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Manchester United are preparing for a major overhaul of their midfield this summer.
The Red Devils’ engine room has been stable, but has rarely functioned at its best. The prevailing view is that standards in the center of the park must rise, and quickly, if the 20-time English champions are to regain their glory days.
With INEOS’ intention to strengthen United’s midfield, which is now football’s worst-kept secret, a number of Europe’s most in-form players have been linked with a move to M16.
Raid in Naples
One of those names is Scott McTominay. The United Academy graduate, now starring for Italian champions Napoli, continues to be linked with a sensational return to the Premier League.
At Old Trafford he was more of a team player, but in Naples he has become Serie A’s Most Valuable Player, inspiring the Partenopei to the Scudetto at the first time of asking.
McTominay’s numbers underlined the transformation: twelve goals and four assists in 34 league games, combined with impressive performances that made last season perhaps the best of his career.
This season has been less explosive, with six goals and three assists in 23 league games, although many attribute that dip to Napoli’s collective struggles rather than his own decline.
Yet the Scotland international remains one of Europe’s standout midfielders, fueling speculation of a Premier League homecoming and even a return to Manchester.
McTominay responds to United’s speech
As expectations grew among United fans, McTominay threw cold water on the idea with his latest comments.
“My agent has not communicated with anyone about my future,” he said The Corriere dello Sport.
“He only speaks to me and to the club. He has not said anything to the newspapers. I am very happy here and as far as I am concerned I am a Napoli player; it is the only thing on my mind.”
“The future is very important and I could see myself in Napoli for a long time.” Those words have dashed hopes of a reunion at Old Trafford.
With McTominay seemingly off the table, INEOS has little choice but to look elsewhere. Fortunately, brilliant midfielders such as Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali remain firmly on their radar, each offering the quality and potential to strengthen United’s midfield.
The focus now shifts to which of these players the club will ultimately pursue as United look to put together one of the most formidable engine rooms the Premier League has seen in years.
Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images
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