After a strong first season under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United will be hoping to put their dismal FA Cup final loss in the rearview as they enter the summer vacation.
The Dutchman led the Old Trafford team to their first trophy since 2017, led them into the Champions League group stages, and now that his first season is in the books, he plans to elevate the Red Devils in 2023–24.
To accomplish this, he will need to bring in a few more new players while letting some old players go. There will be a similar expectation that signings of this stature might be achieved again given that he persuaded players like Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro to join United last summer.
United has been linked to midfielder Federico Valverde, according to Spanish news reports, so they may raid Real Madrid once more. However, president Florentino Perez has stated that it will require an offer of roughly €80 million (£69 million) in order for negotiations to start.
Can Federico Valverde make Manchester United better?
The 24-year-old Uruguayan is in the peak of his career and had a glorious run of success at Madrid, winning two La Liga championships and a Champions League trophy. If he were to join United, they would profit from his winning mindset in the centre of the midfield.
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City, who FBref claims is the player most similar to Valverde, is another reason why the midfielder could benefit the Red Devils. It’s not a bad comparison to make given the German’s amazing career, in which he has amassed 13 major awards and evolved into the driving force behind Pep Guardiola’s City juggernaut.
In fact, over the past year, Gundogan has ranked in the top 10% across Europe’s major five leagues for non-penalty goals, touches in the attacking penalty area, and total shots per 90, while the Uruguayan has ranked in the top 10% for non-penalty goals and total shots but has fallen to the top 21% for touches in the opponent’s box per game, indicating that the pair overall provides an excellent goal threat from the centre of midfield.
Ilkay-Gundogan-Manchester-City
United could gain from this since none of their centre midfielders scored more than seven goals the entire previous season. While Gundogan offers a similar influence at City and ranks similarly highly for the same metrics, Valverde demonstrated his importance to Madrid by ranking as their third-best player in La Liga, fifth for goals and assists, and sixth for key passes per game. Ten Hag may have a world-class operator as the centre of his side if he signs him this summer.
Joe Cole, a former Chelsea player, praised Valverde as “unbelievable” in the latter part of last year, and the 24-year-old wouldn’t be phased by a transfer to Old Trafford after showcasing his skills at the Bernabeu.
