Manchester United Recruitment - Part 2
In the second part of this two part series, we take a look at some players Manchester United should target.
This is part two of a 2-part series covering Manchester United’s rebuilding project and the club’s trajectory. You can find Part 1 here. Our transfer recruitment methodology can be found here.
In Part 1 we looked at some of the problems that Manchester United have faced in the current season. Part 2 will look at exploring options that help alleviate some of those problems. Before proceeding, it must be said that not all of Manchester United’s problems will be magically solved with the addition of new players, there are some tactical issues that need to be addressed on the training ground. For the purpose of this article however, we’ve looked at their recruitment and how that can be improved.
Overview of Tactics & Needs
In Part 1, we identified four areas that Manchester United need to strengthen: Starting centre back, starting holding midfielder, starting right winger and increased depth in the attacking midfielder position. We will be looking at players to fill the aforementioned roles.
Before signing any player, it is important to evaluate how they would fit into United’s current tactical system. In simplest terms, Manchester United’s shape resembles a 3-3-1-3 in the initial stages of build-up and transitions to a 2-3-5 as they approach the final third. Figure 1 shows a simple example of this shape.
Figure 1: Manchester United shape when attacking.
To summarize, here are the requirements for each of the positions based on Manchester United’s tactical style and shape:
Holding Midfielder: Able to drop in as part of back 3 during build-up and receiving with back to goal, good ball progression and range of passing, conservative and intelligent defending (does not dive in often)
Right Winger: Comfortable playing in right half-space, high volume chance creator, good ball carrier.
Final Third Creator Depth: Capable of playing in 2-3 of the positions behind the striker, good passing in final third and dribbling in tight areas.
Centre-Back: Good 1v1 defender, preferably left-sided centre-back, good in the air, recovery speed and ability to sweep behind (crucial as he will most likely partner Maguire)
With the aforementioned requirements in mind, we used several relevant metrics to narrow down our list of players into a shortlist of 10 for each position. Figure 2 shows the final 10-man shortlists, as well as the players expected to leave the club this summer with a final budget also established.
Figure 2: Manchester United 10-man shortlists.
Position Number 1: Holding Midfielder
Based on their underlying metrics, as well as further video scouting, we have identified the following three players as suitable for the holding midfield position at Manchester United: Teun Koopmeiners, Marcelo Brozovic and Thomas Partey. Figure 3 looks at how those three compare to the current incumbent: Nemanja Matic.
Figure 3: Final Three Targets compared to Nemanja Matic.
Teun Koopmeiners:
The 22-year old Dutch midfielder is already captain of his AZ Alkmaar side. He possesses an excellent passing range, and is extremely intelligent in defensive situations. His willingness to pickup the ball from the back-line and form a back three during build-up will be extremely valuable to Manchester United, as will his ability to deputize at the back when needed. He ticks most of the boxes.
Age: 22
Club: AZ Alkmaar (Dutch Eredivisie)
Estimated Cost: €27m
2019/20 League Appearances: 25
Position: Mostly played as left-sided pivot in 4-2-3-1 (similar to role at Manchester United)
Key Strengths:
Versatility. Can play as a lone holding midfielder, part of a pivot or as a centre-back.
Range of passing and technical ability. He’s comfortable on the half turn and in tight spaces.
Defensively intelligent and covers spaces well. Knows when to press and when to cover. High determination to track back during transitions too.
Areas of Concern:
Very one-footed which might limit passing angles.
Likes to dribble and carry the ball forward, he can, however, be guilty of losing possession and his 1v1 dribbling is not particularly good.
Figure 4 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Thomas Partey:
Thomas Partey has had an outstanding campaign for Diego Simeone’s side. An all-round midfield powerhouse, the Ghanaian excels in many facets of the game. With him rumored to be on his way out of the Spanish capital, Partey could be a brilliant signing for United. Mainly operating as box to box midfielder, Partey always looks to play forward, with him looking to play 1-2s quite often. Partey would have to adapt his role to a deeper one at Manchester United as well as adapting to a completely new style of play.
Age: 27
Club: Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
Estimated Cost: €50m (release clause)
2019/20 League Appearances: 35
Position: Mainly played as right-sided box to box midfielder in 4-4-2.
Key Strengths:
Progressive and line breaking passes are truly excellent and an area he excels in.
Defensively intelligent and comfortable in a defensive set-up. Defends transitions well and is able to cover wide areas. He is also aerially dominant and a competent 1v1 defender.
Good ball carrier and dribbler in central areas from deep. His ability to carry the ball and evade players using a combination of skill and physicality is rare.
Areas of Concern:
At times looks to force the forward pass. Partey always looks to play forward which sometimes sees him lose possession as he tries to force a pass.
If swarmed, can be guilty of taking a loose or heavy touch, causing him to lose possession. Question marks over his comfort in constantly playing deep.
Figure 5 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Marcelo Brozovic:
Brozovic has been crucial to Conte’s Inter Milan side. A pressing machine, Brozovic will add much needed dynamism and energy to United’s press. With a tendency to pick out pinpoint passes from deep, Brozovic will also help United in build-up situations.
Age: 27
Club: Inter Milan (Serie A)
Estimated Cost: €58m (release clause)
2019/20 League Appearances: 32
Position: Mainly played as holding-mid in 3-5-2.
Key Strengths:
Range of passing and comfort in receiving the ball deep with his back to goal.
Tracks back well and reads the games well. Harries the opposition and brings energy.
A threat from distance with his shooting. Can also get into the box and get on the end of chances.
Areas of Concern:
Used to playing in midfield 3 with another defensively minded midfielder. At Manchester United he would play in a two with Paul Pogba.
Can be overzealous with his pressing. His willingness to win the ball quickly can leave spaces behind him.
Figure 6 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Position Number 2: Right Winger
Based on their underlying metrics, as well as further video scouting, we have identified the following three players as suitable for the right winger position at Manchester United: Jadon Sancho, Marcus Edwards and Ousmane Dembele. Figure 7 looks at how those three compare to the current incumbent: Mason Greenwood.
Figure 7: Final Three Targets compared to Mason Greenwood.
Jadon Sancho:
Jadon Sancho has taken the world by storm over the past 2 seasons. The Englishman’s development has been nothing short of remarkable, & would be an excellent signing. Capable of playing on the right, left and behind the striker, Sancho’s creativity and final third play is already amongst the best in the world. Sancho prefers to roam inside and operate in the half-spaces.
Age: 20
Club: Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Estimated Cost: €120m
2019/20 League Appearances: 32
Position: Played on the right and left in a 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1.
Key Strengths:
High volume chance creator and efficient goalscorer.
High volume dribbler and excellent ball carrier. Likes to take players on and move the ball up the pitch.
Intelligent positions and off the ball movement means he is a danger with and without the ball.
Areas of Concern:
His defensive work rate can be improved with his pressing numbers in particular quite low (6.35 p90)
Although he is a high volume dribbler, his success rate means he is not the most efficient dribbler and can lose possession cheaply.
His best might not be on the right. He is also dependent on the movement of his full-back so Aaron Wan-Bissaka would have to improve in that regard.
Figure 8 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Ousmane Dembele:
A fit and firing Ousamane Dembele is the exact type of forward this United team is lacking. Direct, tactically flexible and proven in a similar system with Borussia Dortmund, Dembele’s dribbling ability and creativity are what Manchester United need. His health is not a guarantee however, and United would need to negotiate a lower risk deal (loan with option to buy), to make this transfer a safer bet. United should only pursue this deal if they are able to negotiate a loan with option to buy.
Age: 23
Club: FC Barcelona (La Liga)
Estimated Cost: €75m
2019/20 League Appearances: 5
Position: Played on the right and left in a 4-3-3.
Key Strengths:
Excellent ball carrier and dribbling ability. His pace also makes him very dangerous in counter-attacking situations.
High volume chance creator who tends to create high quality opportunities.
Ambipedal. His two-footedness adds an element of unpredictability to his play.
Areas of Concern:
Very injury prone.
Extremely direct which sometimes results in poor decision making in the final third.
Fluctuating defensive work rate. Not consistent here, he can either defend extremely well or not at all. AWB’s presence here will help him though.
Figure 9 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Marcus Edwards:
Marcus Edwards fulfills most of United’s needs at the position, and would undoubtedly be the cheapest of the 3 options. Signing him would buy United time to re-evaluate their needs at the position again in the near future, depending on the development of their current options. Edwards is very direct and likes to combine with his forwards to get into good goalscoring areas.
Age: 21
Club: Vitoria Guimares (Liga NOS)
Estimated Cost: €15m (release clause)
2019/20 League Appearances: 26
Position: Played on the right of a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3.
Key Strengths:
Directness and pace unsettles defenders.
High volume dribbler and intelligent in the final third with both his decision making and movement.
High defensive work rate.
Areas of Concern:
Can be inefficient with his dribbling and can lose possession cheaply.
Crossing. Both the frequency and efficiency of his crossing can be improved as he always looks to cut inside to switch play or play someone through.
Still quite raw and inexperienced. Lacks composure and can be wasteful at times.
Figure 10 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Position Number 3: Centre-Back
Based on their underlying metrics, as well as further video scouting, we have identified the following three players as suitable for the centre-back position at Manchester United: Ruben Dias, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde. Figure 11 looks at how those three compare to the current incumbent: Victor Lindelof.
Figure 11: Final Three Targets compared to Victor Lindelof.
Ruben Dias:
Ruben Dias’ build and height make him an ideal Premier League CB. Excellent with the ball at his feet, Dias has limitless potential at the position. There is reason to question whether he would be the ideal partner for Harry Maguire however with them quite similar in style and his aggressive style of defending.
Age: 23
Club: SL Benfica (Liga NOS)
Estimated Cost: €47m
2019/20 League Appearances: 33
Position: Mainly as the right sided centre-back in a back 4.
Key Strengths:
Physical strength and build will be useful in the Premier League. Rarely gets bullied by forwards.
Excellent passing ability.
Good positioning and reading of play.
Areas of Concern:
Can be overly aggressive at times and fouls often. He can commit himself early at times which can get him into trouble.
His aggressive nature and lack of recovery speed can make him an awkward fit alongside Harry Maguire.
Figure 12 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Jules Kounde:
Jules Kounde has quietly had an excellent season for Sevilla. The 21-year old is remarkably composed for his age, and combines intelligence, pace, and technique to great effect. With that said, his height & build are of slight concern for a league as physically demanding as the PL. However, he excels in Sevillas high line and his quickness and tendency to stay on his feet would make him a good partner for Maguire.
Age: 21
Club: Sevilla (La Liga)
Estimated Cost: €51m
2019/20 League Appearances: 29
Position: Mainly as the right sided centre-back in a back 4.
Key Strengths:
Good passing and ball carrying ability.
Very quick with excellent recovery defending.
Excels in 1v1 situations.
Areas of Concern:
His height and build could be exposed in a more physical league. He does however have an excellent leap.
Likes to carry the ball often, something the lands him in trouble at times.
Figure 13 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Dayot Upamecano:
Upamecano has had a truly remarkable season for RB Leipzig. The sky truly is the limit for the 21-year old. Having signed a contract-extension a few weeks back, the Frenchman will undoubtedly be an expensive commodity. Playing in a high line, his quickness, aerial ability and reading of the game means he can stop counters as well as recover. With the Bundesliga and Premier League stylistically similar, he will have no problem adapting to the defending and intensity of the Premier League.
Age: 21
Club: RB Leipzig (Bundesliga)
Estimated Cost: €67m
2019/20 League Appearances: 28
Position: Played on right and left of back 4 as well as on the right and centre of a back three.
Key Strengths:
Tactically flexible. Playing for Julian Nagelsmann RB Leipzig, Upamecano is capable of playing either side of a back 3 or back 4.
Excellent progressive passer as well as solid ball carrier.
Good positioning and reading of the game. His recovery speed allows him to track back in the case that he doesn’t win the ball early.
Areas of Concern:
At times sloppy in possession and can get too carried away.
Sometimes looks to pressure opponents early, vacating the space behind him.
Figure 14 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Position Number 4: Backup Final Third Creator
Based on their underlying metrics, as well as further video scouting, we have identified the following three players as suitable for the final third creator position at Manchester United: David Brooks, Jack Grealish and Emiliano Buendia. Figure 15 looks at how those three compare to each other.
Figure 15: Final Three Targets compared.
Emiliano Buendia:
Emiliano Buendia is a creative dynamo. Capable of playing centrally, or down the right, the Argentine could be a valuable squad addition to this United side. He is very much a final third player, his intelligent positioning and passing sees him drift from the right to the center and would offer much needed quality depth.
Age: 23
Club: Norwich City (Premier League)
Estimated Cost: €28m
2019/20 League Appearances: 36
Position: Mainly on the right of 4-2-3-1. Can play on the left.
Key Strengths:
Creative passing. Unlocks defenses with smart and incisive passing.
With Norwich employing both styles, he is comfortable playing in transition or in possession.
High defensive work rate.
Areas of Concern:
Low volume shooter. Hesitant when is front of goal.
Decision making can at times be hasty and results in a loss of possession.
Not the fastest or most physical. He has adapted to the league though.
Figure 16 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
Jack Grealish:
In his first top-flight season since the 2015/16 season, Grealish has taken England by storm. His dribbling and ball carrying abilities are truly remarkable, and a rare commodity in this United side. Grealish is a player who likes the ball to feet and is a high usage player. There are question marks over how he would adapt to a side where is not the main ball carrier or creator.
Age: 24
Club: Aston Villa (Premier League)
Estimated Cost: €57m
2019/20 League Appearances: 36
Position: Several positions, mainly off the left or in central midfield.
Key Strengths:
Elite dribbling and ball carrying from deep and in tight areas to create space.
Intelligent positioning and ability draws player towards him, vacating space elsewhere.
Hold-up play.
Areas of Concern:
Dwells on the ball. Can delay a pass or shot with poor decision making.
Drops too deep to get on the ball and can limit options between the lines, with his starting position usually more advanced.
Figure 17 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
David Brooks:
Despite an injury plagued 2019/20 season, David Brooks remains a quality option. He will offer United an additional space invader, and a more than capable option. The Welshman is capable of operating down the right or in the centre. In build-up phases, he likes to hold his width before drifting further infield as the ball approaches the final third.
Age: 23
Club: Bournemouth (Premier League)
Estimated Cost: €26m
2019/20 League Appearances: 9
Position: Mainly on the right of a midfield 4 in a 4-4-2.
Key Strengths:
Intelligent positioning and space manipulation. Knows when to hold width or come infield.
High defensive work rate and pressing ability.
Good striker of the ball. Gets into good positions with late runs into the box and to the edge of the area.
Areas of Concern:
Can lose possession cheaply and be easily outmuscled.
Although he is a good passer in the final third, he will have to improve his direct goal contribution.
Coming off a long term injury.
Ball carrying ability from deeper areas.
Figure 18 below summarizes his statistical profile, as well as examples of certain strengths and weaknesses.
After considering all the above, and given United’s somewhat extensive needs, the financial situation of the football world, and budget limitations, we would recommend the following four signings:
Right Winger: Marcus Edwards (€15m)
Holding Midfielder: Teun Koopmeiners (€27m)
Centre-Back: Dayot Upamecano (€67m)
Final Third Creator: Emiliano Buendia (€28m)
This would give Manchester United a total spend of €137m, slightly less than the budget of €188m calculated earlier.
Data Source: Wyscout
