Mathias Normann has been impressive for Rostov this season (Getty Images)
As per Calciomercato (h/t The Express), Manchester United are interested in signing FK Rostov midfielder Mathias Normann, who could be obtained for £15m, as an alternative for Saul Niguez.
Normann, 24, rose through the ranks of FK Bodo/Glimt’s youth system before moving to England with Brighton in the summer of 2017. Though he represented the Seagulls’ U23 side, he found it hard to make it into the club’s senior squad.
He then spent a year on loan with Molde FK in the Norwegian League before joining Rostov in January 2019. Since his move to Russia, Normann has been impressive and that led him to earn a call to Norway’s national squad last September.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have progressed in the FA Cup and the Europa League competitions. They are also aiming for a place in the next edition of the Champions League. However, the manager needs to bring in new faces and add depth to the squad in order to challenge hard next season.
One key area that Solskjaer should focus on strengthening is the midfield. Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred are the three main attack-minded midfielders in the squad. And this season showed that United lack depth in that area.
Pogba and McTominay were injured for the best part of the 2019/20 campaign, leaving the manager with limited options. Fred had to take charge in the deep-lying role single-handedly as he was the only in-form player at that time. Thus, to avoid such limitations, a new midfielder is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing Normann would be a good and safe option for the club. The Norwegian’s numbers of 1 goal and 3 assists in the Russian Premier Liga may not be mouthwatering but he is capable of doing well with experience. He would certainly add depth to their midfield ranks.
It is clear that United lack depth in the midfield. Given Normann’s good run of form, they could make use of his presence in the squad. He would also bring healthy competition to the squad. Thus, the Red Devils should lure the former Brighton man to Old Trafford this summer.
