Manchester United are contemplating a move for young French sensation Eduardo Camavinga, The Mail reported this week.
The prospect of signing Camavinga is extremely tempting. The young Frenchman is one of the best prospects in football and has completed two full seasons for Rennes already.
But let’s be real for moment. Manchester United are not going to spend big on two central midfield players this summer. Some would consider us lucky to get one.
So the dilemma is whether Camavinga is the player United should be targeting, and whether he is the star United need right now.
Top defensive midfielder essential
Manchester United’s need for a top defensive midfielder is seen by many supporters as a big priority than signing Jadon Sancho.
United’s midfield lacked balance last season, with the combination of Fred and Scott McTominay not offering enough offense in big games.
Paul Pogba is an elite option in midfield but to play as part of a two, he needs a top quality defensive midfielder alongside him. Neither Fred or Scott McTominay are that player, and nor is Nemanja Matic any longer.
United need to prioritise a defensive midfielder, and Eduardo Camavinga is not yet that player.
Camavinga is a high quality, bright talent, who is a strong tackler but likes to surge forward. He does not have the defensive positioning discipline United are looking for.
If anything Camavinga is more of a Paul Pogba replacement, and in style he is similar to Fred with his aggressive tackling.
Take a chance?
United could move for Camavinga, and groom him as Pogba’s replacement.
There is no doubt that he will develop into a fantastic player, he is already one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 at just 18-years-old.
It is also very possible that he can be moulded into the defensive midfielder United need, and that in two or three years time, he has honed the position.
But do United need a defensive midfield player, who can contribute right now.
This is a United team which finished second in the Premier League last season and reached a European final.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under a bit of pressure to deliver and win a trophy next season, and United need to take the next step.
What makes United more likely to win a trophy in 2021/22 and 2022/23? Is is Eduardo Camavinga? Or is it a so far unspecified specialised defensive midfielder? If United can find the latter, it could be that interest in Camavinga is shelved.
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