Erik ten Hag must consider Man United wildcard midfield option regardless of Manuel Ugarte transfer

Erik ten Hag must consider a wildcard option in Manchester United’s midfield this season even if they secure the signing of Manuel Ugarte.

United are still aiming to make several sales before the transfer deadline, while also pushing hard to sign PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that the 23-year-old is keen to make the move to Old Trafford, with the latest updates indicating that a deal is close to completion.

David Ornstein has revealed that Napoli’s agreement with United to acquire Scottish international Scott McTominay for approximately £25.4 million significantly strengthened United’s chances of landing the Copa America star.

Erik ten Hag will have several options in his midfield once the signing is over the line. Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to partner each other while Casemiro will also get minutes.

However, 20-year-old talent Toby Collyer could seriously push to be involved in the team this season after impressing Ten Hag over the summer.

Collyer played in all of United’s pre-season games and came off the bench in the Community Shield against Manchester City earlier this month to make his debut.

Most importantly, Collyer offers a determination and bite out of possession that is already looking essential in the United midfield right now.

In the opening two Premier League games, we’ve seen Mainoo and Casemiro with large defensive numbers, with the former, in particular, being worked hard in the middle of the pitch.

Both players looked exhausted in the latter stages of the Brighton game. At points throughout the season, Collyer would bring some much-needed energy to that midfield zone.

The 20-year-old has also shown that he can play quickly but not so progressively. However, it is something he has identified and is working on improving.

United’s on-pitch system isn’t where the coaching staff would ideally like it to be, and it will probably develop in the coming weeks.

But if midfielders are going to be expected to cover as much distance as they are currently, with Ugarte or not, Collyer could become a handy squad player for Ten Hag this season.

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