Reports suggest that Manchester United have identified Liverpool transfer target Martin Zubimendi as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte.
The Spaniard has generated serious interest from United’s rivals Liverpool who have slightly cooled their interest which frees up United to go after Zubimendi.
The Real Sociedad midfielder plays as a defensive midfielder, but he likes to move up the pitch when on the ball – the sort of player that would suit Erik Ten Hag’s possession-based style of football. Last season he played 31 games in La Liga scoring four goals and providing one assist.
According to GiveMeSport, United have opened their interest in the Spanish international as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte who they had been pursuing. Negotiations over Ugarte with PSG stalled so the Red Devils are looking at alternatives.
25-year-old Zubimendi has a £51 million release clause which Erik Ten Hag could decide to pay if he is serious about pursuing the midfielder.
How would Martin Zubimendi fit into Ten Hag’s midfield?
The 25-year-old Spaniard’s biggest asset is his passing ability. For Real Sociedad, he liked to control the pace of play in midfield and hold onto the ball.
Manchester United has several talented attackers, such as Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, and Antony, but they all need quality service to succeed.
Zubimendi would help to provide United’s attackers with the opportunity to get in behind and create chances. He would suit Ten Hag’s style well.
Manchester United looking to add a defensive midfielder
Following on from the interest in Ugarte, Manchester United are still keen on bringing in a holding midfielder before the end of the transfer window.
The Red Devils have identified Burnley midfielder Sander Berge as a budget alternative to Ugarte; Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana is also reportedly a target of United’s.
