It is no secret that Manchester United will be busy in the transfer market with transfers incoming expected just as much as those outgoing. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe hell-bent on trying to level the books with the mess created by the Glazers, he is looking into ways that can help make his Manchester United dream a reality.
It is no secret that United are not able to spend that much money unless they can sell and sell well at that. Wage slashing might be one thing but it will not cut it. Ratcliffe has looked to sell up-and-coming stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to help with the PSR as these two would bring in the greatest amounts of profit due to coming through the youth ranks; both are Youth Cup winners.
However, if United are to sell to help them do business in the transfer window then they have to make better decisions in the market than they have done previously. One of the major problems United have faced is clubs demanding over the odds for their players and with United desperate they end up paying the fee. You only have to look at Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, and Antony as just a few examples. No doubt there is (or was) talent in these players but the transfer fees for the players were astronomical for the talent they were showing at the time. United tax is real but United gullibility is also there.
The latest player to be linked with a move to Manchester United is Spanish defender Dean Huijsen. A player who has only had one season in the Premier League but with an abundance of talent and potential having come through the Dutch National system and through the youth system of Juventus.
What could he bring to United?
With the conversion to three at the back under Amorim it has meant that more centre-backs need to be employed but not only that but three centre-backs who have different roles within his proven system. Signing Huijsen, who plays as a left centre-back in a back four at his current club Bournemouth would mean he would operate as the left centre back presumably under Amorim.
The Spanish international is a robust player, especially for 19, and likes to put in a tackle and provide a block when he needs to. Not only that but he can read the game incredibly well with him sitting in 10th place for most interceptions in the Premier League this season.
Some argue that his passing does need to improve, and that is vital to playing in a side like Amorim’s where passes from the back can be just as key as those from attacking positions. However, his eye for a long pass is exquisite, and with 88% pass completion in the 2-1 loss to Brentford, there is evidence that he can pass comfortably.
Has Huijsen already set his sights on Real Madrid?
United could be facing a losing battle for the centre-back with Real Madrid being linked heavily and Huijsen spoke with the Spanish publication Relevo about the links with Los Blancos.
‘It’s a source of pride to have such a big team interested in you; it’s special and means you’re doing well,’ he told the Spanish Press
‘I think it was a measured decision,’ he explained. ‘I wanted to go to Juventus because of Italy’s reputation, where [Giorgio] Chiellini, [Leonardo] Bonucci, [Andrea] Barzagli, and other historic centre-backs were.
‘I wanted to learn defensive skills, which you also learn in Spain, but you work harder there. I think it was the right decision.
‘You never know how it would have gone [at Real Madrid], it was a very good option, but at that time I thought the best thing for me was to learn a little bit about the defensive side and I think I’ve learned it.’
He also showed his admiration for Sergio Ramos, the Real Madrid legend.
Competition from other clubs
With the way Huijsen has been playing this year, it is no surprise that the Bournemouth man has attracted other Premier League interest. Both the top two sides in the league are interested in signing Huijsen, with Liverpool and Arsenal in hot pursuit of his signature, it could be tough for Manchester United to convince him to join.
One thing Manchester United must achieve is European qualification this year to keep their top talent interested. Rúben Amorim’s project will take full flight next season with new signings and a summer to develop his ideas, but securing European football is crucial to attracting players like Huijsen. This makes the home leg against Lyon in the Europa League second leg even more significant. United will need a full crowd behind them that night, and fans can find the cheapest Man Utd tickets, starting from £70, available through TicketCompare.
