He’s like Rodri: Man Utd looking at £34m “box-crasher” to replace Casemiro 👥 Using FBref’s “similar players” feature, one of Veerman’s top ten comparisons from Euro 2024, is none other than Manchester City midfield star, Rodri. As United are looking to replace Casemiro and acquire a new midfield partner for Mainoo, this could be a perfect addition…
Manchester United’s summer transfer activities have shown a strong commitment to revitalizing their team, driven by the ambitions of their new owners, INEOS. The club has utilized its financial clout to bring in talented players like defender Leny Yoro from Lille and forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. These signings come after a lackluster 2023/24 Premier League season, where United finished in eighth place. However, they ended the season on a high note by winning the FA Cup, overcoming rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley, with early goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
This FA Cup victory was vital for Manchester United as it secured them a spot in the Europa League for the upcoming season. The club’s significant investments suggest a clear goal of returning to the Champions League by the 2025/26 season. Recent reports indicate that United is exploring further midfield reinforcements.
According to Football Transfers, Manchester United is eyeing PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman as a potential alternative to PSG’s Manuel Ugarte. To accommodate this new addition, Scott McTominay may be sold, with United setting his valuation at £40 million. Veerman, valued at £34 million by Transfermarkt, had an impressive season with PSV, playing 41 games across all competitions, scoring seven goals, providing 19 assists, and logging 3,420 minutes.
Veerman’s profile, compared to Manchester City’s midfield anchor Rodri via FBref’s “similar players” feature, shows that he is among the top ten comparisons to Rodri from Euro 2024. This comparison is crucial for United as they seek to find a successor to Casemiro and a partner for Mainoo in midfield. If Veerman can offer the same level of technical security as Rodri—acting as a defensive shield, disrupting counterattacks, and controlling the game’s pace—he would be a valuable addition.
Veerman’s passing stats per 90 minutes are impressive, with 4.91 key passes and 11.86 progressive passes, numbers that are close to Rodri’s 12.28 progressive passes per 90. Rodri’s success is partly due to City’s dominance in possession. Veerman’s ability to secure possession and his high passing volume, attempting 20 more passes per 90 minutes than Casemiro, allow him to control the game from deep, as seen during his performances for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, where he was compared to Rodri. His passing range and ability to carry the ball forward would enhance United’s build-up play and free up Mainoo to operate in more advanced positions.
Defensively, Veerman is solid, averaging 2.57 tackles, 1.13 blocks, and 1.17 aerial duels won per 90 minutes. These defensive numbers are comparable to Rodri’s and close to Casemiro’s, despite Casemiro’s declining mobility. Veerman’s blend of creativity and defensive prowess makes him a well-rounded option to pair with Mainoo, strengthening United’s chances in the Europa League and their push for a Champions League return.
In summary, Manchester United’s transfer strategy this summer reflects their determination to rebuild and improve the squad following a challenging Premier League season. The acquisitions of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee showcase their intent to fortify both defense and attack. Joey Veerman, with his impressive passing and defensive skills, is emerging as a potential target, particularly if McTominay is sold. Veerman’s similarity to Rodri suggests he could provide crucial technical stability and passing acumen, making him an ideal partner for Mainoo and a key player in United’s European ambitions.
