Manchester United are looking to strengthen the attacking midfield roles this summer, with several talented players emerging as options for Ineos to recruit.
The number 10 position is a pivotal part of the 3-4-2-1 system, which Ruben Amorim has hung his hat on during his managerial career to date. The system was a huge success at Sporting Lisbon, yet at Manchester United, he has not quite got it right yet with the players at his disposal not quite good enough.
This has seen a growing number of attacking midfield-winger hybrid players linked with joining United this summer, with the recruitment set to be bolstered by the selling of Marcus Rashford and maybe even Alejandro Garnacho as he has been far from good enough in United’s 14th placed Premier League campaign.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 12 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 31 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 41 | 40 | 1 | 43 |
| 13 |  EvertonEverton | 32 | 8 | 14 | 10 | 34 | 38 | -4 | 38 |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United | 32 | 10 | 8 | 14 | 38 | 45 | -7 | 38 |
| 15 |  TottenhamTottenham | 32 | 11 | 4 | 17 | 60 | 49 | 11 | 37 |
| 16 |  WolvesWolves | 32 | 10 | 5 | 17 | 47 | 61 | -14 | 35 |
Rayan Cherki is one United are leading the race to sign, with Lyon expecting just £20m for their prized asset, with financial peril surrounding the club. Another exciting option for the Red Devils is Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who United are thought to be favourites to sign as he looks to make a step up from relegation football.
With these options on the table for United, there could be another about to be considered over in Spain as Antony’s teammate at Real Betis is being asked about.
Manchester United have asked about Jesus Rodriguez
With talks for Antony constantly ongoing between United and Betis, the Red Devils have now been discussing the availability of some Real Betis players.
Now, United in Focus understands, after speaking with Graeme Bailey, that United have shown interest in 19-year-old talent Jesus Rodriguez.
“The understanding is that during conversations with Betis, at some point, United have asked about Rodriguez.
“He is a young forward who can play both sides and as an attacking midfielder, and United have enquired about him during the talks centred around Antony.
“The teenager has also been linked to Chelsea and Liverpool. They’ve all looked at him. He’s an outstanding young player who United have asked about. “
Rodriguez put his name up in lights last week in the Conference League for Betis, as he scored for his boyhood club.
Graeme then added that “He reminds me of Francisco Trincao in a lot of ways. He’s tall, big, strong.”
The talented attacker has been enjoying a breakout campaign for Betis, which has, unsurprisingly, led to interest from the Premier League and he would also be a good fit for Amorim’s system.
How Jesus Rodriguez would fit into Ruben Amorim’s system
This summer, United will not be buying an entirely new starting XI, with some arrivals for the future, and Rodriguez fits into this group if he were to be signed by Ineos.
Rodriguez excels in his takeons and carries, which almost suggests he may be a good fit for a wing-back role under Amorim in the future. This belief is added to with his tackles and interceptions metrics, which show he would fulfil Amorim’s desires in terms of defensive output.
When comparing Amorim, favourite from Sporting, with Trincao – who has himself been linked with United – we can see that they have different qualities despite the physical similarities in regard to them both being strong with the ball and very technical.
Rodriguez is far more dangerous when he has the ball, dribbling and also more creative in terms of the shot-creating actions.
Signing Rodriguez for the right price would be an exciting move, particularly if we were able to beat other linked clubs to the move.
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