Luis Nani has urged his former club Manchester United to sign a ‘very strong’ Premier League player to help solve a problem position at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have started to find some form this season after some initial struggles and the club’s new signings are also looking promising in the Premier League.
In the summer transfer window, United decided to focus on their frontline and they brought in three new attackers in Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
The Reds also added goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day, although many fans were disappointed that the club did not sign a defensive midfielder.
At the moment, Casemiro’s strong form means that the issue doesn’t seem as significant as it did before the season started, but the Brazilian’s contract runs out at the end of the season and United will need to address that position.
Nani urges United to sign ‘very strong’ Premier League star
United have already been linked with plenty of central midfielders to help solve their midfield problems, with Carlos Baleba of Brighton being an obvious target.
But ex-United winger Luis Nani has recommended a fellow Portugese star to his former club.
Nani believes that Joao Palhinha, who is on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich, would be the perfect midfield target for United next summer.
Speaking with Covers.com, Nani said: “Joao Palhinha is a great player. I played with him at Sporting, where he was growing and learning a lot. After a few years, he became one of the best players in his position.
“He’s very strong and talented at winning and recovering the ball, and tackling. He’s also improved his forward play, scoring goals, connecting with the team, and moving forward with the ball. He’s become a complete player in his position.
“I think he’s a great player and can do really well for Tottenham. He had an opportunity with Bayern and we’re not sure what will happen next season, but he’s a player who can play for any team in the world. He just needs to be consistent and fit, as injuries sometimes cause problems. I trust he will have a fantastic career.”
Midfield uncertainty at United
With United’s midfield, there could potentially be two or three additions. It depends on what happens with the existing options in the middle.
There are currently four midfielders at Old Trafford and none of them have guaranteed futures at the club beyond the end of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo has already had a loan request rejected and he could push for an exit if his game-time does not improve. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has yet to truly impress in a United shirt.
This also might be the last year United could get a big fee for Bruno Fernandes and he will undoubtably have offers on the table once again in the summer.
And with Casemiro’s contract expiring, there could be multiple holes that need plugging in the middle of the park in the summer. Whether United think Palhinha is the right player to address some of those issues remains to be seen.
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