“Erik ten Hag knows how to sign better players but the Club owner’s will always bring him down…If he could sign such player, tell me why they won’t win Premier League next season”: Former Manchester City manger says Erik ten Hag is better than Pep Guardiola in terms of quality signings, urged Manchester United to sign 21-year old for him at all costs in order to win Premier League next season.
A former Manchester City manager has recently shared a notable opinion, suggesting that Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s current manager, may have a better eye for talent than the famed Pep Guardiola. This former manager believes that if Manchester United’s ownership fully supports Ten Hag’s player choices, the team could potentially win the Premier League next season. A crucial part of this strategy involves signing a talented 21-year-old, which is seen as a vital step towards the title.
Manchester United is currently looking to bolster their defensive midfield, with Manuel Ugarte emerging as a potential addition. Ugarte, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer, has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup under coach Luis Enrique, largely due to competition from Vitinha. Despite his potential, Ugarte hasn’t been able to consistently showcase his skills, leading to speculation about his future. Manchester United’s need for a new midfielder has become increasingly apparent as Casemiro, a key player in the past, has shown signs of decline over the last year.
In addition to Ugarte, Manchester United has also been linked with Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco. Reports from Le10Sport indicate that the club has shown strong interest in Fofana, with discussions ongoing. However, no deal has been finalized, leaving Manchester United with the option to revisit this possibility if their pursuit of Ugarte fails. Fofana, valued at around £29.5 million, is seen as a more economical option for the Red Devils. Known for his physical presence and defensive strength, Fofana has also made an impact with the French national team under Didier Deschamps. However, he is not as skilled in ball-handling as Ugarte, leading some to question whether he would significantly enhance Manchester United’s midfield compared to the experienced Casemiro.
There is speculation that Manchester United’s interest in Fofana could be a tactic to pressure PSG into making a decision about Ugarte. Regardless of the strategy, fans and analysts alike hope that Ugarte will join Manchester United, boosting the team’s chances for the upcoming season. The outcome of this transfer saga is seen as crucial, potentially shaping Manchester United’s Premier League campaign.
The club’s pursuit of Ugarte and Fofana demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their midfield, a necessity highlighted by Casemiro’s decreasing influence. Ugarte is particularly attractive due to his defensive abilities and ball-handling skills, which are viewed as key assets that could significantly bolster Manchester United’s midfield. Conversely, while Fofana offers strong defensive qualities, he may lack the creativity and skill level of Ugarte, making the latter a more appealing target.
The prevailing belief in Erik ten Hag’s exceptional talent for identifying quality players—possibly even surpassing Guardiola—emphasizes the need for the club’s ownership to fully support his decisions. Acquiring promising young players like Ugarte or Fofana could be crucial in Manchester United’s quest to build a team capable of competing at the highest levels. As the transfer window continues, the focus will be on whether the club can secure these critical signings, which could be key to their Premier League ambitions next season.