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As we approach the halfway mark of the 2018/19 season, it's time to figure out the weak points of every team. Today, we are going to talk about the one weak point Manchester United have: Poor balance in the midfield.
The Red Devils lack an energetic midfielder that can play alongside Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba. They need a bit of energy in the midfield which the summer signing, Fred, has not been able to provide.
Ole so far has preferred the 4-3-3 formation, with Ander Herrera on the right of the midfield, Matic as the holding midfielder and Pogba on the left side of the midfield. Herrera's contract runs out this summer and Manchester United need a replacement for him if he decides not to extend his contract. The Red Devils need a midfielder who can hold the game by the scruff of its neck and inject a bit of pace going forward.
Here are 3 box to box midfielders that could create a buzz around Manchester United Transfer News, in my opinion.
#1 Tanguy Ndombele
Ndombele currently plays for Lyon in the Ligue 1. There are few more promising box to box midfielders in world football than him. He has the dribbling ability similar to that of Tottenham's Moussa Dembele and he is brilliant with the ball at his feet and in the air.
Ndombele has the potential to make the step up from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. He has been the midfield conductor for Lyon for most of the season and garnered appreciation for his brilliant performances against Manchester City home and away in the Champions League. In the EPL Transfer News this winter, Ndombele has been linked to many clubs and may not come cheaply for the Red Devils.
In terms of stats this season in the Champions League, he has 3 dribbles per game, 3.5 tackles per game, and has scored 2 goals. With 4 assists in the Ligue 1, he averages 83 touches per game and boasts a pass accuracy of 89%.
#2 Allan
Allan is currently playing for Napoli in Serie A. He is arguably the most underrated midfielder in Europe and has looked as good as ever under Ancelotti this season. His work rate sets him aside from other midfielders as he contributes on both ends of the pitch. The energy and tenacity he brings consistently are just what United intend to bring to Old Trafford.
In terms of stats this season in the Serie A, Allan averages 1.3 key passes per game and has 4 tackles per game. He has a pass accuracy of 90%, averages 93 touches per game, has also won 53% of his duels, and has made 19 interceptions.
#3 Abdoulaye Doucoure
Doucoure currently plays for Watford in the Premier League. The 26-year-old is a powerhouse in the middle and has been the pivot of Watford's attack this season. He fits Manchester United perfectly as the Red Devils need a midfielder who is aggressive and breaks up opposition play consistently with his interceptions. The French midfielder also chips in with goals and is perfect to partner Matic and Pogba in the base of the midfield.
In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, he has a pass accuracy of 82%. He has scored three goals and provided five assists. Defensively, he has won 51% of his tackles, won 55% of his aerial duels, made 16 interceptions and 30 clearances.
