Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has called on the club to swoop in for Granit Xhaka, but Paul Scholes doesn’t feel it’s the right play.
Midfield overhaul
Having secured Champions League football in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool, United’s attention will surely start to turn to the summer transfer window.
Qualification for the prestigious competition is set to significantly boost United’s transfer budget. Bolstering the midfield department is believed to be the priority for the club.
In January, Casemiro announced that he will depart Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season. Manuel Ugarte is also likely to be sold amidst his struggles to make an impact since his move from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.
United have several names on their transfer wishlist including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Ederson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
There have been suggestions that the Red Devils could make two or more additions, if funds allow.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Schmeichel floated a wildcard alternative for United: Xhaka.
Schmeichel’s case for Xhaka
Explaining his reasoning, the Dane argued that Xhaka would bring experience and leadership to the side, thereby filling the gap set to be left by Casemiro.
Schmeichel said, “I think we should go and sign Xhaka.”
Scholes immediately responded, “No, Pete. I have watched him, but you’re probably in the same boat as Casemiro then, aren’t you really?”
The former goalkeeper continued, “I make my case, what we are going to do is build the team around Kobbie, right. Now Casemiro is leaving. Now you bring in somebody like Wharton, Anderson whatever… that’s still young, that’s still untried.”
“What we need and what we don’t really have apart from Harry and Bruno in that team is proper leadership. When I look at what Xhaka’s done for Sunderland, Xhaka is the reason they are where they are.”
“He has been absolutely amazing, his leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 per cent of the games, he’s a really good player. We’re desperate for more leadership.”
Intrigued by the idea, Nicky Butt added, “Xhaka would come in and go, ‘I’m not playing every game’, but he would bring a lot to the squad.
Peter Schmeichel & Paul Scholes disagree over Xhaka signing for Man United! 😳 pic.twitter.com/Rcs4hIfGG2
— The Good, The Bad & The Football (@goodbadftblpod) May 4, 2026
Xhaka has made 31 Premier League appearances for Sunderland this term, contributing one goal and six assists.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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