Why Federico Valverde to Manchester United would be a smart move
According to Spanish outlet Diario Madridista (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are keen on Real Madrid youngster Federico Valverde as a replacement for Paul Pogba, who has been long linked with a move in the opposite direction.
Valverde, 21, came from Penarol’s U19 side in Uruguay and joined Real Madrid Castilla in 2016. He was sent on loan to Deportivo La Coruna for a season where he got regular game time and his confidence was boosted.
After playing a few games for Los Blancos last season, he has worked hard to earn a place in the starting XI. He has gone from strength to strength in the past few months and has established himself as a key member of the squad. And his impressive performances have earned him rave reviews.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been brilliant in the past few months and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed to lift the team’s spirit. The introduction of Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo last January has boosted the Red Devils squad as the team has performed better.
United are currently 5th in the league table and are hoping for a finish in the Champions League spot when the league resumes. However, they will need to bring in reinforcements in the summer to their midfield ranks which consist only of Fred, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay in good form.
Paul Pogba has been out of action for a long time and seems to be on the move away from Old Trafford. This would leave Solskjaer with limited world-class options. Therefore, it would be good for the club to inject the squad with the presence of Uruguayan Federico Valverde.
The 21-year-old is in the form of his life this season and has been one of the best youngsters in Europe throughout the campaign. He has proved his importance to Los Blancos despite his tender age and that is evident from the three games Real Madrid have lost in the league. In all of those games, Valverde started from the bench.
The Uruguayan is equally capable of playing in a deep-lying role and also in an advanced position and has evolved into a perfect box-to-box midfielder. He has scored 2 goals and provided 4 assists in La Liga so far and also played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup win over Atletico Madrid.
Valverde would be a wonderful option for United in midfield, as this would allow Fernandes to concentrate higher up the pitch. Fred can do his duties from the deep while the Uruguayan can play the free role in the middle of the park. His qualities would certainly boost the Red Devils squad.
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Verdict
Despite being 21, he has been of immense help for Real Madrid and he could become a key player for United if he continues to produce the same level of performance. His qualities can never be doubted as he looks energetic at both ends of the pitch and would definitely bolster the Red Devils midfield rank.
Therefore, United should make a move for Valverde and lure him to Old Trafford in the summer.
