'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Manchester United are well-acquainted with Ruben Neves. Back in 2019, he scored a sensational 30-yard volley to help Wolverhampton Wanderers snatch a draw against Solskjaer's men. Wolves' Portuguese engine has been around for so long, it's easy to forget that Ruben Neves is still only 24-years-old.
With over 180 appearances for the club, Neves has proven himself in England and is the most accomplished long-ball specialist among our listed players. Rumors suggest the Red Devils were close to signing Neves earlier this summer, but balked at Wolves' £40 million price tag.
Renowned for his aerial passing and long-range shooting, Neves would be a natural fit in Manchester United's attacking system. The Red Devils love to break quickly and hit teams on the counter. Neves' long balls would complement Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford's willing runs from wide, in behind defenses.
Neves' ability on the ball tends to gloss over his excellent defensive quality. The 2020-21 league season saw him record the third-most interceptions (65) and place sixth in successful tackles (86). It would not be a surprise to see Manchester United return for the Portuguese midfielder in the near future.
#2 Franck Kessie (AC Milan)
Our reasoning for placing the 24-year-old Ivorian second on this list is simple - he is comfortably the most affordable option available. Franck Kessie is out of contract at the end of the ongoing season and recent reports suggest AC Milan's attempts to negotiate a renewal have not been successful.
Surprisingly, the Rossoneri have not given any indication they are looking to sell Kessie on a cut-price deal in January to minimize their losses. Manchester United could tempt AC Milan with a reasonably low offer in the winter or even sign Kessie for free next summer.
It is not all about money, though. Franck Kessie is a terrific player in his own right. With an 80% dribble success rate in the 2020-21 Serie A season, he is accomplished at driving forward with the ball. Kessie was remarkably productive from a deep role in the previous Serie A campaign, grabbing 13 goals and providing six assists, although most of his strikes were penalties.
Despite his tendency to pop up in the final third, Kessie is solid defensively. His work rate and pressing off the ball are excellent and he finished in the top 10 for ball recoveries in the previous Serie A season. On the flip side, Manchester United fans will have genuine concerns about Kessie's ability to adapt to the Premier League's pace and physicality.
English football's breakneck speed may very well limit Kessie's dribbling and ability to consistently get into advanced positions. Nonetheless, while not the most glamorous, Franck Kessie is the most realistic midfield target for Manchester United in January.
#1 Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Wilfred Ndidi's upbringing was a story of determination and overcoming hardships. From selling fruit to training in military zones, the Nigerian has come a long way and his perseverance is reflected in his all-action approach to the game.
One could argue that Ndidi is more suited to Manchester United's requirements than any other player on this list. With the luxury of attacking options in the squad, the Red Devils urgently need defensive toughness. Since signing for Leicester City from Genk in a £17 million transfer, the 24-year-old has been the best tackler in the Premier League by some distance.
In the four full seasons since his arrival in England, the long and lanky Ndidi has finished in the top 5 for successful tackles in every campaign. In fact, he was first on the list in two successive seasons, with 138 in 2017-18 and 143 in 2018-19. The Nigerian also finished second and third for most interceptions in the league in 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively.
Leicester are off to an underwhelming start to the new campaign and Manchester United might find the defending FA Cup winners easier to negotiate with. The Foxes are currently 12th in the Premier League and are at risk of being knocked out of the Europa League by second-placed Legia Warsaw in Group C.
Although the club has not officially put a price tag on Wilfred Ndidi as yet, past reports suggest the Foxes value him at £50 million. Manchester United have been linked with Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers in recent weeks. Perhaps they would be better off targeting the Foxes' midfield destroyer instead.
