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Manchester United could still sign Scott McTominay’s replacement for free
Manchester United are set to complete the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli as the midfielder takes the next step in his career.
Scott McTominay is set to move on from Manchester United, creating space for new arrivals in Erik ten Hag’s midfield.
Manuel Ugarte is expected to join, with McTominay’s sale freeing up funds for the Red Devils to close the deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
Ugarte, 23, is not an exact fit in terms of a replacement for McTominay in United’s system. The Uruguayan is more of a long-term successor to Casemiro.
Instead, another player could yet join as a more direct squad replacement for the outgoing McTominay.
Adrien Rabiot in the mix
Manchester United are also set to lose Hannibal Mejbri as a squad player, he is set to be sold to Burnley.
Manuel Ugarte will strengthen the midfield, but United still feel too weak at the position, and over reliant on Kobbie Mainoo.
Ugarte, Mainoo, and Casemiro are three players competing for two positions and will need rest and injuries must be accounted for.
Christian Eriksen is not a credible option and could still be sold too, while new teenage signing Sekou Kone is not expected to make an impact in his first season.
United need an extra option with McTominay gone, even if Ugarte signs, which is why a move for Adrien Rabiot still appeals.
Rabiot is a free agent after leaving Juventus this summer and he is waiting on a move to a top club.
Rabiot would make United stronger
Adrien Rabiot has been perpetually linked with a move to Manchester United, and this summer it is more straightforward than ever, with the midfielder being a free agent.
The 29-year-old could add vast experience into United’s midfield on a short-term basis, in a campaign where rotation will be required with the Europa League fixtures.
Former PSG and Juventus midfielder Rabiot is a combative player with more than 400 club appearances to his name at the top level, and almost 50 appearances for France.
Rabiot is far more comfortable in possession than McTominay and has scored 13 Serie A goals over the past two seasons.
In terms of adding depth, this would now be a shrewd signing behind Ugarte, to take a little pressure off Kobbie Mainoo over the course of the season.
Let’s see if this one materialises over the coming days, once the Ugarte deal is tied up.
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