Under Michael Carrick’s management, Manchester United are no longer the gift that keeps on giving, but the Red Devils persuasion now need to prove that they are here to stay at the top of the table.
The gains made following Ruben Amorim’s winter dismissal have been remarkable. After such miserable returns, United climbed out of mid-table in the Premier League and somehow secured passage into the Champions League. It’s a remarkable achievement, but one which must be used as a springboard towards even loftier heights.
Man United have not actually made a summer signing yet. The incomings will arrive, though, with emphasis being placed on landing an elite midfielder now that Casemiro has left the club.
Manuel Ugarte is also facing an extended spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee for Uruguay against Spain.
Man United could sign World Cup star
Manchester United need to sign an elite midfielder this summer, but it’s not going to be Elliot Anderson, who is Manchester City-bound.
In truth, Nottingham Forest are going to pocket £116m for the England international. He’s a good player, but that’s too much money, especially when there are talented alternatives on the market.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are among United’s top targets, but there is another emerging name who could end up the one for Carrick’s side, having actually outperformed Anderson at the World Cup.
According to BILD in Germany, via Sport Witness, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha is ready to turn down advances from Newcastle United, with the lanky star more open to joining Manchester United or re-signing for Manchester City.
He would cost a pretty penny, however, with Dortmund demanding that any suitors cough up a transfer fee of about £103m.
His performances for Germany at the World Cup this summer prompting fresh enquiries.
Why Man United should sign Felix Nmecha
Nmecha has not outperformed Anderson over the past year. For Nottingham Forest, the 23-year-old has been immense, and his record-breaking transfer to Manchester City will underline his credentials as one of the very best in the business.
However, looking at the World Cup in isolation, we can say that Nmecha has been singing louder for Germany, even after their shock exit to Paraguay in the round of 32, producing some stunning performances. Anderson has been good for the Three Lions, but he hasn’t produced any show-stopping moments, and England have lacked fluency between the central and attacking thirds.
Anderson is a more combative defender, a ball-winning machine in the middle of the park, but he hasn’t showcased the fluid, game-changing passing that Nmecha has used to steer Germany out of the group stage.
Germany’s shock defeat to Ecuador in the closing game made Nmecha’s threaded through ball to Denis Undav to win the game late on against Ivory Coast all the more important. It was a critical moment for his nation, emphasising his growing importance and influence in key moments.
The one-time Manchester City youth star is turning into quite the player, energetic and effortlessly poised on the ball. Julian Nagelsmann hailed him as a “world-class player” in the build-up to the tournament, and he put his money where his mouth is, Nmecha glittering across America.