Football is a funny place – surprises are so usual and transfer windows often lined with unexpected deals. Manchester United has been linked with a shock target in the last couple of days and it appears to be back-up option for Manuel Ugarte. This move has led to a lot of discussion and debate between fans, as well as among analysts. Here we will take a look at why Southampton are reportedly interested, what the player’s background is and how this could effect Manchester United squad dynamics.
The Context: Manchester United’s Transfer Strategy Why It Makes Sense
The Red Devils have always been a club that allures top talents to come and showcase their talent in one of the biggest leagues around the globe. Nevertheless in the past few years, the acquisition method of sensational stars is not solely dependent on as they have turned to a blend between senior faces and rising talents. A punter on a midfielder who has been relegated might not be obvious, but it fits into the overall ethos of where they try to find value in the market. Downgraded players often come cheaper and if they have the right attributes, it can be a very astute purchase for any squad.
Derby Midfielder Relegated? – Who is he
There has been some suggestion regarding the identity of that outcast midfielder. Although the player in question hasn’t been named, it is believed to be a top performer for one of the club’s who has just clinched relegation. More often than not, these players will have shown the resilience and quality you need to deal with those difficult areas that Manchester United find themselves struggling in.
Why You Should Go For A Relegated Player?
Cost-Effective Solution
One of the main reasons why clubs turn towards relegated players is the financial aspect. Invariably when a team drops down, it has to sell off some of its players at fire-sale prices. Relegation reduces income which in turn causes clubs to sell their best assets on the highest wages. This offers Manchester United the opportunity to land quality players at a decent price for any top club.
Hidden Gems
Just because a player is being relegated does not mean they are bad. You will find many hidden gems who are there only cause they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Many of these players could have a huge amount of potential and just need the right environment to develop. Take Andrew Robertson for example, he joined Liverpool from an already relegated Hull City and now is considered one of the best left back in the world.
OPTION 3: The Ugarte Alternative – Tactical Constraints
At the start of the summer, Manuel Ugarte was linked to Manchester United. At the core, Ugarte is a central midfielder and perhaps one of the best ball-winners in Liga verdad. But if the club is thinking of something else, it tells you that he has similar qualities or quality in another way to a midfielder who has just been relegated.
Defensive Stability
Defensive stability is believed to be one of the key components Manchester United could ask for. The team has been found wanting in this respect on occasion, and a powerful defensive midfielder could help to shield the backline. If the relegated player in question is someone who breaks up play well and keeps possession, then he could be useful.
Versatility and Adaptability
The player is likewise maybe versatile. They remain tactically versatile, however a midfielder who can do the job of three players in one lowers flexibility. That flexibility means the manager can experiment with different systems and tactics, rendering it more unpredictable for opponents.
What to Do in the Midfield of Manchester United?
A new midfielder, either the aforementioned relegated player or another name on United’s target list who has barely entered speculation yet, is going to shake up the status quo in any way. The current midfield of Manchester United has a combination experienced and youth players who can make it or ship out, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro,Kevin De Bruyne,Christian Eriksen etc.Seeing all this we need to do something.
Complementing Existing Talent
The kind of new signing who would have to fit perfectly into the talent around him instead of shaking it up. For example, if the player is superb at his defensive duties then it gives licence to those with a bit more creativity (see Fernandes) that hedging presence further up the field. He might play more forward and is a good distributor of the ball creating another possible option in place of Martinez.
Competition for Places
A further fact is the battling power for seat. With an additional central midfielder, the squad in general will be healthier and less vulnerable – even causing a few players to raise their games another notch or two. With a club like ours striving for success on all fronts, this type of competition keeps players from getting too comfortable.
What Can Teams Expect Signing Relegated Players
It is a smart move to sign freed from bondage players yet it accompanies risks. Pressure and expectation is something that not every player can quite handle at a club like Manchester United. And in the case of Tom Cairney, there will always be queries over whether a player whose career to date has been dominated by Championship relegation dogfights can take step up to life at one of the country’s Leading League clubs.
Risk of Underperformance
There is one risk of paramount importance to mention and it’s the hazard of underperformance. The possibilities in all these cases are endless, whether the player is young and developing; often more expensive than older players or high profile stars making a move from relegation fodder may not settle under increased scrutiny. The pressure to perform can often cause a loss of confidence which inevitably leads to a dip in form.
Potential for High Reward
However, on the other hand, so is the possibility of high payout. This could be an advantageous time for the club if a player experiences success after changing locations and has adapted to his new surroundings well. The player might over-achieve, earning their space in the squad and playing a crucial role to help lead them at this level.
Fan Reaction and Expectation
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a relegated midfielder and the fans have an opinion… To others, it was a crafty deal that could net a player with upside left in the tank. Some are more cynical, querying Friday as to why the club is not worshipping at a higher alter if they want better than mere survival.
Seeing the forest.jdesktop_enclose
Transfers as Part of a Puzzle Landing high-profile signings can generate headlines but getting the right people for your team is even more important. We are always one step behind the Spanish and it should be no surprise that a team full of Galacticos will struggle, whereas a balanced side with players who support each other is more likely to triumph.
The role of the manager in developing players
But that role of the manager cannot be underestimated in joining a new player together with the squad. Erik ten Hag is a tactical coach to get the best out of his players developing them, and hence would have an important part ensuring that any new incoming such as the relegated midfielder takes time adapting well into his understanding here.
Nurturing Talent
If the relegated player is young or not yet at his peak, ten Hag’s track record of developing players could be especially helpful. Managers can help players settle at the club and they also know how to guide them and where improvement is needed.
Tactical Adjustments
In a tactical sense too, the manager might have to tweak things here and there to accommodate the new signing. This may mean adjusting formations or tactics to get the best out of a player with specific qualities, This is where the manager and coaching staff are going to need some flexibility and adaptability.
SUMMARY: A Slightly Calculated Gamble?
To sum up, it is interesting that Manchester United could solve the problem of missing out on Manuel Ugarte by turning their attention towards a relegated midfielder. It is a considered statement of how City are operating in the transfer market, attempting to tread that fine line between budgetsary responsibility and acquisition on class. And while there are significant risks, the potential rewards could be huge – assuming this player plays a big role in 2021. As a result, fans will await with bated breath as the summer transfer window unfolds and possibly reveals this shock signing. It is evident, irrespective of the fate now that Manchester United want to put everything in place and build a side for long term success.
