Manchester United started their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Monday night.
The Red Devils scored the winner through Raphael Varane in the second half, but the result could have been different, had Wolves capitalised on their chances.
The west Midlands outfit had 23 attempts on goal compared to United’s 15. In the dying seconds, Andre Onana was fortuitous to not concede a penalty.
United were guilty of losing possession on a staggering 39 occasions in the attacking third, and manager Erik ten Hag will be eyeing a big improvement going forward.
Aside from the attack, the midfield also produced a below-par showing against Wolves.
Casemiro was left isolated in the centre of the park, and was often outnumbered with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes taking up attacking positions.
In our view, the Brazilian clearly needed more support. Scott McTominay has the ability to sit in midfield, but he lacks the ball control that Ten Hag desires.
It is quite clear that United need an upgrade on the Scot. Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat would be an ideal choice with his strong concentration and passing skills.
The Morocco international has already given the green light for a transfer, and the onus is on the Red Devils to meet Fiorentina’s request of €30 million.
Amrabat would be a solid competitor to Casemiro with his high work rate and knack for breaking up play with tactical fouls. He rarely loses possession.
The Utrecht graduate has the ability to play on his own, but Ten Hag could also use him alongside Casemiro to control the proceedings in midfield.
United have been linked with a new centre-back for a while, but we clearly believe a new holding midfielder should be prioritised after the Wolves display.
Any move for Amrabat may depend on player sales. Fred recently left the club for Fenerbahce. The Red Devils will receive around €15m including bonuses.
The club need at least one more sale of the same kind before they can pursue Amrabat’s signature.
Donny van de Beek seems the most likely candidate to head for the exit door at the moment with fresh interest from Ajax. Real Sociedad are also interested.
United need to be quick in parting ways with the Dutchman as La Viola may not sanction the sale of Amrabat without landing a suitable replacement.
Amrabat has less than 11 months remaining on his contract, but the Florence outfit have the option to trigger an extension clause to keep him until June 2025.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
