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Following a disappointing season, Manchester United have to revitalise their beginning lineup. One place that seems to be desperately in want of change is central midfield.
Whereas Kobbie Mainoo has loved a breakout season, his performances, significantly towards Burnley two weeks in the past, have slipped in latest occasions, maybe signifying that the teenager has been overplayed.
Christian Eriksen is clearly turning into much less of a central participant within the squad as he ages, whereas Mason Mount has constantly struggled with accidents this season.
Sofyan Amrabat seems to be on his means again to Fiorentina following what has been a disappointing mortgage spell, whereas Scott McTominay has confirmed to be simpler as a shadow striker, significantly off the bench afterward within the match.
In the end, the most important disappointment in United’s midfield comes within the type of Casemiro. Whereas certainly one of United’s most vital gamers final season, the Brazilian has been a relentless disappointment all through the present marketing campaign, proving to be at fault for United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal this previous weekend.
Now 32 years outdated and clearly in decline, it seems that Casemiro was a short-term answer for a long-term drawback that United have confronted within the midfield, significantly within the defensive midfield function. Because of this, it’s crucial that the membership search a substitute.
Based on Sport Witness, United scouts had been current at FC Porto’s 2-1 Liga Portugal victory over Boavista, which has apparently been commonplace this season.
Whereas no specifics have emerged concerning the participant that United have been maintaining a tally of, one Porto star that has been linked to United is holding midfielder Alan Varela.
Simply 22 years of age, Varela has confirmed to be a key member of Porto’s beginning lineup, beginning in 27 of the group’s 33 league video games up to now this season.
Scoring two targets and grabbing three assists, Varela has supplied a passing masterclass this season, finishing 90% of his tried passes in addition to 94% from inside his personal half.
He has proven immense high quality on the ball, finishing 78% of his dribbles whereas additionally proving to be efficient when monitoring again in defence, making 1.2 tackles per match. He has additionally made 0.8 interceptions per recreation. (Stats by way of Sofascore)
Casemiro has paled as compared. Whereas he has accomplished 83% of his passes, he has solely managed to finish solely 50% of his dribbles whereas managing a measly 0.7 interceptions per recreation. The Brazilian has managed only one purpose and two assists within the Premier League this season.
Not solely is Varela a younger expertise who can construct a long-term future at United, however he additionally has a wealth of top-level expertise, serving to Porto to the final 16 within the UEFA Champions League the place they recorded a shocking 1-0 win over Arsenal earlier than bowing out of the competitors.
The time has come for United to simply accept the reality and half methods with Casemiro earlier than his performances descend even deeper. Varela might show to be his preferrred substitute main into the longer term.
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