Manchester United are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, according to L’Equipe (via Get French Football News)
Bayern Munich are also targeting the 30-year-old, while Saud Arabian club Al Ahli have agreed personal terms with the player but have yet to match PSG’s asking price.
United supporters on X (formerly known as Twitter) are split on whether Verratti is the right solution for the club’s problems in the middle of the pitch:
PLEASSEEEE BRING HIMMMM🤩
— 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐢 (@Nuri_Garnacho7) August 20, 2023
He costs 60mill, and United can’t afford a player who costs 25mill.
— Kurt Hansen (@TrueUnitedFan81) August 20, 2023
Get him, mount ain’t cutting it
— Amrik Singh (@AmrikSi44974581) August 20, 2023
Great player but can’t stay fit
— UTDJACK (@jack1467846113) August 20, 2023
Amrabat would be better for us
— _ (@UtdChant) August 20, 2023
He is not a bad addition at all but that depends on the price
— can’t believe Antony is past his prime🤣 (@kalmfik) August 20, 2023
We don’t need this guy
— . (@blac_lad) August 20, 2023
Good addition but it’s a short term fix
— Mr I ain’t perfect (@fuzy_11) August 20, 2023
Verratti does offer more than Amrabat
Both in and out of possession, the Italian international’s numbers do compare very favourably to another United transfer target: Sofyan Ambrabt.
Verratti averaged more progressive passes per 90 minutes, more key passes, more carries into the final third, more successful take-ons, as well as more tackles and interceptions per 90 last season.
United may not have the funds to sign him
There are, however, a couple of reasons why going after Verratti may not be a very good idea. PSG are reportedly demanding as much as €70m (£60m) for the midfielder.
Considering Amrabat is available for half the price, you can see why United are focusing their efforts on recruiting the Moroccan international instead.
When you factor in that the Fiorentina player is four years younger than Verratti as well, the case for pursuing the World Cup semi-finalist does look a lot more compelling.
