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Man Utd have three players making Saul Niguez transfer easier for John Murtough
Manchester United are interested in signing Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid before the close of the summer transfer window.
Saul Niguez: All you need to know about Spanish midfielder
Manchester United are open to signing another midfielder before the close of the summer transfer window on August 31. And, at present, it’s Saul Niguez being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. So Express Sport will now look at three players who are making any potential pursuit easier for John Murtough.
Fred
Let’s start with the obvious.
United thought they were onto a winner when they signed Fred back in 2018, during Jose Mourinho’s time on charge.
Initially, he seemed to be a waste of money. He struggled under Mourinho and, initially, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well.
Then, came injuries.
And Fred benefitted from a mini crisis at Old Trafford to save his career at the club and become a dependable influence for Solskjaer.
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While the Brazil international has his uses, however, he’s failed to achieve consistency throughout his time at United.
And that’s why Saul is currently being considered behind the scenes.
United appear to know they can’t rely on Fred to win the Premier League title, the prize they covet the most.
And Saul is seen as an upgrade in that position.
United now seem to realise they need better, particularly after Fred’s poor display in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.
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Donny van de Beek
United signed Donny van de Beek for £40million last term.
But the struggles of the Netherlands international appear to have prompted the Red Devils into eyeing a deal for Saul.
There’s no denying Van de Beek has talent.
That was obvious as he inspired Ajax to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019, where he was one of the best players in the tournament.
But, at United, he’s the odd one out.
Van de Beek isn’t as explosive as Bruno Fernandes in the No 10 position, with the Portugal international blocking his path to the team.
Likewise Paul Pogba, despite the France international continuing to be linked with a move away.
Van de Beek lacks the defensive discipline required to play in a deeper role, with the 24-year-old better going forward.
So that’s another reason why Saul is being considered.
Van de Beek could even leave if a suitable offer arrives, especially if the Atletico Madrid star makes the move to Old Trafford before the deadline.
Nemanja Matic
For a long while now, Nemanja Matic has appeared to be on the wane.
And that was evident in the draw with Southampton, with the Serbia international playing at a pedestration pace.
This United team needs energy in the middle of the park to take matches by storm.
And Matic, while he once had it, is clearly entering the twilight years of his career at the age of 33.
With that being the case, United are eyeing long-term replacements. And Saul, certainly, would fit the bill.