30 August 2023 , 12:56
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Rene Meulensteen has urged Manchester United to sign another central midfielder before Friday's transfer deadline.
Erik ten Hag's side have made an indifferent start to the new Premier League season. They narrowly defeated relegation candidates Wolves and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford but suffered a humbling 2-0 loss at Tottenham in their one and only away trip.
The Red Devils have spent big this summer to sign Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, but Meulensteen believes Ten Hag needs to give Casemiro more support in central midfield. The Brazilian has also faced criticism from Jamie Carragher.
United are interested in signing Sofyan Amrabat but are yet to agree a deal with Fiorentina. The 27-year-old's representatives are growing frustrated with the delay and could find their client a different club, although United are still in the hunt for his signature.
Meulensteen, who was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaches at United, has offered his opinion during an interview with the Belfast Telegraph. He said: "The biggest problem that United have to solve at the moment is the legs in midfield - the balance in midfield.
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"We’re only just started but against Wolves and against Tottenham, it became quite evident that although (Casemiro) is a very good player and is a very experienced player, has he got the legs to be a single No.6 in the Premier League? No, he hasn’t. He needs support there. If that doesn’t get addressed, opposition teams will capitalise on it."
United are considering a move for Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. It's believed Spurs are open to selling the Denmark international, 28, but have slapped a £30million asking price on him. United are expected to be able to afford that fee.
Casemiro has endured a tough start to the season (REX/Shutterstock)Do you agree with Rene Meulensteen? Let us know in the comments below!
Another possible option is Ryan Gravenberch, with Bayern Munich ready to sell the 21-year-old Dutch midfielder. Yet Liverpool are also interested in him.
United thought they had solved their midfield dilemma by signing Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner, from Real Madrid in a £70m deal a year ago. The 31-year-old was superb last season but has been criticised by the likes of Carragher.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher claimed Casemiro "lacked dynamism and energy" during United's 1-0 victory against Wolves on the opening day. He also called him an "ageing stellar name" signed to "appease increasingly disgruntled fans".
Carragher added: "He (Ten Hag) needs to remodel his midfield because Casemiro does not have the legs to work alone. Putting someone alongside him will help, but it cannot turn back the clock and recreate the 25-year-old who won the lot at the Bernabeu."