Manchester United Eyes Verratti Amidst Midfield Concerns
The Exit of a PSG Star
With the curtains slowly drawing to a close on Marco Verratti’s illustrious 11-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United emerges from the shadows of European elites, expressing their intention to bolster their midfield with this Italian maestro. L’Equipe has reported that whilst Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia did flirt with the idea of acquiring his services, it’s Europe where his future most likely lies.
Why United Need Verratti
It’s no secret that Manchester United are in the hunt for a midfield dynamo, especially with the recent departure of Fred and the air of uncertainty surrounding Scott McTominay’s place at Old Trafford. Marcel Sabitzer’s fleeting sojourn on loan has concluded, thrusting United into a spotlight of a midfield conundrum.
The word buzzing around, as noted by GFFN from L’Equipe’s report, is that Manchester United’s intrigue in Verratti isn’t just a mere speculation. His exceptional positional nous, coupled with a sublime technical touch, seems to be the precise recipe that the Red Devils’ manager, Erik ten Hag, covets.
Other Contenders and A Nod to Home
However, the road to securing Verratti isn’t devoid of competition. Bayern Munich, amidst their own transformation, are believed to be weighing up an offer. There’s also the romantic allure of Verratti donning an Italian club jersey again. As his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, poetically puts it, “Sooner or later an Italian thinks of going home. He [Verratti] always wants to return. I can’t say that this is not the case for him.”
A Blast from United’s Transfer Past
The Manchester Evening News uncovers an intriguing snippet from Manchester United’s transfer anthology. Ed Woodward, the club’s former executive vice-chairman, had once championed for the signings of both Verratti and Raphael Varane back in the summer of 2018. However, Mourinho, then at the helm, viewed the duo as unattainable dreams and opted otherwise. Ironically, two summers later, Varane adorned the iconic red jersey, fortifying United’s defence.
United’s Midfield Quandary
The central midfield department has undeniably been United’s Achilles’ heel of late. The ‘McFred’ duo of McTominay and Fred, although industrious, left many yearning for more flair and dynamism. With Verratti’s name now floating in the transfer whispers and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat also touted as a potential solution, one wonders if this summer could herald a new midfield dawn for Manchester United.
