European Problems, Mexican Solutions : Manchester United
The European transfer window is quickly coming to a close and many of European teams still have areas of need that have not been addressed. With the financial ramifications of the COVID-19 Pandemic tightening teams purse strings, now may be the time for Mexican players to make the jump to Europe or seek a transfer. Today we will focus on Manchester United.
A recent report has Manchester United set for a 100 million Euro loss due to the pandemic, and this has shown in the team’s current transfer window, only bringing in Donny Van de Beek. United still have glaring needs in multiple positions, and these Mexican players may be the answer.
Center Back
The Red Devils entered this transfer window with a need at Center Back, and thus far, no one has been brought in to pair with Harry Maguire in the backline. RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester but at a current cost of about $77 million may be too expensive in the current climate. Monterrey’s Cesar Montes maybe the player United should target this window. El Cachorro is currently valued at 6 million, and a bid of 10 million-plus a player like Marco Rojo may seal the deal. Montes is good in the air winning 68% of his aerial duels this season and comfortable with the ball at his feet averaging 77% pass accuracy and 41 touches per 90 this season. He averages 1.45 interceptions per game and wins 83% of his tackles.
Central Defensive Midfield
If their game against Crystal Palace is any indication, United desperately need a replacement for the aging Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay is not it. Matic is still a solid player but doesn’t have the legs to go for the full 90 and having a rotation player to give him rest is a must. Monterrey’s Charlie Rodriguez would be a good choice, but his lack of aerial ability would be a big issue in the Premier League. That is why we are going with Edson Alvarez. Alvarez has had a better run to begin the current season with Ajax, but a move may still be needed. His family is already living in England, and that may seal the deal for him. When he is on the field, Edson wins 60% of his tackles and has a pass accuracy of 86%. He can play both as a CB and a CDM which would give Ole a versatile player that United desperately needs. Currently valued at around 9 million, Ajax would want to make a profit off their original purchase price of $17 million, an offer of $20 million, or even $10 million, and a player like Dalot or Jones may entice Ajax to sell.
Right Wing
United remains heavily linked to Jadon Sancho, with the soap opera going on since June, but with a price tag of $128 million, has been a tough negotiation. A player that has already been linked to Manchester is Chucky Lozano, but Napoli is rumored to want a profit from their $44 million purchase which puts him out of reach. United could look to Chelsea target Tecatito Corona to fill that role, but with rumors of Alex Telles making the move, Porto may not want to sell him. Our choice is Cruz Azul’s, Roberto Alvarado. At 22 his current $8 million value seems like a steal. In the shortened Clausura 2020 campaign he had two goals and 5 assists in 10 games, with 17 successful dribbles and a 74% pass accuracy. His ability to play on both wings and as CAM will again be a valuable weapon at Ole’s disposal.
