If Manchester United’s defeat against Sevilla taught us anything, is that the team needs to improve their midfield depth as soon as possible.
Paul Pogba’s lackluster effort might result in his departure of the team during the summer, but he is not the only player that might leave the side in the coming months. Marouane Fellaini has been linked with an exit to Besiktas, Michael Carrick will retire, and there are doubts regarding the immediate impact Scott McTominay can have as a regular first-team player.
In other words, Manchester United will likely need to bolster their central-midfield depth during the summer. In a worst-case scenario, United could have only Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera under contract in the 2018-19 season. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to see United in transfer rumours with several midfielders. And the latest example currently plays in Spain and has never featured in the Premier League.
We are talking about Ivan Rakitic. According to a report from The Daily Star, Manchester United have joined Liverpool in the race to sign the Croatia international, who currently plays for Barcelona in Spain. A 30-year-olf midfielder with lots of international experience at the highest level, has already thrived in Spain and Germany, so there is no doubt he is good enough to play for Manchester United.
A move to Manchester United makes a lot of sense
One would think moving away from Barca is a step in the wrong direction, but it seems inevitable Rakitic will leave the side sooner than later. The team already has Sergio Busquets, Paulinho, Andre Gomes and Andres Iniesta to play in midfield, but they also added Arthur and Philippe Coutinho can operate on a central role if needed. And both Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele can play as wide midfielders in case Ernesto Valverde plays with a 4-4-2.
Rakitic could fit quite well with Manchester United’s tactical plan as well. He can fulfill a number of roles in midfield, but he is better suited to play as a typical n°8; that’s a central midfielder that can cooperate defensively, but thrives on a more attacking-minded role. He could also play as a n°10 if needed. However, it would happen something similar than what happened with Pogba since he doesn’t really fit in that role. But that kind of versatility is always a plus, especially with Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United would have to engage in a bidding war in case Rakitic decides to leave Barcelona, though. Liverpool have expressed their interest in the former Sevilla star several times. PSG are also keen to make a move for the Croatian star. In fact, the French giants are favourites to sign the playmaker so United would have to make a huge effort to snatch him out of Camp Nou.
He is defitinively worth it, though. And while he might be a bit old, but Rakitic would certainly be a quality signing for United.
The fit is there. Now it’s only a matter of time to see whether United pull the trigger or not.
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