Manchester United are reported to be one of many clubs keeping tabs on a young defensive midfielder who has impressed for his U23 side in Italy this season.
Manchester United’s midfield has been a controversial topic amongst fans for the past couple of seasons, with who should play and where the main talking points. So far this season, Ruben Amorim has opted for a more experienced midfield partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Choosing the more experienced route has sidelined younger players. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are two who have really felt the impact of this, usually being subbed on within the last 15 minutes of games, but sometimes making no appearance at all.
Kobbie Mainoo, especially, is a player that fans will be desperate to succeed, having graduated through the club’s academy and impressing when he was thrust into the squad back in 2023. However, the 20-year-old has not impressed for Amorim so far and has not been utilised by the Portuguese coach.
This has led the club to look beyond their current options, and players like Adam Wharton have impressed fans, but Crystal Palace could easily demand a high price for the England international.
Scouts across Europe may have found a younger, cheaper option who has impressed for his U23 side, by adopting a playing style similar to that of a Ballon d’Or winner.
Atalanta’s Sergej Levak attracts attention from United scouts
According to Calciomercato, Croatian midfielder Sergej Levak has attracted interest from multiple clubs, including United, after playing a key role for Atalanta’s U23 side, which plays in Serie C. It has been reported that United scouts have been sent to watch the 19-year-old in person to understand the player better.
Levak arrived at Atalanta following the expiration of his contract with AS Roma, and at the time, Inter Milan was also trying to secure his signature. He has featured in the starting lineup in the side’s last 10 games and has been described as ‘too good’ for the youth side by the Italian outlet.
Being described as a ‘Rodri-style midfielder’, it is no wonder that he has caught the eye of many clubs recently. Also, bagging three goals this season shows the youngsters’ intelligence in knowing when to arrive in the box.
La Dea has not commented on the rumours, but if they persist, I’m sure the Italian side will have to address them.
This would be another signing that shows INEOS is taking their transfer policy seriously, and perhaps they are thinking about a future replacement for the ageing Casemiro. However, nothing is concrete, and if Ugarte and Mainoo begin to perform, an external replacement may not be required.
Where would this signing leave Ugarte and Mainoo
United fans in general want to see Amorim utilise Mainoo more, as his brief cameo appearances towards the end of matches are not benefiting his development. Ugarte is a different case, as he has shown fans and Amorim that he has not settled into life in the Premier League, so he will have to build trust by making his mark if he gets the chance.
However, a new arrival could go one of two ways: either the pair are motivated by it, or both push for moves away from the club. Mainoo has already been linked to a loan move away from United as soon as the January transfer window, and Ugarte would surely push for the same due to his lack of minutes.
Amorim needs to make his plans clear and show players and fans whether he will pursue external signings or stick with the players he already has at his disposal.
If Ugarte and Mainoo were to exit the club, it would likely be for a smaller fee than what was expected of them when they were both at their peak. This would leave a bitter taste in fans’ mouths as it would seem like a huge amount of wasted potential.
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