'%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)
With the headline signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphaël Varane, Manchester United could realistically hope to mount a title challenge. However, this writer believes that they are a signing away from being title favorites.
A midfield general who can drop deep to protect the defense and when required can push up and link their defense to the team's attack. Basically, Manchester United need a central defensive midfielder.
On that note, let's take a quick look at a few standout options.
Top 5 midfielders who can make Manchester United title contenders
#5 Yves Bissouma
A breakthrough performer for Brighton & Hove Albion every matchday in the Premier League. Incremental to the style of football Brighton play under manager Graham Potter, Yves Bissouma has surely proven his talent in defensive midfield.
Bissouma is consistently ranked amongst the 92nd percentile of players to make successful tackles across games in the English competition. The Malian midfielder makes for an interesting reading of the game with his interception and dribbling (completed per 90) numbers among the top brackets in the league.
Yves Bissouma is a potentially cost-effective option for the Red Devils should they decide to address their midfield concerns.
#4 Rúben Neves
A consistent presence in the Wolverhampton midfield. The player who has so often delivered immaculate and strong performances from deep while proving himself to be integral to the Wolves' promotion and survival in the Premier League. Rúben Neves is on the radar for a Manchester United transfer.
Neves has an outstanding ability to make sharp tackles and blocks, consistently ranking amongst the top 93rd and 87th percentiles across midfielders in the English competition.
An important stat that would be a significant factor in Neves' suitability to be a part of Manchester United's midfield is his standout ability to take consistently accurate shots. A remarkable 95th percentile according to data from Fbref is what he is rewarded by, in terms of shooting accuracy.
Ruben Neves is a competent talent who Manchester United will have scouted extensively. More so, across every fixture they play against Wolves, he is a player who steals the show and has played an amazing part in the Wolves' strong record against the top six side.
Presently, Neves is on a transfer shortlist drawn up by the newly established transfer committee at Manchester United. With him available for a move and a wish to find a new challenge, he promises to be a suitable answer to United's midfield struggles.
#3 Saúl Ñíguez
A true representative of the breed of Diego Simeone players. Embracing his ultra defensive mentality and commitment to a quick counter attack since the inception of his career, makes Saúl Ñíguez an attractive option for Manchester United.
For reasons tactical and commercial, Manchester United have a definite interest in the midfielder from Atletico Madrid. Throughout his time at Atletico, Saúl has proven himself capable of commanding the midfield - be it with his ability to put in strong tackles or winning countless aerial duels.
Two areas of the game where he stands out from the rest of the midfielders who regularly play for the Rojiblancos with him, is him ranking in the top 94th percentile across the Spanish competition when it comes to taking over possession aerially.
However, with considerable interest from Spanish giants Barcelona and European champions Chelsea, Manchester United will need to act swiftly if they are to get his signature - more so as Atletico Madrid are open to allowing a loan move for the player.
#2 Wilfred Ndidi
A pretty accurate example of a cream of the crop player when it comes to finding commanding defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Wilfred Ndidi is a player who is presently on the radar of many top clubs across Europe.
All thanks to the capable Leicester City recruitment strategy, they stand to make an enormous profit on the player they signed for just £17 million from Genk.
Ndidi has numbers in the top 95th percentile across players in Europe (according to fbref) when it comes to the responsibilities of a defensive midfielder - making tackles, pressing for possession, putting in blocks and constantly vying for interceptions.
Wilfred Ndidi stands out as an exceptional performer while evaluating the game from a statistical perspective.
#1 Declan Rice
Proven defensive aptitude and an immaculate holding ability when in possession of the ball makes Declan Rice a coveted midfielder for the top clubs in England. Even more so after his splendid performances for the Three Lions at Euros 2021 and a solid domestic season for West Ham.
With a relative advantage in negotiations with West Ham over an imminent Jesse Lingard sale, Manchester United could choose to solve their defensive-midfield problems with the signing of Rice who would allow those in front, such as Pogba and Fernandes, to play with greater freedom and protect a sometimes-vulnerable United backline from breakaway opposition attacks.
Admirers at United do feel the need to recruit a defensive midfielder with Rice’s dominant physicality and leadership on the pitch. However, Chelsea retain a significant interest in the player.
Next summer may finally be a turning point when Rice decides to move to one of the top clubs who actively compete in European competitions.
