Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Saul Niguez (Getty Images)
Manchester United are preparing to make a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez in the January transfer window, as per the Sun.
United have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain international, who has been a key part of Diego Simeone’s midfield at Atletico over the last few years.
Manchester United must add to their squad in January, despite recent victories over Tottenham and Manchester City.
As far as Saul is concerned, he could either play in front of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay or alternatively line-up alongside the duo in a flat three-man midfield. He’d certainly represent an upgrade on Fred, who, despite some recent good showings, is yet to live up to his transfer fee.
Saul is a brilliant footballer and like Pogba, he is on the verge of approaching his prime years. However, they are nowhere close to being similar players, which raises questions as to how the 24-year-old would fit into United’s midfield.
The problem United’s midfield faces with Pogba is the lack of definition between a 4-2-3-1 double-pivot and 4-3-3 single-pivot midfield. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Frenchman was the most effective as the advanced midfielder in a trio featuring Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera, where Herrera joined Pogba in the attack while also aiding Matic in the defence.
Should that be the preferred long-term system, United could simply replace the departed Herrera and ageing Matic. The rugged, hard-working and counter-attacking style of Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid has prepared Saul excellently to play for a club where long spells of possession are hard to come by.
Playing alongside Nemanja Matic in Herrera’s role, Saul’s dribbling abilities would be an upgrade. Furthermore, his interceptions and tackles, coupled with a penchant for goals and assists, would remarkably improve United. However, in that case, he might be hindered by Matic’s lack of mobility.
The likelier reality would be to utilize a traditional double pivot alongside Scott McTominay. Taking turns breaking forward and holding the shape of the midfield would create plenty of attacking opportunities, while also providing defensive stability.
Saul would be a fabulous signing for United, as the club have failed to find a like-for-like replacement for Michael Carrick – someone who can dominate the centre of the park. Thus, the Red Devils would be wise to make a move for him.