Man Utd wanted an Alisson - what they really needed was a Declan Rice

Tom Weber

Updated: 1 Dec 2023 10:52 GMT
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz — © ProShots

The longer the season goes on, the more it is becoming clear that Manchester United's summer window was a failure.

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There was plenty of excitement at Old Trafford heading into the season. Sure, the Red Devils did not have the necessary resources to sign a central defender or right-back more attuned to Erik ten Hag's style, but they nevertheless managed to - on the face of it - solve the biggest problems in the squad.

Ten Hag dumped David de Gea because he wanted a more ball-playing goalkeeper; he wanted his own Alisson or Ederson. Thus, he reunited with his former Ajax shot-stopper Andre Onana. In the Premier League, the Cameroon international has been a useful asset, putting up decent numbers, but his repeated howlers in the Champions League - making routine saves look difficult - have cost the Red Devils dearly.

Yet, Onana is probably not even Ten Hag's biggest problem - his midfield is. Sofyan Amrabat was pursued the entire summer and finally brought in on loan to plenty of fanfare on Deadline Day. But the Moroccan has been nothing short of a major disappointment, as has the other midfield signing, Mason Mount.

© ProShots - All huff, no puff: Sofyan Amrabat has been a flop

United need a Rice

Casemiro, who was signed for north of €70 million last year despite his age, looks like his legs have gone and he doesn't offer the same defensive solidity he did last season. With the Brazilian unavailable and Amrabat underwhelming, Ten Hag has turned to 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo who has done an admirable job.

As Chris Sutton points out in his Daily Mail column, this is the biggest worry for Man Utd, the fact that they do not have a first-choice, world-class defensively-minded midfielder. They don't have a Declan Rice at Arsenal, a Rodri at Man City or a Moises Caicedo at Chelsea.

"Casemiro performed well last campaign," wrote Sutton. "Better than I expected of the Brazilian in his 30s. But he is now injured and when he does feature, he doesn’t look like he’s got the legs to keep up with the demand of this level."

"Not like Rice, or Rodri, or the other elite midfield men out there who can control proceedings. The decision to let Casemiro sign a long-term deal is looking more and more foolish because he is not the answer to the lack of protection being provided by the midfield...United need a specialist protector in midfield. Someone who can act as a barrier, particularly when they have a lead. "

© ProShots - Declan Rice has justified his €117m price tag

Who could United target?

Sutton is correct. According to data experts SciSports, Rodri has been the runaway best midfielder in the Premier League this season, with Rice also among the top performers.

Casemiro still ranks decently overall, but there has been a noticeable drop-off compared to last term, which is particularly stark in terms of his defensive positioning. He was one of the best in that department last season and is one of the worst this time around.

Sutton urges the Red Devils to dip into the market in January and address the issue. Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure of Crystal Palace both rank well, but the former is 29 and the latter is potentially out for the season in addition to being incredibly expensive.

Joao Palhinha and Amadou Onana could also be options, but they too will command fees that Man Utd will likely be unable to pay in January. It seems the Red Devils will have to shop outside of the Premier League.

The likes of Arthur Vermeeren and Andre of Fluminense could be great options, but they are also being courted by other European giants. Unearthing the next Rodri or Declan Rice won't be easy for Erik ten Hag.