Manchester United are keen to bring Sunderland talent Chris Rigg to the club this summer, so here is everything you need to know about the wonderkid.
This summer’s transfer window is set to be a big one for Ineos, with multiple positions requiring an improvement. In order to achieve this, Manchester United are set for a summer clear out with 10 or more players expected to depart the club on a permanent basis.
Ruben Amorim’s side needs to level up physcially and technically and this summer will be the first real chance to build the squad in his image.
Already, United have four main positions which are likely to be strengthened, and Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg falls into two of these categories.
So, here is everything you need to know about Rigg and the links to Old Trafford.
Latest Chris Rigg to Manchester United transfer news
Rigg is seen as a once-in-a-generation player, and he fits the mould of an Ineos signing, which we have come to learn over the past year.
Well, after a breakout season in Sunderland, this summer Rigg is a key target for United, as Graeme Bailey has told United in Focus.
United are said to love Rigg, placing the teenager in the same category as Jude Bellingham when he was coming through at Birmingham City.
It has been reported by the Mail Online that United are set to battle to sign Rigg this summer, while are also showing an interest in Jobe Bellingham.
Rigg is a long-term United target with a possible price tag of £25m, which could be an absolute steal for Ineos if he reaches even half his potential.
Who is United target Chris Rigg?
Manchester United’s transfer target, Chris Rigg, is a professional football player for Sunderland. He has emerged through the ranks at the Academy of Light, with his boyhood club the Black Cats. Rigg is among England’s highest rated talents and United will do well to sign him this summer with much of Europe keen.
How old is Chris Rigg?
At the time of writing, Rigg is currently 17 years old and an England U19 international. Rigg made his first team debut for Sunderland aged just 15 in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury. Rigg made his Championship debut aged 16.
How tall is Chris Rigg? What is his height?
Rigg stands at 1.77 metres tall, which is 5ft 8in. This has Rigg just two centimetres smaller than Bruno Fernandes and two taller than Lisandro Martinez.
What positions can Chris Rigg play?
Rigg is a very versatile player for his age but naturally is a number eight, box to box midfielder who can do it all. Rigg has also played in more progressive roles for Sunderland, featuring as a number 10 and even as a winger for the Black Cats this season. If signed by United, he would however be more likely to play alongside Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo or Fernandes in midfield.
Who has Chris Rigg been compared with? How good is he?
Rigg as a player bares striking resemblances with two club legends. For starters, Rigg’s tenacity has been compared with Roy Keane as the pair share a love for a tackle as Tony Mowbray once raved.
“He wants to win every tackle, every 5-a-side, every contest he’s in, which is pretty unique in a footballer. I shouldn’t really say it, but it’s that Roy Keane-esque type of ‘nastiness’.
“He’s a nice kid, but not so much of a nice kid when he’s got his boots on and is on the pitch.”
Additionally, Rigg has been likened with Bryan Robson for his utter class in midfield.
Rigg was lauded by his Sunderland teammate Luke O’Nien, which demonstrates his remarkable ability as he has left his senior teammates in awe.
“He is unbelievable, the things he does in training; it is a pleasure to watch, it is mesmerising. One of our best players, and he is doing what he does.”
Chris Rigg’s career stats
Rigg has spent his entire career with Sunderland, through the youth ranks right up to the senior team, and now he boasts an impressive number of appearances for his youth.
Sunderland first team: 63 games, seven goals, one assist, nine yellow cards.
Sunderland U21: 13 games, three yellow cards.
Sunderland U18: 19 games, three goals, four assists, two yellow cards.
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