Can Emre Can fix Manchester United's midfield problems?
Manchester United spent big in the summer to sign Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James to Old Trafford – but failed to bolster their midfield, despite the departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera.
United‘s decision not to sign a new central midfielder this summer is questioned continually by football pundits and supporters.
Former United legend Ryan Giggs voiced concerns about United’s lack of depth in midfield earlier this season.
"I think we need a couple more midfielders. If Paul Pogba goes—we talk about culture change—but, obviously, you need quality. You might not like it, but come Sunday if Paul Pogba isn't in that midfield or the week after, and we've got the midfielders that we've got at our club, then we're short. That's the problem."
With Paul Pogba ruled out until Christmas and Scott McTominay joining him on the injury list, United are woefully short in options in the midfield department.
United’s other central midfield options are either too inconsistent or too young for the big league. Fred, since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk, hasn't set the world on fire but showing signs of improvement. Nemanja Matic has fallen out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and increasingly looks like a player past his prime.
Academy graduate James Garner is a promising young talent but still far too inexperienced and callow for such a key role.
Ultimately, United’s failure to address their midfield malaise could prove to be their undoing this season. However, the month of January allows them to address their shortcomings.
A name that has been doing the rounds for while now is that of Juventus midfielder Emre Can. The German international is reportedly keen on returning to the Premier League after being surplus to requirements at Juventus.
Despite enduring a nightmare second season at Juventus, undoubtedly,Can has all the attributes of a top player. Physically imposing with an incredible engine, Can has a great turn of pace, is good in the air, good passer, a decent tackler and is technically great in tight spaces and brilliant at playing through the lines. Last season for Juventus, Can averaged 1.1 shots and 0.7 key passes per game. Whilst defensively, he managed 2.2 tackles and 1 interception per game.
The German could prove be an ideal partner for McTominay in a double-pivot, allowing Pogba the license to move further up the pitch creating opportunities in the final third.
Plus, the midfielder's familiarity with the Premier league is an added advantage. The German international would not need much time to adjust to a higher level of football.
During his previous spell with Liverpool, Can ably filled in several positions- central midfielder, defensive midfielder and centre-back. He was the epitome of versatility for the Merseyside.
Signing a former Liverpool player could be a little difficult for United fans but given his pedigree, the 25-years-old could prove to be a smart purchase if United can fend off interest from rival clubs.
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