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Manchester United’s need for midfield reinforcements is evident from the team’s performances this season.
Casemiro is not expected to stay at Old Trafford beyond the current season, while there are question marks over the futures of both Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Carlos Baleba is reportedly a top target, but he is expected to cost at least €100 million. Given the summer excesses, INEOS might prefer a more cost-effective option.
Christopher Vivell is always looking for the next diamond in the rough, as evidenced by the Red Devils’ acquisition of Sekou Kone and Benjamin Sesko.
Vivell looks at Ayyoub Bouaddi
The German has now set his sights on Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has proven to be a revelation since becoming the club’s youngest ever player to feature in a European match, as well as their youngest debutant.
The 18-year-old has featured in every match for Lille this season, with scouts watching as the French side held defending Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw.
And the 20-time English league champions have their eyes on him, and while Amorim would prefer a more seasoned and Premier League-proven option, United feel the France U21 international has the ability to make an immediate impact.
Journalist Dean Jones told Team conversation“Another promising teenager who has once again caught the attention of Man Utd in the form of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
“He’s a very interesting player to watch. He recently played 90 minutes in midfield against PSG and there were a lot of scouts at the game watching him.”
Meets United requirements
“Man Utd and Christopher Vivell [in charge of identifying new, upcoming talent] definitely like him. It is difficult to know exactly how they will assess a bid at this stage as they are clearly at a very vulnerable stage of rebuilding their squad and throwing a teenager into the mix is not the most reliable thing they can do.
“But he is extremely good and could have an impact on the current crop. I think they would open a path for him. Obviously they are being linked with some expensive midfielders who are more established in the Premier League, but let’s see what happens.”
That shows how highly rated he is, now that several clubs are following him. The Frenchman can also play in the entire midfield, but mainly excels as a deep-lying playmaker, which would certainly fit in with Amorim’s system.
It remains to be seen whether United will make an offer in the summer. But Ayyoub Bouaddi certainly fits into INEOS’ youth-first approach and the club could make another leap given his relatively low valuation.
Feature image Christof Koepsel via Getty Images
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