Devesh Kumar
Transfer News: Manchester United tried to sign on-loan Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer
Manchester United tried to sign Manuel Locatelli this summer, according to a report by Italian outlet Calcio Mercato (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The midfielder is currently on loan at Juventus having joined them in the summer of 2021 from US Sassuolo. Frenkie de Jong, the primary target for Erik ten Hag in the summer, did not leave Barcelona despite the Red Devils pursuing him for most of the summer.
Locatelli was identified as an alternative, but the 24-year-old did not want to leave Italy this summer. This led United to pursue another failed deal for his teammate Adrien Rabiot.
After much hunting for a midfielder, the Reds signed Casemiro from Real Madrid. But, Locatelli would have been a fine option too given his eye for a pass and ability to contribute defensively.
The Italian international has been crucial for the Old Lady since joining them on loan. He is a regular there and has also established a place for himself in the Italian national team.
Casemiro is no doubt one of the best in the world, but he is 30 years old as compared to Locatelli who is just 24. The Italian would have been a long-term addition to our midfield, but that was not meant to be this summer.
It remains to be seen if the Red Devils return with their pursuit in January or next summer. Scott McTominay has rejuvenated himself while Christian Eriksen has been phenomenal for us in the midfield.
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A real test of our midfield is set to come tomorrow when we face Manchester City in the Premier League. The Cityzens are one of the best clubs in the world and our midfielders have to be at their very best if they aim to control this City side, who use their midfield to great effect when attacking.
