Manchester United have 10 days remaining in this summer’s transfer window to secure a new midfielder for Ruben Amorim.
Having signed three attackers this summer, Manchester United are a scary prospect for any opponent this season.
However, the strength in attack and defence is let down by the midfield which isn’t quite up to scratch with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte not convincing.
Ruben Amorim issued a demand for a new midfielder, with a lack of legs and athleticism in that number six role costing the Red Devils and leading the challenges in the build up.
This led to United pushing for Carlos Baleba this summer, however, a deal ultimately looks beyond the capabilities of the Red Devils this summer.
So with Baleba unlikely this summer, United have turned attentions elsewhere in the form of Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart.
Angelo Stiller isn’t what Manchester United’s midfield needs right now
United’s midfield hasn’t been right for years, with a lack of control and defensive security.
To strengthen, United have been linked with Lucien Agoume from Sevilla, who could be available for less than his £35m release clause.
Agoume is very similar to Baleba and would be an interesting addition to the midfield, offering the defensive qualities and athleticism that the Brighton midfielder does for a fraction of the price.
Now, United have been credited with interest for Angelo Stiller, with the German international being one of the most exciting young midfielders in football, but is he what the Red Devils need?
The simple answer is no. Stiller isn’t the Baleba or Wharton who is a ball winner and play progresser, instead he is more of a play dictator who is also quite creative.
Stiller doesn’t offer the physicality Baleba would, nor the defensive impact and ball carrying that United’s first choice midfield signing would bring.
Angelo Stiller vs Carlos Baleba
| Stiller | Stat per 90 | Baleba |
| 3.85 | Shot creating actions | 2.21 |
| 87.2% | Pass completion % | 87.5% |
| 9.93 | Progressive passes | 3.96 |
| 1.44 | Progressive carries | 1.42 |
| 0.60 | Successful take-ons | 1.09 |
| 1.60 | Tackles | 2.64 |
| 0.86 | Interceptions | 1.62 |
| 1.07 | Blocks | 1.55 |
| 1.49 | Clearances | 1.48 |
| 0.52 | Aerials won | 1.29 |
In many ways, the pair would actually make for a sensational partnership in central midfield, which could spell bad news for ‘super talent’ Kobbie Mainoo.
Stiller signing might be bad news for Kobbie Mainoo
While Stiller is a sensational midfielder, United are looking for more of a destroyer who has the speed and strength to play the same role Baleba would.
Stiller is more of a Toni Kroos-like midfielder, with superb on the ball qualities and less of a presence off it. However, having both in a midfield together would hand United an incredibly balanced pairing which could leave Kobbie Mainoo surplus.
United fans are desperate to see Mainoo become a success at Old Trafford, but with Stiller and then a second run for Baleba next summer, there would be no space in the team for the academy graduate to develop.
Stiller would effectively be ahead of Mainoo, which would be a bad decision by United.
United need a specific type of midfielder so it makes no sense to go and sign a completely different stylistic midfielder.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/WEJafy2