Three midfielders Erik ten Hag should consider signing for Manchester United this summer

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are said to be targeting signing a new midfielder this coming transfer window.

With the transfer window opening yesterday, here are three midfield players that Manchester United should consider pursuing in the transfer market this summer.

#1 – Mason Mount

Following Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation that Manchester United submitted their first bid of £40m for Mason Mount and adding that they intend to bid again following Chelsea’s rejection of the bid, it is clear that Chelsea’s star boy is a top target for Erik Ten Hag this summer.

Whilst Chelsea appear to be adamant that they won’t let the Englishman go for less than their valuation of at least £70m, Mount’s contract with the Blues expires in June 2024 and therefore, it is expected that the club could be forced to sell their player for less, especially given claims they must sell several players in order to meet financial fair play rules.

The 2022/23 season was a tough one for Mount, scoring just three goals and assisting two across the Premier League season, a massive falloff from the season prior where he appeared to be a standout player amongst midfielders across the world.

In 2021/22, Mount ranked 14^th in the league for goals scored, having put 11 in the back of the net, and more impressively, ranked third in the league for assists, having directly led to 10 goals for Chelsea.

Whilst recent form may be a concern to some, it is clear that Ten Hag believes that he can bring the best out of Mason Mount should he come to Old Trafford, especially given that Mount seems to thrive under managers who maintain close relationships with their players, such as Frank Lampard who brought the best out of Mount.

There can be no doubt, Mason Mount is a top player and one of Manchester United’s priority targets this summer, so watch this space…

#2 – Nicolò Barella

With reports coming yesterday that Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign Inter Milan’s Nicolò Barella for just £50m, it would be ridiculous for Manchester United not to make any attempt to hijack this deal and secure the signature of the Italian superstar.

Barella has been one of the most impressive deep-lying midfielders in Europe for years now, performing at a world-class level for both club and country. At Inter Milan, he has been the standout player in their impressive season which saw them win both Italian domestic cups as well as reaching the Champions League final this season.

Whilst perhaps best known for his build-up play and work ethic, Barella also offers a goal threat, having scored 6 goals in the league this season, whilst assisting another six, and three in the Champions League campaign.

For Italy, Barella maintains this impressive form, having earned 43 international caps, including a starting spot in the Italian side that won the Euros in 2020.

Barella has been on Manchester United’s radar for several years, with the club reportedly submitting a £30m bid for the player in 2019, so it comes as no surprise that Manchester United reportedly had shown some interest in signing the player this summer.

That being said, the fee that United were told to sign the midfielder was £70m and so if this fee has been reduced by up to £20m, it would seem ludicrous for Manchester United not to rapidly increase their pursuit of Barella and convince him to come to Old Trafford next season.

#3 – Edson Alvarez

In Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford, it has been made clear that Casemiro is essential to Manchester United as, without him, the form seems to significantly dip as the midfield is overrun.

However, Casemiro unfortunately frequently receives both yellow and red cards as he is an extremely physical player, leading to extended periods of suspension. In his first season, he received eight yellow cards and two red cards playing for Manchester United, leading to him missing a total of eight games this season, four of which saw United drop points.

It is precisely for this reason that Manchester United should consider the young Mexican talent, Edson Alvarez, who could fill in for Casemiro who will undoubtedly face more suspension in the upcoming season, as well as provide depth in cup competitions.

Whilst Alvarez himself is also not particularly shy of a card, receiving 10 yellow cards this season, he provides value in his impressive work rate and defensive capabilities. The 25-year-old averages 2.4 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game and boasts a pass accuracy of 88%, making him one of the best defensive midfielders in the Eredivisie.

On top of this, Alvarez is more than capable of providing an attacking threat, providing seven goal contributions this season.

With Ten Hag already familiar with Alvarez, having coached him at Ajax, this seems like a deal that could certainly be made and, as Alvarez has already had links with fellow Premier League side West Ham United, it would appear that the Mexican is keen for a move to the Premier League and available for as little as £25m.