What’s the story?
Manchester United are set to splash the cash on Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro Blaise Matuidi and AS Monaco sensation Bernardo Silva, if reports in English daily The Express are to be believed. The Red Devils are expected to pay in excess of €95m for the superstar duo as manager Jose Mourinho continues his expensive rebuilding job at Old Trafford.
Silva is expected to cost Manchester United in the region of €60 million, while they will have to shell out €35 million for the services of Matuidi. The Red Devils currently find themselves in 5th position in the league table, one point behind arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, who sit in 3rd and 4th respectively.
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Manchester United were heavily-linked with a move for Blaise Matuidi last summer but opted to sign Paul Pogba for a world record fee of £89.3 million. Jose Mourinho wants the Frenchman at Old Trafford to add bite and solidarity to his midfield, especially considering the age of Michael Carrick. A combative midfielder of the mould of Matuidi would allow Pogba to venture forward without having to worry about leaving his side exposed.
Bernardo Silva has been on fire this season for the Ligue 1 title hopefuls and has registered 11 assists coupled with 9 goals in 52 appearances for the Stade Louis II outfit. The Portuguese international is being scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe and will add flair and creativity to the attack of Mourinho’s side.
The heart of the matter
Manchester United spent in excess of £150 m for the services of Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan last summer, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived on a free transfer. However, despite the huge summer outlay Manchester United failed to challenge for the league title this season and are currently fighting for a top 4 finish in the league.
The Old Trafford outfit are also in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League and should they fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League by virtue of a top 4 finish, they can win the Europa League and participate in the elite European tournament.
Mourinho wants the duo to help his side challenge for the league title next season, whether or not they qualify for the Champions League.
What’s next?
Manchester United have struggled for goals this season and with talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out until the end of the year, the Red Devils are expected to spend big on the signing of a forward. However, the arrival of a world-class forward will not be enough to help the Old Trafford outfit overcome their goalscoring woes and a creative force in the form of Silva will go a long way in solving it.
Author's Take
Manchester United are one of the richest clubs in the world and another summer of big-spending is definitely on the cards. The Old Trafford outfit have the financial pedigree to pull off some of the biggest deals in world football and considering that, the two deals are very much in United’s scope.
