Manchester United target deemed “unsuitable” for new manager’s style, INEOS should avoid

Manchester United’s new style, most recently being played under Erik ten Hag and likely to be the one demanded by Jadon Wilcox, will be playing out from the back.

The recent signings of André Onana and Lisandro Martínez, paired with fantastic on-the-ball talents such as Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Bruno Fernandes, mean Manchester United are shaping to suit a possession-based style of play.

This is the type of football that Erik ten Hag has attempted to implement over the last few seasons, and new technical director Jason Wilcox is likely to ask whoever manages the squad next season, be it Ten Hag or otherwise, to cater to these talents.

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The recruitment process in the 2024 transfer market must also follow this blueprint. United are looking to sign two centre-backs this summer, with Raphaël Varane departing the club and the futures of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelöf unclear.

One player they have recently been linked with is Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. A recent report explained that United have been contemplating a move for the Chelsea player to alleviate their recent defensive problems.

It is said that Chelsea are willing to sell Chalobah to balance their finances, valuing the English centre-half at approximately £25 million.

However, a fresh report from The Athletic has explained why Chelsea are willing to sell in light of their appointment of new manager Enzo Maresca as the club’s new manager.

The Athletic’s report claims that Chalobah has been deemed unsuitable to play Maresca’s style of possession from the back, which is a red flag for United.

If they plan on continuing with the style of play mentioned above, it is probably best that the club avoid signing Chalobah unless they feel Chelsea’s assessment of the defender is incorrect.

United have also been linked to many other defenders across the last two months, including Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille’s Leny Yoro, and may yet offer Jonny Evans a new deal despite his contract expiry.

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