Manchester United’s summer spree is expected to centre around improving Michael Carrick’s midfield options, with quality additions needed in the engine room to be able to cope with competing on multiple fronts next season.
INEOS are working hard behind the scenes to get deals done as quickly as possible for the newly appointed permanent head coach, with Atalanta’s Ederson all but confirmed as the first through the doors.
Although the middle of the park is clearly the priority position to fix, United will certainly have their eye on other areas of the pitch in need of an upgrade or additional cover, given the bumper schedule ahead.
Left back wanted
Left-back would undoubtedly fall into that category, with rumours of Premier League stars rife to come and bolster Carrick’s options in defence.
The Peoples Person recently relayed United’s interest in Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who is currently enjoying a fine start to the World Cup in his homeland, the United States.
As explained by The Mirror, United are now aware of the fee it could take to get him out of Craven Cottage, and it looks to be decent value given the state of the market at present.
It’s claimed the London club “could sanction a sale” for a bid of £28 million, which is significantly cheaper than the fees discussed for primary left-back target, Lewis Hall.
Despite enjoying a fine season last time out, current first-choice option Luke Shaw is not expected to cope with the demands of the extra games next year, but still has the quality to operate at the highest level, meaning Robinson could come in as a perfect understudy to the Englishman.
Robinson himself has gathered plenty of experience whilst at Fulham and would reportedly welcome the interest from United as he looks for that big move in the prime of his career at 28 years of age.
Plenty of game time expected
However, should United decide Robinson is their man, he would be playing second fiddle to Shaw, who, given his ability, would command the number one spot unless he picks up an injury.
Incredibly, Shaw started every Premier League game for United last season but still is highly susceptible to a long-term lay-off, meaning Robinson would almost certainly get game time at Old Trafford.
The American would undoubtedly back his ability to perform under the pressure of the Theatre of Dreams should Shaw miss any chunk of the schedule, with the view of permanently replacing him in Carrick’s starting XI.
At £28 million, the US star certainly represents outstanding value in the market and, with funds tight at United, could well prove to be one of the bargains of the summer should INEOS strike a deal in the coming weeks.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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