Why Manchester United must plot a summer swoop for Martin Odegaard

According to Spanish newspaper El Diario Vasco (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United’s head of global scouting, Marcel Bout, was in attendance to see Real Sociedad star Martin Odegaard in action against Valencia on Saturday.

Martin Odegaard, 21, currently on loan at Real Sociedad from Real Madrid, is enjoying a fine season in the La Liga. He has netted four goals and supplied five assists in 21 La Liga games so far this term. The Norwegian played the full 90 minutes on Saturday as Real Sociedad defeated Valencia 3-0.

The report (h/t The Daily Mail) adds Real Madrid have the option of extending his stay at Sociedad or recalling him at the end of the season, although a move to Manchester United could be possible in the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils signed Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window and the midfielder has enjoyed a bright start to life at Old Trafford.

Fernandes might have been for less than a month in Manchester but he’s made an instant impact, chipping in with a goal and two assists in four appearances. The Portuguese has already become United’s most creative player, especially with Paul Pogba sidelined with an ankle injury.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should strengthen his squad further in the summer if his team are to become genuine title contenders again next season.

United have not consistently scored goals this season, with Solskjaer’s side managing only 41 goals in 27 games. They have also struggled with creativity, with none of Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira or Juan Mata managing to nail down a place in the number ten role.

That’s why Solskjaer should attempt to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid. Odegaard’s career stalled for a few years after an initial breakthrough as a teenager with Strømsgodset. It earned him a move to Real Madrid but the Norwegian failed to make a mark, managing only one senior appearance with the Spanish giants having spent three seasons on loan in Holland.

The 21-year-old now looks to be finding his feet and could surely add quality to United’s attack. Odegaard is a creative midfielder but his versatility allows him to play in different positions across the midfield and the attack.

Read more

• Why Man United must make a move for Houssem Aouar in the summer
• Why Scott McTominay’s return from injury is a big boost for Man United
• Why Man United should sign Diogo Jota in the summer window

Verdict

After signing Fernandes last month, United would become more powerful in their attack with Odegaard lining up in and around him. Hence, the Red Devils should do everything possible to sign the Norwegian midfielder in the summer.