Man Utd: The first six fixtures of the new Premier League season
Manchester United’s pursuit of Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could finally give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a solution to his midfield problem. Last season Solskjaer favoured playing two holding midfielders in Fred and Scott McTominay.
But that appeared to come at the expense of better attacking output from the Red Devils, especially against teams utilising a low defensive block.
The decision to play both Fred and McTominay also saw Paul Pogba pushed out to the unfamiliar position of left-wing.
Pogba’s importance to United is clear, but at times it felt that Solskjaer’s reluctance to play just one defensive-minded midfielder forced him to somewhat shoe-horn Pogba in on the wing.
Part of the reason behind that reluctance is the lack of trust that Solskjaer has in Fred and McTominay to fulfil the role of sole-holding midfielder.
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The Red Devils are looking to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer (Image: Express Sport)
But he has just one year left on his contract at Roazhon Park and appears set to leave this summer as the French side look to bring in a fee for him.
That has opened the door to United, who the Daily Mail claim have already made contact with Rennes over Camavinga’s situation.
With Solskjaer reportedly considering changing formation next season to a 4-3-3 containing just one defensive midfielder, Camavinga is well placed to fill that gap.
He mainly featured in that role for Rennes, who also utilise an attacking 4-3-3 formation under Bruno Génésio.
Fred has failed to convince for Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)