It has been a productive transfer window in the North West, with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro arriving at the Theatre of Dreams.
Dan Ashworth has set his stall in the Premier League, aiming to return Manchester United to the head of the table.
Under the guidance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club is acting like a force once more – addressing necessary issues within the squad with a swagger.
With acquisitions in defence and attack, the midfield is a critical area – particularly with the news that Sofyan Amrabat has fallen in the pecking order of desired targets.
With an apparent stall in a deal for Manuel Ugarte, United have reportedly resumed their interest in Youssouf Fofana.
A potential hijacking
It is five weeks since the Theatre of Red detailed the advantages of a pursuit for the Frenchman.
He is a powerful midfield player and a dynamic ball-carrier with a physicality to thrive in England.
At 25, the Monaco man is entering his peak years and wants to test himself in an alternative setting.
Per RMC Sport, Fofana has agreed on a four-year deal with Italian side AC Milan, but the clubs have yet to come to an understanding regarding a transfer fee.
Furthermore, an exclusive report from GFNF has stated the Principality side will not accept anything below €35, with Erik ten Hag’s side retaining a long-standing interest.
Food for thought
It is well-publicised that Uruguayan destroyer Ugarte ranks high on the list for Ashworth and transfer guru Christopher Vivell.
However, with Paris Saint Germain reportedly asking for a fee in the region of €70 Million, the Old Trafford outfit may focus their attention elsewhere.
Throughout much of Ten Hag’s tenure, his side has craved an individual to occupy a single pivot at the base of the midfield.
That appeared to be cast aside towards the tail end of the season, with the duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Amrabat playing side-by-side.
Although only at the early stages of pre-season, we have witnessed a continuation of this structure against Rosenborg (Casemiro and Mason Mount) and Rangers (Casemiro and Toby Collyer).
The profile of the Les Rouge et Blanc midfielder compliments that specific setup, with the saving grace of a partner to shield his marauding runs.
In contrast, Ugarte offers prime defensive metrics with an allowance for a single pivot.
It is an interesting dilemma and one that presents a variety of talking points for the 20-time champions.
Which of the two players would you prefer at Old Trafford?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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