Manchester United could add two midfielders to their squad in the January transfer window as they are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff and Juventus midfielder Emre Can.
Longstaff was linked with a move to Manchester United ahead of this season, while Can – who previously played for United’s arch-rivals Liverpool – has lost his position at the Italian side following the arrival of Aaron Ramsey.
As per ESPN, the Manchester United hierarchy will back manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the winter transfer window.
The report states that Longstaff and Can are two of many midfielders that United have shortlisted as they are currently facing an injury crisis in midfield.
Longstaff was a target ahead of the 2019-20 season, but Newcastle United’s £50 million price tag was too high for United.
He has made 19 appearances for the club since debuting in 2018, but injuries have halted his progress. Can, meanwhile has played just 7 times in the league this season, of which only two of them were starts. The German’s contract with Juventus expires in 2022.
Can and Longstaff would be a much-needed arrivals
Manchester United need reinforcements in the middle of the park as two of their first-choice midfielders, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, will be out for a while. This leaves them with just two central midfielders to choose from – Nemanja Matic and Fred.
United need to sign at least two quality central midfielders in the next few transfer windows as their options in the middle of park are weak compared to their rivals.
Longstaff is a highly-rated midfielder, but has been a bit inconsistent at times But, if his performances in this season are anything to go by, it seems that United may sign yet another average midfielder.
Can, on the other hand, is a quality player, who can make United’s midfield much stronger than what it is. The former Liverpool player is strong with the ball, thanks to his accurate passing, while he is also good defensively, putting in strong tackles and winning aerial battles.
He could complement Fred well in midfield, adding strength, energy and passing ability in the middle of the park. Can is a player who would add quality to the side immediately, while the signing of Longstaff could be a gamble as he is still developing as a player and hasn’t had much Premier League experience.
Longstaff may be one for the future, but Can could be a quality arrival and get into the team on a regular basis almost immediately.
