Manchester United are keen to strengthen their midfield this summer and both Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg are on the transfer radar.
Ineos will overhaul Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer and central midfield is one area that could see a number of changes.
Christian Eriksen is expected to leave this summer, while Casemiro continues to be linked with Saudi Arabia despite his turnaround of form under Amorim.
Additionally, Kobbie Mainoo’s future is unclear amid reports that Ineos are willing to cash in on United’s academy graduate.
With outgoings expected, United are in the market for new midfielders of their own and a double raid of Sunderland could be on the cards.
How do Man United targets Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg compare?
Sunderland are currently targeting Premier League promotion after reaching the Championship play-offs, but United are already looking at poaching their brightest talents.
Reports suggest United want both Jobe Bellingham and Chriss Rigg this summer. The double deal is expected to cost around £55m, with Rigg available for £25m and Bellingham expected to cost less than £30m.
Data provided by SofaScore shows how the two young midfielders have compared to one another throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Overall, it is Jobe Bellingham who boasts the higher average rating of 7.1 across his 40 appearances this season.
Bellingham also comes out on top in terms of goal contributions, key passes, duels won and ball recoveries per game.
The heat map of both players suggests Bellingham prefers playing on the left side of midfield, while Chris Rigg plays slightly more advanced on the right.
Where Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg will fit at Man United
There has been a noticeable shift in transfer strategy at Manchester United since the Ineos takeover.
Instead of targeting big-name players, Ineos have preferred to try and sign exciting, young players who can grow and fulfil their potential at Old Trafford.
Rigg is viewed as a “generational” talent and at just 17 years old he has plenty of time to grow and develop into a superstar.
Just two years older, Bellingham is following in his brother’s footsteps and making a step up to Old Trafford would allow him to test himself at the highest level.
In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, United rely on two hard-working central midfielders at the heart of the formation. Rigg and Bellingham have complemented each other brilliantly at Sunderland, with a balanced mix of attack and defence.
Signing both this summer sets United up with a midfield partnership for the next decade.
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