“Erik ten Hag knows how to sign better players but the Club owner’s will always bring him down…If he could sign such player, tell me why they won’t win Premier League next season”: Former Manchester City manger says Erik ten Hag is better than Pep Guardiola in terms of quality signings, urged Manchester United to sign 21-year old for him at all costs in order to win Premier League next season.
A former Manchester City manager has recently voiced a strong opinion that Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, might have an exceptional knack for scouting and acquiring top talent, potentially surpassing the renowned Pep Guardiola. This endorsement is coupled with the belief that with full backing from Manchester United’s ownership, Ten Hag could lead the team to a Premier League title in the next season. The former manager highlighted the necessity of adding a skilled 21-year-old player to the squad, suggesting that this could be a crucial move in Manchester United’s title quest.
Currently, Manchester United is considering options to enhance their defensive midfield, with Manuel Ugarte emerging as a potential target. Ugarte, who joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer, has faced challenges securing a regular starting spot under coach Luis Enrique due to competition from Vitinha. Despite his potential, Ugarte has struggled to consistently display his skills, leading to speculation about his future. The need for a new midfielder at Manchester United is becoming more pressing, especially as Casemiro’s performance has declined over the past year.
In addition to Ugarte, Manchester United is also reportedly interested in Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco. According to Le10Sport, the club has shown significant interest in Fofana, with talks underway, although no deal has been finalized. This leaves Manchester United the option to revisit Fofana if their pursuit of Ugarte does not succeed. Valued at approximately £29.5 million, Fofana represents a more budget-friendly alternative. Known for his physicality and defensive skills, Fofana has also impressed on the international stage with the French national team. However, he is less adept at ball control compared to Ugarte, raising questions about his potential impact on Manchester United’s midfield, particularly in contrast to the experienced Casemiro.
Speculation persists that Manchester United’s interest in Fofana might be a strategic move to pressure PSG into making a decision regarding Ugarte. Regardless of the approach, fans and analysts alike hope that Ugarte will join Manchester United, enhancing the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. The decisions made in this transfer saga are considered crucial, potentially influencing Manchester United’s Premier League campaign.
The club’s pursuit of Ugarte and Fofana demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their midfield, a necessity given Casemiro’s declining form. Ugarte’s potential addition is particularly appealing due to his defensive skills and ball-handling abilities, which could significantly bolster Manchester United’s midfield. Conversely, while Fofana offers valuable defensive attributes, he may not provide the same level of creativity and skill as Ugarte, making the latter a more attractive option.
The belief in Erik ten Hag’s exceptional talent for identifying top players—potentially even exceeding Guardiola’s prowess—highlights the importance of fully supporting his decisions. Securing a promising young talent like Ugarte or Fofana could be pivotal for Manchester United’s ambitions to compete at the highest level. As the transfer window progresses, the focus will be on whether the club can secure these key acquisitions, which could be crucial for their Premier League ambitions in the forthcoming season.