Manchester United have been working on bolstering Ruben Amorim’s team ahead of the summer transfer window, and have been spurred into action by interest in a certain target from rivals Liverpool , Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim is eager to get started on his rebuild of the Manchester United squad this summer, and his first summer signing could come in the shape of a midfielder from the Championship.
There is anticipated to be an array of signings coming through the door at Old Trafford this summer as INEOS aims to back the man they hired in November.
Reports as of late have unanimously suggested that the recruitment policy at the club has become much more focused on the signing of young, talented players who can help the club grow into the future.
The incomings could be funded by outgoings, with players like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho anticipated to be leaving the club in the coming months.
Manchester United eye move for Rigg
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Manchester United have begun working on a deal for Chris Rigg from Sunderland, as they view the 17-year-old star as a “must-have” player.
Rigg, who has been linked to United since last year, is reportedly a signing that has the “unanimous support” of those close to the situation inside Old Trafford, with Amorim said to have already given the go-ahead for the club to make the signing.
Previously, it has been identified that United see Rigg as a “priority” summer target they view as a “truly generational” talent.
The 17-year-old has cemented himself as a regular in the Sunderland team so far this campaign in the Championship, starting 29 of the 34 games he has been in the squad for the Black Cats.
At international level, the versatile wonderkid has also been making his way through the ranks for England’s U-18’s, featuring eight times for his country in recent months.
Versatility and youth are vital for Amorim
Rigg fits the bill for Amorim’s United for a number of reasons, but his quality at such a young age accompanied by his versatility are two standouts. The Sunderland academy graduate has played in an array of positions this season, with appearances at centre-forward, number ten, on the wings and even at defensive midfield.
That ability to slot into several roles seamlessly is something Amorim craves from his players and will be vital for the side going forward, particularly in the inside forward positions, where the Portuguese coach perhaps lacks the options to push the team forward just now.
The Sunderland midfielder is a great passer, and an adept ball carrier, with the latter trait continued to be highlighted in the profile of links to United in recent weeks.
The links to Tyler Dibling and now Rigg showcase the clear plan in recruitment from the club to try and bring more ball carriers in. It’s a huge area of weakness amongst the current crop of players, with only Amad perhaps being especially talented.
United’s squad would immediately improve with a signing like Chris Rigg. If the deal happens, his arrival would ease the burden on the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad in those number ten positions to consistently perform while also easing the burden on players like Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in those deeper midfield roles.
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