Manchester United have been linked with a transfer move for PSG midfielder and Italian international Marco Verratti, according to a report from L’Equipe [via PSG Report on Twitter].
With this being said, United aren’t only club who are pursuing a potential transfer for Verratti. He has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli – Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the mix.
In PSG Report’s tweet, they wrote: “JUST IN: Bayern Munich and also Manchester United have come forward in recent days for Marco Verratti. Man United is a destination that’s not ruled out. Al-Ahli has already personal terms with Verratti & intends to find an agreement with PSG in the coming days.”
What would Marco Verratti add to the Manchester United midfield?
As evidenced with their 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, United are currently lacking a strong creative influence in midfield.
Verratti is not only a brilliant creator, he also very rarely loses the ball. This sort of calming influence could bring dividends to an otherwise all-at-sea Manchester United midfield.
While Verratti does not shirk his defensive duties, he is rather limited in this aspect – he isn’t the most physically dominant of players and his tackling isn’t great, either.
Do United need to sign another player in central midfield?
The Red Devils have five fit central midfielders they can currently call upon – Mason Mount, Scott McTominay, Donny Van De Beek, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
For a team that plays with a midfield trio, this is not enough – especially when it is considered that United will have to contend with Champions League football this season.
Additionally, two of the players mentioned – Eriksen and Casemiro – are both 31 years of age and will begin declining sooner rather than later.
On that subject, at the age of 30, Verratti is no spring chicken. While he is yet to show signs of physical decline, it cannot be too far away.
As such, while Verratti is a fine player, the Red Devils may benefit from looking elsewhere. With competition for his signature looking fierce, it’s unlikely that they will be able to get their hands on him for anything other than a steep asking price.