Five middle men who could really motor in United engine room...
ARE you a central midfielder in one of Europe’s top leagues? Prepare to be linked with United.
Jose Mourinho’s search for a new man in the engine room is no secret, and United may realistically need two new incomers with both Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini likely to depart, while Scott McTominay is still learning his trade.
Here are five players that United are interested in and a look at how each could fit in at Old Trafford.
JORGINHO M.E.N. Sport reported in December United have shortlisted Jorginho as a replacement for Carrick.
The 26-year-old has made 23 appearances for the Serie A leaders Napoli this season, adding three goals and three assists from the base of midfield.
A Napoli website claimed that a ‘big offer’ had been made from an English club ahead of the January transfer window, and the Italy international’s agent admits that attention from ‘important teams’ is logical at this stage of his clients career.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC United have scouted Borussia Dortmund’s Pulisic, who is viewed as the great hope of the US national side.
Vastly experienced for a teenager, he has made 26 appearances for the German outfit this season and has already won 20 caps for his country.
However, he has mainly featured as an attacking midfielder or winger for Dortmund. Mourinho has insisted that there will be no attacking signing this summer but Pulisic can play on the right, left or through the middle.
ARTURO VIDAL What year is it, exactly? United wanted Vidal in 2014 but any possibility appeared to end when he signed for Bayern Munich from Juventus the following summer.
Yet with the Chilean midfielder now 30, M.E.N. Sport understands he is under serious consideration by Mourinho.
German outlet Bild, who are generally well-informed on all things Bayern, are predicting Vidal will leave the German giants at the end of the current campaign.
But his age would be a concern with Nemanja Matic also due to turn 30 before the start of the new season.
JULIAN WEIGL United have also been monitoring Weigl on their scouting visits to Dortmund.
And the German international fuelled the rumours of a Premier League move by switching agent midway through the season.
The 22-year-old has played as a traditional central midfielder and in a more defensive role this season, making him an ideal fit for United’s needs.
FRED United are understood to admire the Shaktar Donetsk midfielder but did not table a bid in January, despite encouragement to enter negotiations.
It is understood that his representatives would still welcome an approach from United, but City are confident of doing a deal for the Brazilian – seen as the heir to Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium.