The hunt for a new midfielder this summer is one that has seen Manchester United linked with countless options across the globe.
While not being a weak spot on paper, Manchester United’s midfield has been poorly built for the failed Erik ten Hag system, which should make it unsurprising that Ruben Amorim has also encountered issues.
While becoming a fan favourite, there is genuine concern about Casemiro, who struggled all of last season in the Premier League, with his good performances all coming in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Amorim has backed Manuel Ugarte to improve, but he has not spoken too positively about his midfield options this summer, with one important quality missing from his squad.
Amorim issued a demand for United as he stated that his midfield was lacking intensity and speed after drawing with Leeds United.
Well, now a deal to solve this issue is progressing.
Javi Guerra emerging as Manchester United’s top midfield target
Amorim’s demand for an athletic midfielder is no surprise and has been part of the transfer narrative all summer long.
Now, Javi Guerra from Valencia has emerged to be a top priority, as talks over his new contract have collapsed, which leads Marca to link him with a £21m move to United.
Now, United in Focus‘ transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has explained that a deal is progressing.
United in Focus understands that Manchester United is pushing ahead with interest in Javi Guerra as he is emerging as their top midfield target.
We understand that Ruben Amorim has made it clear he wants the all-out defensive midfielder – and Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell are working hard on options. Within this, Guerra has emerged as one of their top options.
United have held a long-term interest in Guerra, having known about and watched the 22-year-old for the past two years.
While United are pushing, Valencia are trying to tie him down to a new long-term deal, but having lost Mosquera to Arsenal, they are looking at losing Guerra too.
United sources have confirmed to United in Focus that they do have an active interest in Guerra, and talks with intermediaries have taken place this month.
Bailey then added to this.
“Javi Guerra is a player United have liked for a long time, but they also know they are not the only side keeping close tabs on his situation but they do like him,
“Guerra, too, is aware that United are interest – he does fit the bill for midfield option United are looking for.”
Javi Guerra has the intensity that Ruben Amorim wants
Signing Guerra this summer would be a market opportunity for United and one which is too good to refuse, considering he has tremendous potential.
Guerra also suits the requirements of a midfielder at United. ESPN scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen explained this when discussing the possible transfer.
“His ball-carrying isn’t particularly refined, but what he lacks in technical finesse he makes up for with power and determination. Guerra regularly breaks lines by sheer intensity and incisive movement.
“What will appeal to Premier League scouts is his combination of physical robustness and tactical awareness. At 6-foot-2, Guerra has the build and ability to cover ground to add a new dimension to the Manchester United midfield, and while his work off the ball might not be as eye-catching as his forward runs, he positions himself smartly and is quick at closing down opponents.”
Guerra would certainly take time to adapt, and Amorim would probably want him in a deeper role, with a similar potential role to Xabi Alonso, winning balls with his intelligence and spraying passes forward.
Guerra was one of the best pressers in La Liga last season, and this is a quality that United are looking to add to the midfield.
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