Should Verratti be Man Utd's main transfer target in January?
Stefan Bienkowski
- 30 Sept 2021 21:20 BST
- 7 min read
Manchester United should make Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti their main priority in the next transfer window, according to former player Ashley Young.
Verratti has established himself as one of Europe’s best midfielders since making the move to the Parisian club for £10.8 million in 2012.
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Indeed, the Italy international played a crucial role in his team’s recent victory over Manchester City in the Champions League. And as such, Young believes he could be the perfect solution to Man Utd’s midfield problems.
“The Michael Carrick type has been missing for years. They haven’t gone out and replaced Michael Carrick," Young told BBC Radio Five Live.
“Don’t get me wrong - Fred and [Scott] McTominay are good players but I don’t think there’s a Michael Carrick around.
“I was watching the PSG v City game yesterday and I think Marco Verratti is the closest one and nobody’s gone out to test the water to try to sign him.
“I think he would be an unbelievable signing for Manchester United.”
Is he what Man Utd need?
At PSG, Verratti primarily plays as a holding midfielder, who can break up opposing plays and begin them for his own team.
As such, the Italian midfielder is perhaps best described as a deep-lying playmaker for what he does at the Parisian club.
Indeed, Verratti’s remarkable talent as a player comes from the fact that he can defend and create plays with relative ease. And that’s exactly what Man Utd really lack in the middle of the pitch.
How much would he cost?
If Man Utd were serious about signing Verratti then they would likely end up breaking some sort of record for the player.
The Italian midfielder is not only a key member of PSG’s squad but he also has a contract with the club that is set to run until 2024. Which means the French giants will be able to name their price.
As such, Verratti is currently valued at around €63 million and would likely go for much more than that if Man Utd wanted to sign him.
