Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes recently, and as their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong continues to falter, the Argentine could be an excellent option for Erik ten Hag next season.
What’s the word?
It was suggested earlier this month that the Red Devils could look to sign the former Zenit St Petersburg man this summer as he prepares to leave PSG, although any links were perhaps overshadowed by the De Jong transfer saga.
In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his views on the potential signing of Paredes at Old Trafford, saying: “I think United fans would love to see him. He’s not shy of a tackle or anything, he does like to get stuck in. He does pick up a lot of bookings as well which he has done in his time at PSG. If he’s half as good as Roy Keane he will be a brilliant signing for Manchester United.
“He’s a slightly different player to Roy Keane in that respect but he’s definitely someone who would add a bit of steel into that Manchester United midfield which has been criticised in the past.”
Would Paredes be a good signing?
As O’Rourke suggests, United have arguably lacked that defensive steel in midfield in recent years. Far too often last season, most notably in games against Liverpool and Manchester City, United’s midfield rolled over for their opposition and allow them far too much time and space.
Paredes averaged 2.58 tackles per 90 minutes last season, which is more than any United player managed, which goes to show just what the Argentine could add to Ten Hag’s side if he comes to Old Trafford.
The United manager has already lost the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic from his midfield, so reinforcements are definitely required, and a more robust option may be needed alongside Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen.
Therefore, Ten Hag should definitely consider bringing the 28-year-old PSG dynamo to Old Trafford this summer, as he could emulate Roy Keane in United’s squad as a no-nonsense engine room operator.
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