Ross Barkley, a player for Luton Town, has been linked to Manchester United. At first look, this may seem like an uninspired lack of desire in the transfer market, given the need for long-term improvements. But if you look at the bigger picture, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s alleged interest makes a lot of sense.
Since he took over at Old Trafford in 2022, the Dutchman has put a lot of money into his engine room, but this season his team has gotten worse in the middle of the pitch.
It was a mistake to spend £70 million on Casemiro instead of the first-choice target, Frenkie de Jong, two years ago.
Even though the 32-year-old had a great first season in England, his durability was always a worry. The same was true for Christian Eriksen, who was much more valuable as a free agent.
Marcel Sabitzer came on a short-term loan in January of last year, but didn’t do much to impress. In the summer, Ten Hag agreed to pay another £60 million to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
Sofyan Amrabat’s season-long loan from Fiorentina also cost around £8m. He is likely to be one of several midfielders who leave in the first transfer window under INEOS.
Last year, INEOS sent Ross Barkley to Nice.
Ten Hag only had Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen to choose from in midfield against Sheffield United last night. Casemiro had to fill in at centre back because of the constant illness problem.
Amrabat and Mount stayed out after missing the FA Cup game against Coventry City on Sunday. They now have Scott McTominay because he got hurt during the exciting win at Wembley and had to join them.
United didn’t have a natural playmaker on the bench because of this. Also, there was no senior centre back, left back, or striker available because the U18s were called up again.
The new manager of Manchester United may want to sign Barkley, but he wouldn’t be the biggest middle signing of the summer.
United already needs more players, but Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Amrabat will probably all leave at the end of the season.
The M16 giants are likely to get at least one well-known player to replace Casemiro, but Barkley could fill in for Eriksen if he agrees that he won’t start most weeks.
After a terrible time at Chelsea, the 30-year-old’s career came to a halt. However, INEOS took a chance on him at Nice last season, and he has since done very well at Luton in his return to the Premier League.
Barkley wouldn’t ask for a huge fee, but the former Everton player would really help the team even if they already had a great first three players.
That’s what United will need if they have to play in the Europa League or the Conference League for the first time.
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