Manchester United have identified Felix Nmecha as an alternative transfer target, but there are some serious flaws to his game.
With Mateus Fernandes joining Tottenham and Elliot Anderson joining Manchester City, Manchester United have already missed out on two top midfield targets.
United have been linked to Felix Nmecha as a midfield target, and the 25-year-old has reportedly prioritised a move to Old Trafford.
But Nmecha was dumped out of the World Cup when Germany suffered defeat to Paraguay, and his performance in that match exposed some major concerns.
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Felix Nmecha’s World Cup disaster is a red flag
Nmecha played in all four of Germany’s World Cup matches and his performances got progressively worse.
After scoring against Curacao and assisting against Ivory Coast, Nmecha then dropped two very disappointing displays against Ecuador and Paraguay.
In the Paraguay defeat, Nmecha was dragged off at half-time with Germany trailing 1-0.
In those 45 minutes, Nmecha lost possession more times than he completed a pass.
Nmecha’s World Cup disaster in numbers:
- 10 possessions lost
- 64% passes completed (9/16)
- 1 defensive contribution
- 4/9 duels won
- 2 sprints
- 0 interceptions & clearances
As per SofaScore, Nmecha lost possession 10 times but only completed nine of his 16 attempted passes – a completion rate of just 64%.
Nmecha made just one defensive contribution and won less than half of his duels (4/9). Julian Nagelsmann was right to take him off at the break, and that should seriously worry United supporters.
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Felix Nmecha’s collapse is exactly what Man United must avoid
Nmecha may be one of the cheaper midfield options for United this summer, and now he is out of the World Cup he would be available for pre-season.
But that 45 minutes against Paraguay is enough to convince me that United must avoid a deal at all costs.
United need a midfield duel-dominator who can cover ground and complement Kobbie Mainoo in a double pivot.
Nmecha completed just two sprints against Paraguay as Germany’s midfield were overrun. A top speed of 31.6 km/h exposes his poor mobility.
A midfield partnership of Mainoo and Nmecha risks being physically dominated by opponents. Mainoo needs a partner who can sit deep, protect the backline and free him up to roam in midfield.
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Nmecha is not the right profile. He loses possession too frequently and is easily beaten in duels.
With other targets such as Aurelien Tchouameni and Alex Scott still available, United need to be pouring their resources into those deals and leaving Nmecha behind.
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