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Manchester United’s midfield is expected to bear a changed look between now and the end of the summer window with plenty of departures planned.
Hannibal Mejbri is on his way to Burnley permanently despite initial talks of a loan with an obligation to buy. The club is also trying to move on Christian Eriksen but no concrete bids have been received.
INEOS initially wanted to move on Casemiro this window after a poor last season while the Brazilian also struggled in pre-season. But Saudi clubs did not follow up on their initial interest and he is now expected to stay.
Following the difficulties in moving on the former Real Madrid superstar, the Red Devils were forced to try and sell Scott McTominay despite a terrific last season on an individual level.
McTominay’s future
There was interest from Turkey and from within the Premier League but it now seems that Napoli are close to landing the academy graduate after having agreed a fee with United.
Erik ten Hag reiterated his desire to keep a hold of the 27-year-old but Serie A beckons for the midfielder with only personal terms and a pay-off left to be agreed.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand termed the decision as a travesty and said that he did not agree with the club’s stance, pointing out examples from his career to support his reasoning.
“I look at Scott McTominay and not every player can be a star, a standout player. But to win the league you need the likes of John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher… you need a Julian Alvarez at Man City,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“They might not start every game but they were huge, you need those players and most of them know the DNA of the club, especially ones who have come through the academy, there’s a lot to be said for that. It really doesn’t sit well with me. To replace him you’re going to have to spend £30m or £40m and give him £150,000 a week probably.
“It’s not going to be cheap and it’s a gamble, you don’t know what you’re going to get, whereas with McTominay you know what you’re getting. He might not always be a 9/10 but invariably he’s a solid 7/10 and sometimes he will be an 8/10 and get you a goal.”
Rio not a fan of the decision
The Scottish star was the most impactful player for the 20-time English league champions last term, saving their blushes on more than one occasion after coming on as super-sub. He helped the club gain 12 points with his crucial goals.
And he always gave it his all despite the manager playing him in a bunch of different positions, which did not allow him to settle.
While technically he struggles, as plenty of fans have pointed out, it will be difficult for the club to replace a homegrown star who loves the club and is willing to run through a brick wall for the badge.
Hopefully, the club can conclude a deal for Manuel Ugarte this window while praying Toby Collyer can follow in Kobbie Mainoo’s footsteps and make his breakthrough so that the club does not miss McTominay that much moving forward.
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