The positive aspects of Manchester United’s transfer business this summer have been offset by a failure to sign number one target Frenkie de Jong.
A deal is on hold, with De Jong on tour with Barcelona in America, and the midfielder digging in and so far unwilling to leave the club.
At some stage United have to consider alternatives, but Erik ten Hag is not willing to compromise on quality. He was quoted by The Guardian: “We are looking for a player who can play in the holding [deep-lying] midfield position. There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand.”
One high level alternative United should pursue is Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz. Here is a look at four reasons Fabian Ruiz would be an astute signing for the Red Devils.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
A stylistic fit
Fabian Ruiz is a stylistic fit for what Erik ten Hag wants from a midfielder. He is capable of anchoring the midfield and progressing the ball forward.
Ruiz is very strong against the press, with FBRef listing him in the top two per cent of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for passes completed under pressure.
He recorded an average of 3.03 shot creating actions per game last season, and his ability to dribble the ball forward and break the lines sees him rank inside the top 9 per cent of midfielders for progressive carrying distance.
Age and experience
Ruiz is a similar profile to Frenkie de Jong, at 26-years-old he is just one year older than the Dutchman.
He signed for Napoli in 2018 from Real Betis and has made 125 Serie A appearances, plus 14 in the Champions League and 18 in the Europa League.
A move to Old Trafford is a challenge he would be ready for. Ruiz has 15 international caps for Spain and hopes to be part of his country’s World Cup squad.
Passing ability
Ruiz’s top attribute is his passing ability, and this is what Manchester United need, a player who can help the team dictate the midfield and play the type of football which manager Erik ten Hag is trying to teach.
After averaging a 90 per cent pass completion rate last season, Ruiz accomplished this while ranking in the top three per cent of midfielders for passes attempted.
Ruiz ranks in the top six per cent of midfielders for passes into the penalty box, showing a directness to his play which Manchester United’s forwards could feed off, while averaging 1.3 key passes per game.
Expiring contract
The most alluring aspect of a potential deal for Fabian Ruiz is that Manchester United could potentially get him on the cheap.
Ruiz’s contract at Napoli expires in 2023 and Football Espana reported last month that he rejected a new offer from the Italian side.
Transfermarkt list Ruiz’s value at £49 million, and United could get him at a discount. This would be substantially less than the total fee required for Frenkie de Jong, giving United funds to spend on another position.
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