Pranav Nair
Graeme Souness urges Manchester United to sell Fred and Nemanja Matic
According to The Times (Subscription Required), Graeme Souness has urged Manchester United to part ways with Fred and Nemanja Matic.
Both midfielders were brought in during Jose Mourinho’s reign and have experienced varying levels of success. While Fred is now a key first-team player, Matic is important but is ageing.
Souness has questioned whether the Red Devils can win the Premier League with both players in the squad. It is an unflattering commentary on two players who cost a combined £87m combined.
“They are Steady Eddies who will dog it out away from home and protect your back four, but get them on the front foot and there’s no cuteness in their play.”
Souness believes that United lacks an alternative to Bruno Fernandes when it comes to attacking output from midfield. Both Matic and Fred are defensive players and have a combined seven goals in 250 appearances.
“United need someone with cuter passing, who is a better all-round player than what they have now.”
It is a common belief that United needs to bring in a new defender to partner Harry Maguire at centre-back. Souness, however, holds a different view and does not believe defensive reinforcements are necessary.
“I don’t see the back four as the priority this summer.”
A false sense of security?
The Red Devils may find it difficult to dislodge Manchester City at the top of the Premier League this season. However, they have every chance in the world to finish second.
Such a result would definitely signal progress. But how much of it is down to us improving rather than those around regressing is debatable. United are not yet ready to challenge for the title and will need to strengthen accordingly.
“Nobody at United should be fooled into thinking that they are ready to challenge for first next season as things stand.”
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United have shown much promise. However, they have also exhibited glaring weaknesses as well. As long as we continue to ignore them, the four-year wait for a trophy is only set to continue.
