals last season, struggling to crack even average defences, they are in need of greater and more varied creativity.

The contrast between Fernandes and Eriksen also means they could play alongside one another if Ten Hag opted for his 'double 8' formation seen on occasion at Ajax.

And let's not forget that Ten Hag saw up close what Eriksen can do as he trained with Ajax at the beginning of the year, building up his fitness after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 before joining Brentford.

But Eriksen would offer flexibility. He could work on either the left or the right side of a 4-2-3-1 system, supporting Cristiano Ronaldo as the focal point of the attack.

More likely, though, given Ten Hag's love of flying wingers in the Jadon Sancho mould, he'd either be rotating in the No 10 role with Fernandes or playing deeper in midfield alongside De Jong, Fred or Scott McTominay.

That would seem something of a waste to have Eriksen sitting so deep, so maybe a 4-3-3 with him and Fernandes as the 'double 8' with a holding player in behind would work best.

Whether United could achieve the necessary balance by doing this, given the defensive susceptibility they showed last season, is another matter. There would be an awful lot of strain on that sitting midfielder.

Perhaps Ten Hag would believe United could simply exert more attacking pressure and try to outscore opponents. It certainly wouldn't be dull.

Regardless, there will be enough matches next season for everyone to get a fair crack. Eriksen could be an impact sub in Premier League games, for example, but start in the UEFA Europa League and domestic cups.


United urgently need a change of direction after a miserable season saw them finish only sixth. Cristiano Ronaldo would welcome more service and Eriksen is able to unpick tight defences

He will be off to the World Cup in November - Denmark have drawn France, Tunisia and Australia in Group D - just like Fernandes will be with Portugal. Player management will be crucial next season.

By the time everyone heads off to Qatar, United will have completed all six group games in Europe and the subsequent Sunday games in the Premier League. Injury and fatigue mean everyone will get their chance.

Even Van de Beek, you'd imagine. The Dutchman must have had a spring in his step after learning that Ten Hag, a manager he performed so well under at Ajax, was coming to Manchester.

That enthusiasm may well be tempered if United signing Eriksen but with a clean slate for everyone under the new regime, Van de Beek would feel Ten Hag knows what he can deliver and will see more of the pitch than under Solskjaer.

Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer all attempted to bring Eriksen to United in the past. With the player now past 30, there is a perception Eriksen is just another 'beyond peak' player being signed up to what will probably be a lucrative three-year contract.


Frenkie de Jong, a deeper-lying midfielder, remains a summer transfer target for Man United

If there really is going to be a culture shift at the club, they should surely be targeting younger players who promise much greater value in the long term.

But the flip side of that is Eriksen is available for nothing - meaning the transfer fee wastage of recent years isn't a factor - and would bring an experience Ten Hag will appreciate.

When his Ajax side reasserted their supremacy in Dutch football and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19, Ten Hag deeply valued Daley Blind and Dusan Tadic to keep his youthful dressing room grounded.

Eriksen could be part of a group of wiser heads at United along with Ronaldo, David de Gea and Harry Maguire helping ensure discipline as the new manager makes his imprint.

So the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to signing him. Whether the Dane would actually wish to join United, given the embarrassments of recent times, is another matter entirely.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10923159/Man-Utd-Christian-Eriksen-transfer-makes-sense-club-Erik-ten-Hag.html

cuma takut posisi & peran Eriksen sama Bruno jadi 'tabrakan' gitu. lumayan sih dapat Eriksen gratis, bisa menawarkan opsi playmaker yang pastinya memiliki gaya permainan yg berbeda dengan Bruno

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Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes CAN'T play together for Man United, claims Danny Murphy, with the new signing 'likely to be warming the bench at Old Trafford because he isn't on the same level as the Portuguese star'

* Manchester United completed the free signing of Christian Eriksen last week
* Danish star, 30, became the second arrival of the Erik ten Hag era at Old Trafford
* He will compete with - or maybe play alongside - Bruno Fernandes in No 10 role
* But Danny Murphy doesn't believe it would be sensible to play them together

Danny Murphy doesn't believe Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen can play together at Manchester United and instead feels the Dane will be reduced to cameos from the bench at Old Trafford.

Eriksen, 30, became the second signing of the Erik ten Hag era at United when he joined on a free transfer last week after he turned down the chance to stay at Brentford.

It capped a remarkable comeback to the highest level for the midfielder after he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark at last year's European Championship.

But former England international Murphy believes Ten Hag would be foolish to play both Eriksen and regular No 10 Fernandes in the same side because it would leave United vulnerable defensively.


Christian Eriksen (right) has signed for Manchester United but there are doubts over whether he'll be able to play alongside Bruno Fernandes (left) in the No 10 role. talkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy has his doubts over whether the pair will dovetail at United

He told talkSPORT: 'I think United are going to play one No 10. If you think you're going to get Eriksen and Fernandes in a midfield three and be able to compete with teams athletically and defensively, you've got no chance.

'He'll play his share of games because you don't have the same XI for a season, we know that.

'You will see the rotation and it's five subs this season as well so there is going to be impact off the bench but he is not going to play ahead of Fernandes.

'Some people might prefer him to Fernandes but his numbers don't suggest he is on Fernandes' level.'


Eriksen became Erik ten Hag's second signing since becoming Manchester United manager. He lined up for Brentford at Old Trafford last season - but now has signed for the Red Devils. The Danish international suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during Euro 2020 last summer

It comes after Murphy suggested last week that Eriksen would be little more than a 'squad player' at United.

'I really like Eriksen, I've always admired him in terms of his creativity and the way he plays his football,' Murphy told talkSPORT.

'He tries things, he's good at set-plays, two good feet but would it excite me if I was a United fan? He's going to be a squad player, isn't he?

'He could change a game, yes, that's fair. He could come off the bench and change a game but is he going to bring United closer to Liverpool and City? Nowhere near it.

'In the cold light of day, if they want to be competitive against Liverpool, City and Chelsea, or even just Liverpool and City, that's not the type of signing United should be making.'

Portugal international Fernandes scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists for United in what was a thoroughly underwhelming 2021-22 campaign.


Fernandes and United endured a frustrating 2021-22 campaign but he still scored 10 goals

That was a reduction on the 28 goals and 17 assists he supplied for United the season prior under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ten Hag may be tempted to set United up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, with Eriksen and Fernandes forming a 'double 10' with a single holding midfielder behind.

However, on the evidence of their two pre-season friendlies so far, Ten Hag will favour the more familiar 4-2-3-1 shape with Fernandes positioned ahead of two deeper players, such as Fred and Scott McTominay.

United are still pursuing the Barcelona and Holland midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has been top of Ten Hag's wish list all summer.

While the two clubs have agreed a transfer fee of £71.5million, De Jong is reluctant to leave Barcelona despite their need to sell him to ease their financial problems.

As well as Eriksen, United have also signed Tyrell Malacia, the left-back, and have reached an agreement with Ajax to buy Lisandro Martinez for £55m.

They return to action against Crystal Palace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11024269/Christian-Eriksen-Bruno-Fernandes-play-Man-United-says-Danny-Murphy.html

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Frenkie de Jong is not the only man who can fix the Man United midfield... Erik ten Hag has cut-price options in Fabian Ruiz and Youri Tielemans, Ruben Neves has proved he can deliver in the top flight and even Fred is finally firing on all cylinders

* Erik ten Hag has made his former protege Frenkie de Jong his No 1 target
* But the Barcelona midfielder is reluctant to make the move to Manchester
* Ten Hag has quality players to turn to but risks missing out if he waits too long
* Unless the new boss is happy to mould members of his squad into midfield role

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag can have few complaints over the club's commitment to land his No 1 transfer target, Frenkie de Jong, this summer.

United have pulled out all the stops, dispatching club chiefs Richard Arnold and John Murtough, to Spain to negotiate with Barcelona over a transfer for De Jong and they have concluded a complex deal worth £71.5M.

The one problem appears to be De Jong himself. Despite Ten Hag's desire to bring his former protege and compatriot to Manchester, the player seems reluctant.

According to a report in the Spanish outlet, Sport, he dislikes Manchester and believes the club is run erratically. There is also the £17M De Jong is owed in wages by Barcelona, which he may want to pocket before leaving Spain.


Frenkie de Jong is being shopped by Barcelona as they need to reduce their wage bill. Frenkie de Jong reportedly has no interest in joining Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

Ten Hag has made clear that De Jong is central to his plans at United, as he seeks possession and control in the frenzy of the Premier League.

In the Dutch style, the manager wants a holding midfield player who dominates the game through his ability on the ball, not his destructive qualities off it, even if that means assigning a minder to play alongside him in the middle of the park.

De Jong's strengths are his ability to retain possession in tight areas and to move his team up the pitch through unerringly accurate passing and dynamic dribbles and carries.

The boss has clearly not given up the pursuit.

'We are looking for a player who can play in the holding [deep-lying] midfield position,' Ten Hag told journalists on the club's tour of Australia. 'There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand.'

So, if not De Jong, then who? What alternatives do United have if the Dutch maestro refuses to re-join Ten Hag in Manchester.

Fabian Ruiz

The Napoli midfielder possesses exactly the attributes Ten Hag is looking for in De Jong.

One of the qualities that makes De Jong so attractive is his 'press resistance'. He rarely gives the ball away, and Ruiz, 26, who has 15 caps for Spain, is very similar.

In 32 appearances in Serie A last season, scoring seven goals and assisting four, Ruiz made even more passes under pressure than De Jong achieved for Barcelona. He was more likely to keep possession in a tackle and was less prone to mis-control. Both players posted a pass competition rate of around 90 per cent.


Napoli's deep-lying midfielder Fabian Ruiz has all the qualities Ten Hag is looking for

If Ten Hag wants someone to look after the ball, then he can rely on Ruiz, and the Spaniard is also progressive in his passing.

Added to that, he only has one year left on his contract, and has reportedly refused to sign an extension. In January, Newcastle tabled a £42m bid for Ruiz, but Napoli are looking for around £26M now.

The Spaniard is a less accomplished dribbler that the Dutchman, who has the ability to ghost past players and open up space.

But Ruiz does carry the ball well and loves to burst forward into enemy territory, creating opportunities for others.

Ruben Neves

The Wolves star has attracted interest from Manchester United before and according to Talksport the club's hierarchy are having another look, now.

It is easy to see the attraction. Neves, 25, is super reliable in possession, but also capable of some magic moments and highly adaptable.

Under Nuno Espirito Santo, the Portuguese was asked to sit deep and shield the space in front of the three central defenders. He enabled Wolves to gain control in midfield through his quality on the ball, but in addition, he is good in the tackle and a willing presser.


Ruben Neves of Wolves has shown impressive quality and adaptability in the Premier League. The Portuguese has attracted interest from the Manchester United hierarchy before

Neves' stronger defensive game could even allow the manager to go with a three-man midfield, rather than the 'double pivot' he is experimenting with pre season.

And in possession, Neves almost never mis-controls a pass and successfully receives the ball from an eye-opening 96 per cent of passes, according to FBREF.

Since Bruno Lage took over at Molineux, Neves has been asked to play in a more advanced role, which has allowed him to demonstrate a different skill set.

Last season, he dribbled and carried the ball more often than before, although he didn't match De Jong in terms of progression.

The Dutchman was twice as likely to carry the ball into the top third of the pitch and into the penalty area than the Portuguese, but then he was playing for a Barcelona team that dominated most opponents.

Wolves are willing to sell the Portugal midfielder this summer, as he has two years left on his contract and he is unlikely to sign a new one as things stand.

However, Wolves previously indicated they wanted around £70M for Neves, similar to Jong, and ten Hag may not share their valuation.

Youri Tielemans

Often considered a box-to-box No 8, Tielemans could sit in for United and pull the strings of the attacking talent in front of him.

Some of Ten Hag's love for De Jong comes from his belief that the Barca man 'makes the forwards better'.

Tielemans, 25, has an all-round midfield game and if he was paired with Fred or Scott McTominay in the 4-2-3-1 formation Ten Hag has favoured pre-season, United could have both a physical and technical grip in midfield.


Youri Tielemans is impressive with and without the ball and could anchor United's midfield

The Leicester City man is quite happy to impose himself on the opponent. He made more tackles last season than any of the alternatives to De Jong considered here, with the exception of Fred. He puts himself about, is good one-on-one and places his body on the line when needed.

He is also comfortable making passes under pressure and happy to receive the ball in tight areas.

Tielemans has not been as precise in possession as De Jong or Ruiz, making 82 per cent of his passes last season, despite hitting relatively few long balls for Leicester, but accuracy always suffers the further forward a player operates.

And he is less dynamic in possession, attempting fewer dribbles and carries particularly at the top end of the pitch.

It is these types of runs that open the game up for the forwards since defensive midfielders and defenders have to deal with them, opening up space elsewhere.That said, Tielemans is into the final year of his contract and could be available for less than £30M, which would be value for money.

Christian Eriksen

If United cannot entice De Jong to Manchester, they already have a number of solutions in house.

Christian Eriksen, 30, is one of them. A proven performer in the Premier League, he is one of only two players to have provided 10 or more assists in four consecutive top flight seasons, the other being United legend, David Beckham.

And with 66 assists overall, he sits second in the Premier League table, behind Kevin De Bruyne.


Christian Eriksen has proved himself as an attacking midfielder, but he could play deeper

Not surprisingly, when Eriksen signed on a free transfer following a wonderful cameo at Brentford last season, after his recovery from a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020, he was seen as an attacking midfield option.

But the Dane has the versatility and ability to adapt to a deeper role to bring greater calm to last season's chaotic midfield.

Ten Hag has spoken before about adapting to the players he has at both Ajax and United. He is a pragmatist.

And responding to questions about the challenge of bringing De Jong to Old Trafford, he raised the possibility of shuffling his existing pack.

'We have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position,' suggested ten Hag.

The two men know each other after Eriksen trained with Ajax following his cardiac arrest.

The former Spurs and Inter Milan midfielder does not match De Jong's stats for passing accuracy and press resistance, but then he tends to play higher up the field and his role is to create opportunities, which always brings greater risk for higher reward.

Ten Hag has made clear he is at Old Trafford for a three-year project. He may decide he has enough talent in the building to start the campaign, rather than spend big money on his second or third choice.

Fred

The surprise contender in the list to replace De Jong is Fred. When Ten Hag said he could mould a player within his ranks could he actually have been thinking of the Brazilian?

Prior to United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia that looked extremely unlikely. Fred played in the role last season and was unable to exert any kind of control.

United mustered just 52 per cent possession, their lowest figure in Premier League history, according to Total Football Analysis, which is the reason why Ten Hag declared midfield a priority in this summer's transfer market.


Last season, Fred appeared to be part of the problem, but he has been excellent in pre season

The Brazilian has started each match so far, alongside McTominay, in the midfield holding roles, and where his high-energy game appeared to add to the chaos last season, it is now rewarded in a more structured approach.

Ten Hag has praised Fred's attitude and the impact he has those around him. But given the manager's desire to build through midfield, it is Ten Hag's remarks about Fred's style of play that stand out.

'In the moment he is playing in the role as connecter, defending to offence,' said Ten Hag.

'He is playing the role quite well. I am satisfied with his performance, with his improvement. I think he can even be better. I will support him in that.'

There is no doubt Fred and United have been impressive so far, scoring 11 goals in beating Liverpool in Bangkok and Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace in Melbourne.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11039581/Frenkie-Jong-not-man-fix-Man-United-midfield-Erik-ten-Hag-options.html

kalo FdJ gak dapat, sepertinya opsi lain adalah Neves atau Tielemans, kualitas mereka berdua tidak perlu diragukan lagi, plus tidak usah beradaptasi lama dengan kerasnya PL

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With Frenkie de Jong only having eyes for Chelsea, Manchester United may go after Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic... the Serbian star outperforms Erik ten Hag's No 1 choice in several areas but would he sacrifice his box-to-box freedom?

* Manchester United are once again linked with Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
* Serbian midfielder, valued at nearly £60m, is seen as a plan B to Frenkie de Jong
* Dutchman is Erik ten Hag's pick but he is more keen on Chelsea than United
* Milinkovic-Savic does outperform De Jong statistically in many different areas
* But he may have to curb his attacking instincts if he came to Old Trafford

For what seems like the tenth consecutive summer, Manchester United are being linked with a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

With their pursuit of Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong - the player wanted by new manager Erik ten Hag above all others this summer - seemingly stalling, the Old Trafford club have been forced to look at alternatives.

Reports in Spain suggest that De Jong would only leave Barcelona for United's Premier League rivals Chelsea.

United and Barcelona agreed a transfer fee of £71.5million for De Jong, a player Ten Hag considers fundamental to the style of football he wants to play.


Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is reportedly once again on Manchester United's radar as they seek to fill a gaping void in midfield ahead of the new season. Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong is United's first choice but is reluctant to come to Old Trafford and reportedly would rather sign for Chelsea in the Premier League. New United manager Erik ten Hag made clear he wanted De Jong as his No 1 priority signing

But the Holland international is reluctant to swap Barcelona for Manchester despite his current club's urgency to offload him and ease their financial crisis.

Reports suggest he has concerns about the way United are run and would only have eyes for Chelsea if he came to England.

They say all roads lead to Rome and, as a result, United could well be about to return for Milinkovic-Savic, the 27-year-old box-to-box midfielder who Lazio are requesting almost £60m for.

And as Ten Hag seeks to solve a midfield muddle that proved beyond at least three of his predecessors, Milinkovic-Savic could well prove an excellent alternative to De Jong.

The stats from the last three seasons - the time De Jong has been playing in a top European league with Barcelona after joining from Ajax - show the Serbian has the edge in several key departments.


How Frenkie de Jong and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic compare over the last three seasons

In all competitions, the pair have played roughly the same number of games (De Jong 140; Milinkovic-Savic 131) and the numbers make for interesting reading.

Milinkovic-Savic most definitely has the edge when it comes to pushing forward. He has scored 27 times to De Jong's 13, has fired off substantially more shots and provided more assists (27 to 15).

In terms of chance creation, Milinkovic-Savic has set up 171 compared to De Jong's 149, and the Lazio man has got into the opposition penalty area on far more occasions.

Both occupy a central midfield role in the majority of games but it all comes down to the licence afforded them.

At the Stadio Olimpico, Milinkovic-Savic was trusted by Simone Inzaghi and his successor Maurizio Sarri to push forward out of midfield and threaten the opposition penalty box at every opportunity.


Serbia international Milinkovic-Savic has licence at Lazio to push forward and score goals. A box-to-box midfielder, Milinkovic-Savic may have to adapt to a more defensive role at United

There was usually a holding midfielder stationed behind him to allow this though it didn't mean Milinkovic-Savic shirked his defensive responsibilities.

With Barcelona and De Jong it was more a question of maintaining and rotating the ball. So passes could just as easily be sideways as forwards - De Jong played 236 passes into the opposition box in those three years to Milinkovic-Savic's 462 (almost four a game).

Probably because a lot of those passes were safer as Barcelona sought to dominate possession in their time-honoured manner, De Jong's passing accuracy is far higher.

But that 91.77 per cent record of the ball finding its intended target - which holds pretty steady at 90.57 per cent in the opposition half - is certainly mighty impressive and would help United overcome last season's sloppiness.

Milinkovic-Savic's passing stats aren't as good but he would probably more often attempt a ball with a lower probability of coming off and further up the field.

Just as pertinent given United's intentions for whichever player they sign, Milinkovic-Savic has a better record at tackling, intercepting the ball and recovering possession than De Jong does.

You must add the caveat that Milinkovic-Savic was long settled into the Lazio team (he signed in 2015) before these three seasons, whereas De Jong had to adapt to new team-mates, albeit at a club with a similar philosophy to Ajax.


De Jong understands clearly what Ten Hag demands of his teams from their days at Ajax. De Jong has impressive passing accuracy but is more inclined to play a safer ball at Barca

However, you cannot deny that from that substantial sample size, Milinkovic-Savic's numbers in Serie A are pretty impressive.

De Jong's time with Barcelona has been fairly so-so and he hasn't scaled the heights many expected. Xavi is not beating down Joan Laporta's office door to question why they want him sold.

But that doesn't mean Milinkovic-Savic is the perfect fit for United. They aren't looking for a midfielder who can thread a cute pass that splits a defence or someone who pops up regularly to score goals.

They already have Bruno Fernandes and have just signed Christian Eriksen for such purposes. They are searching for more of a defensive midfielder who can shield a back line that was worryingly brittle last season.


United already have Bruno Fernandes to play defence-splitting passes and create chances. Christian Eriksen has also joined the club and will boost their creativity in midfield

Under Ten Hag's playing style, someone who does willingly drive forward from deep midfield to support the forward line could be useful, so long as he has the energy to get back if United lose the ball.

But the main purpose will be to act as the link between defence and attack, taking the ball out and getting the team moving up the field.

Milinkovic-Savic would offer plenty and is no doubt adaptable to a deeper role but there's a reason why De Jong is Ten Hag's No 1 choice for what is a very specific purpose.

However, if he De Jong was to stay at Barcelona or come to Chelsea and United do sign Milinkovic-Savic, it would hardly be the end of the world.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11046733/Man-United-Frenkie-Jong-Sergej-Milinkovic-Savic-compare.html

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Manchester United 'line up Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham as their alternative midfield options' if they fail to persuade Frenkie de Jong to leave Barcelona... but neither are available this summer

* The club have been pursuing the Barcelona midfielder throughout the window
* A deal was agreed for him in early July but it stalled owing to his reluctance
* Frenkie de Jong remains the club's primary midfield target before summer is out

Manchester United have alternatives to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong but the two primary options are not available this summer, it has been reported.

The club, led by De Jong's former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, have been pursuing the midfielder all summer with the chase at various intervals seeming both on the verge of completion and futile.

According to The Athletic, the club's preferred alternatives to De Jong are Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, of West Ham and Borussia Dortmund respectively, but neither would be available this summer.

Rice's West Ham contract expires in 2024 with the club possessing the option to extend it by a further year to 2025 while Bellingham's contract also runs to 2025.


Frenkie de Jong remains the club's primary midfield targets but they have alternatives. Declan Rice is one of two players believed to be at the top of Manchester United's list should they not land the Barcelona man

Both players are said to be the subject of significant interest from Europe's elite, with Chelsea having identified Rice as one of their primary targets to freshen an ageing midfield while Bellingham has in the past been linked with Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Despite having alternatives, De Jong is still said to remain at the top of United's wishlist as the clock ticks down on summer.


Jude Bellingham is another who the club believe could represent another option to De Jong

The report states that United had a £71m deal wrapped up with the Spanish club on July 14 but then the deal stalled.

The Athletic claim that senior figures at United believe the obstacles standing the way of them getting their man are financial, with De Jong wishing to be paid the wages he is owed by Barcelona.

Barcelona deferred a number of players' wages during the pandemic owing to the significant hit to their finances. De Jong is believed to be owed wages stretching into the millions.


Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is a likelier signing this summer should they not land De Jong

Were the club not to sign the player this summer, it has been reported that Youri Tielemans or Ruben Neves could represent the likeliest alternatives.

It had appeared at the start of the summer as though both were going to leave their respective clubs but the market does not appear to have been kind to either player.

Tielemans' contract at Leicester expires next year with the Belgian said to be reluctant to sign new terms. Neves' deal has an extra year to run and as such could represent a more expensive option than the Leicester midfielder.


Youri Tielemans' Leicester deal expires next year and could leave Leicester this summer

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11080013/Manchester-United-line-alternatives-Frenkie-Jong-neither-available-summer.html

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Roy Keane SAVAGES Fred and Scott McTominay as having 'NO football intelligence' after Man United's 2-1 loss to Brighton... warning Erik ten Hag that the midfield duo are 'not good enough'

* Manchester United suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Brighton on Sunday
* Former United midfielder Roy Keane has criticised Fred and Scott McTominay
* Keane says that the midfield duo will 'never be good enough' for the Red Devils
* He says they lack football intelligence and that they will not get United to the top

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has criticised Fred and Scott McTominay for their performance on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils kicked off their 2022-2023 campaign with a disappointing loss to Brighton at Old Trafford after Pascal Gross scored twice for the Seagulls.

Keane pointed the finger at Fred and McTominay, claiming the midfield duo would never been 'good enough' to get 'United back competing at the top'.

United went 1-0 down in the first 30 minutes of the game after Gross found the back of the net. The German midfielder then added another just nine minutes later.

Keane was furious with the result after the game and blamed United's lack of quality in the middle of the park for their devastating loss.

Speaking after the fixture, he said that Fred and McTominay would never be 'good enough' to get the Red Devils 'back competing at the top' of the Premier League.

The Sky Sports pundit stated: 'The [lack of] decision-making and football intelligence from midfield, particularly Fred.

'I've been going on about it for a long time – Fred and [Scott] McTominay are not good enough.

'They won't get Manchester United back competing at the top. We see it week in, week out. They're not up to it.'

Paul Scholes was also quick to criticise the midfield duo and called United's performance against Brighton shambolic.


Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has criticised the club after Sunday's result. Keane said Fred lacked football intelligence and that he and Scott McTominay would never be good enough to get United back competing at the top. Paul Scholes was also quick to criticise the midfield duo and call United's performance against Brighton shambolic. He said McTominay and Fred are 'nowhere near good enough' to play for Man United

'It was a shocking start for Man United and the first half was shambolic really, Scholes told Premier League productions. 'The signs were there right from the first few minutes that this was going to be bad.

'McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor.

'I was happy he didn't get sent off [for a high challenge] but I think he was slightly lucky. Again, he's running with the ball, absolutely ridiculous.

'It could easily have been a red card. The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we've seen that for the last few years with these two players.

'With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many.

'Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay's trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It's not that difficult. It's criminal on a day like today.'

The midfielder duo were also savaged by Robbie Mustoe - who said that the club had not brought in enough quality this summer.

At halftime the pundit blamed the Red Devils' poor transfer window for their dreadful performance.

'I'll keep this short and simple,' Mustoe said on NBC. 'I know Ronaldo's been getting the headlines but the bigger headline for me is the transfer window for United has been incredibly disappointing. They haven't brought any quality in.

'When you've still got and I'm sorry because there's part of Scott McTominay's game that I like, Fred as well, but the quality required in the middle of the park for this football club is nowhere near good enough to supply the front players out there.

'Sancho and Rashford [are] having a good preseason, they haven't seen the ball because the ball keeps getting given away by the midfield players, I can put a reel together of six and seven times.

'It looks simple stuff, but if your midfield players don't possess a pass, positively forward, to get forwards involved, they are going to be fiddling around and giving the ball away. Brighton have been brilliant.

'Quality is lacking at this football club. Players they've brought on are okay but Man United bringing in okay, it's not good enough.'

Ten Hag has brought in Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen this summer but both fans and pundits have called for more quality.

One of the players United have been linked with is Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils have been pursuing the Barcelona midfielder all summer with the chase at various intervals seeming both on the verge of completion and futile.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11089523/Roy-Keane-SAVAGES-Fred-Scott-McTominay-having-NO-football-intelligence.html