United’s deficiencies were glaringly exposed in the Carabao Cup semi-final this week.
The other semi-final took place last night between Aston Villa and Leicester City. Or from a United perspective, Jack Grealish vs James Maddison.
Both players would instantly improve United, and upgrade an increasingly woeful Jesse Lingard.
Neither Villa or Leicester want to sell in January, but of the two, Grealish is the more likely to be prised away in the summer.
His Villa side are battling relegation while Maddison could be playing Champions League football next year, a level above United as it stands.
Grealish was the most impressive of the two players last night too in the 1-1 draw at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
He was a constant menace and drew six fouls, creating one chance in a tightly contested game.
This was not even a particularly virtuoso performance from Grealish, but it was plain to see the effect he had on his team, and the opposition, in contrast to Jesse Lingard’s totally vapid and anonymous performances for United.
Worth waiting for?
United need a player of Grealish’s quality now, but he is unlikely to want to walk out on his boyhood side mid-season.
It would condemn his side to relegation, and he would go from hero to villain.
In the summer, it is more likely a deal could be struck, at the right price.
Grealish impressed at Old Trafford as Villa claimed a point in December, and that was when fans started to sit up and take proper notice of him as a potential addition.
The Independent reported at the end of last month that Grealish is on United’s transfer shortlist.
We need to do make additions this January, but Grealish would be an excellent signing at the end of the season, if the club are willing to wait.
United fans dazzled
Supporters had plenty to say about Grealish’s performance on social media.
He was compared positively to James Maddison, and even our own Paul Pogba. Here’s a look…
- How Amad Diallo fared in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 win against France
- Omar Berrada issues clear transfer statement for Man Utd’s summer 2026, and promises unpredictability
- Forget Lewandowski, Man Utd can sign a younger alternative with big pedigree for free
- Five times David Beckham stole the show at the World Cup
- Man Utd are in talks to sign wonderkid defensive midfielder David Eze after leaving Man City
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
