Elliot Anderson is the most expensive midfielder Manchester United are considering signing this summer, but that doesn’t make him the best option, according to Neil Harris.
Formerly a Manchester United academy coach, Neil Harris knows what to look for in a future star midfielder.
So hearing his thoughts on United’s potential midfield rebuild was always going to be insightful.
Harris has now appeared on The Breakdown as a guest and discussed one option he is very excited about, rating him above even Elliot Anderson.
Pick your DREAM summer midfield rebuild within the reported budgets…
Who is the first name you want?
Neil Harris heaps praise on Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes was the topic of the video, and Harris praised the Portuguese midfielder massively as he is increasingly linked with a move to United.
“I love him”, Harris began about Fernandes.
“If you didn’t know his age, you’d be thinking that’s a mature player. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t immediately come to the eye if you’re not watching the game, but when you watch him in detail, I think some of the things he does is very, very high level.
“I love the players who do the simple things to a high level, and he does all of them. Whether it’s receiving the ball in tight areas, no-touch turns, screens, getting his body in, and engaging contact. For a player so young at 21 years, really exciting player.”
Moving on to comparisons, Harris picked out both Bernardo Silva and the PSG midfield of Vitinha and Joao Neves.
“He’s a bit of a Bernardo Silva, isn’t he. When he first came to City, he was a particular type of player, but now [he pops up everywhere, Harris indicated on the tactics board], and that is the kind of player that becomes very attractive for a sporting director.
“You look at PSG [midfield of Vitinha and Joao Neves], and that is their model: players who can receive the ball in tight areas and can play anywhere. That type of player is becoming so attractive to coaches because of that versatility [which he says Fernandes is in the mould of]. I do think for United, he should be on the radar.”
Finally, Harris also suggested Fernandes can become even better than other United targets, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton, despite costing less than both.
“I think he’s got levels that maybe Anderson and Wharton haven’t got to go. When I look at him, I see Vitinha. I see him being a conductor in games with his tempo and things like that.”
Debate: Mateus Fernandes is the best midfield signing Man United can make this summer
Is the Portuguese international being underrated?
Manchester United can’t miss out on Mateus Fernandes
As Anderson’s £125m valuation looks increasingly ridiculous, Fernandes is suddenly the best option for Manchester United, not only because of his price, but also due to how excellent he is.
Fernandes can do any job in midfield for United, partnering Kobbie Mainoo or even being an alternative.
He gives United so many options now and in the future, for whoever is the manager.
PSG want to add Fernandes to their excellent Portuguese midfield contingent, and United can’t miss out on him in favour of signing anyone else.
Fernandes will become a player worth over £100m at Old Trafford, and United can get him for £55m this summer, which looks an absolute bargain.
The best, most rounded and high ceiling player United can realistically sign, now Ineos just need to do it.
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