Manchester United will be keenly watching the international games not just for their players, but for their transfer targets too.
One such transfer target would have brought a smile to Jason Wilcox’s face as he saw him flourish against France, one of the best teams in the world.
Fans can question some of the decisions Ineos have made at Man Utd, but talent ID is not one of them, especially in terms of recruitment.
Players like Ayden Heaven, Senne Lammens, and Chido Obi, just to name a few, have been incredibly bargain buys identified by the team. They could be joined by another.
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Shea Charles shines vs France
The defensive midfield spot needs strengthening at Man Utd, and they are getting ludicrous prices for mid-table Premier League players.
How about a Championship player with high upside, then, who Wilcox has already brought once?
Shea Charles has been tracked by Man Utd as a potential bargain signing with high upside, and the Northern Ireland international is showing that the interest is not misguided.
He has been a key player for Southampton, but he’s now doing it against the world’s best, as he put in a sparkling performance for his nation against France.
Despite being on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat, Charles stood out as one of the best on the pitch for his country.
He assisted Northern Ireland’s only goal, and his metronomic passing at the base of midfield was a sight to behold.
That is all the more impressive, considering his team finished the game with just 28% possession, so everything good they did flowed through Charles.
He didn’t let his skills on the ball overshadow his combative side, finishing the game with eight defensive contributions. [stats courtesy FotMob]
It was a perfect deep-lying playmaker’s performance from Charles, who is quickly living up to the reputation of being one of the most exciting players to watch out for in England.
Charles can be Man Utd’s hidden ace
Charles’ contract expires in 2027, and at 22, he is ready for a big move. Wilcox knows his qualities well, hence the interest, and he has earned United’s trust.
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Performances like these will only serve to heighten that interest, and United might find themselves in a position where they have to fight off other teams.
Wilcox will then be the trump card, because Charles has the potential to become United’s hidden ace.
It has all the shades of last summer’s Emi Martinez-Senne Lammens saga, where United got burned by Villa’s asking price, and Lammens turned out to be a bargain.
Charles could be the same if other PL teams keep quoting them ridiculous prices for their players.
If he signs this summer, then his value next summer could be beyond what the players are valued at right now by other PL clubs.
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