31 August 2023 , 09:51
842
0
Manchester United have been told not to make a late double signing of Marc Cucurella and Ryan Gravenberch by former Red Devils defender Mikael Silvestre.
Erik ten Hag's men have been linked with both of the aforementioned players, though it remains unclear which position the Dutchman views as a priority - left-back or central midfield. For the majority of the window, United have been linked with a central midfielder, though the first choice of both the Red Devils fanbase and hierarchy was believed to be Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat.
The club have submitted a loan offer for the Morocco international, though that is unlikely to be accepted by the Serie A outfit. As a result, United have had to identify some alternative options, which includes Bayern Munich ace Gravenberch.
When it comes to the left-back role, that position was not one of great concern from Ten Hag's perspective at the start of the window. However, in the aftermath of Luke Shaw's muscle strain, which could sideline the England international for a number of weeks, once again the United boss has had to acknowledge the idea of bringing in reinforcements.
Chelsea flop Marc Cucurella seems the most likely option at this stage with just a day-and-a-half left of the summer window, but if Ten Hag adheres to the wishes of Silvestre he won't sign the Blues defender or the Bayern midfielder. The former France international has admitted he can't see what either will bring to the table to take United to the next level.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Speaking to bettingexpert, Silvestre claimed: "I’m not sure about Cucurella. Offensively, he has shown a lot of qualities, but defensively, he’s not great, and United need that platform at the back, so he wouldn’t be my number one pick. Anyone that comes in would be a number three choice."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Ten Hag follow Silvestre's advice? Comment below
Man Utd have been warned against signing Ryan Gravenberch (Getty Images)He echoed a similar sentiment while discussing Gravenberch, comparing the Netherlands international to last season's loanee Marcel Sabitzer, who also played for the Bundesliga behemoths. The former United defender added: “He’s a good player, but I can’t see what he would bring to the midfield.
"Sabitzer came last season and did okay but couldn’t impose himself, and I can see Gravenberch doing the same. United have to go for players that will improve the squad if they want to close the gap on the title contenders."
Silvestre even went on to suggest that signings are not at the forefront of Ten Hag's mind as Donny van de Beek can be reintegrated to do a job in midfield if United really are so short in the middle of the park, despite the fact that the £40million man is well and truly down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
"Other than the left back position, I don’t expect any movement for United. They still have the likes of Donny van De Beek as backup up, and the manager doesn’t want to increase the size of the squad."