Manchester United want £40m-rated midfield enforcer: Perfect replacement for Herrera

Manchester United are set to make a move for Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, it has been claimed.

The midfielder’s contract at Goodison Park runs until 2022, and the Toffees could demand around £40 million for their star midfielder.

According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are keen to sign Gueye as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add more steel to his midfield in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Idrissa Gueye: The perfect replacement for Ander Herrera

Everton have enjoyed a promising campaign under Marco Silva this season. And a lot of the credit should be given to Gueye for adding more stability to the midfield that has become a key component of Silva’s gameplan, especially in the second half of the campaign.

As for Manchester United, they will be keen to sign a midfielder this summer after Ander Herrera confirmed his decision to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. Gueye, in that regard, would be a capable replacement for Herrera.

Much like the Spaniard, the Everton star loves to circulate possession, having attained a pass completion rate of 84%. But, the Senegalese international is mainly known for his willingness to win back possession for his team, which could make him a tailor-made fit for United’s attack-oriented game under Solskjaer.

As a matter of fact, Gueye has averaged more tackles per game than any other player in the league this season. This is indicative of his aggression and ability to win the ball in midfield, which could be useful, especially with Nemanja Matic struggling with lack of consistency.

Gueye has an excellent positioning sense, having averaged over two interceptions per game – more than any other Manchester United player this season. Hence, the 29-year old’s addition will add more steel to the United midfield that has struggled against quality opposition over the past few years.

The Senegalese international can be utilised in the double-pivot alongside Matic in a 4-2-3-1. His remarkable defensive work-rate would allow Paul Pogba to become more expressive in the final third. But alternatively, Gueye can be preferred to Matic in the holding midfield position, with Pogba playing in a more withdrawn role.

All things considered, Gueye will undoubtedly be a smart piece of investment for Manchester United as they aim to pose a strong challenge for the title next season.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored