Manchester, England, 22nd September 2021. IMAGO / Sportimage.
Rabiot ideal midfield signing for ten Hag
With the January transfer window rumours starting to heathen up, Futfunatico caught up with Anfield legend John Barnes. The former Anfield winger caught up with us to discuss two potential huge summer signings for Manchester United as they seek to close the gap between themselves and Manchester City.
Manchester United are closing in on a return to the Champions League in Erik ten Hag’s first season at the club. The season could still yield more success for United if they can outshine Manchester City in the FA Cup final and inadvertently prevent their city rivals from achieving a potential treble.
However, ten Hag is already considering how to reshape this Manchester United team further, and he will almost certainly be contemplating adding reinforcements to the midfield. Adrian Rabiot has been linked with a move to United as he will be a free agent in the summer, and United are in need of midfield depth. John Barnes believes that signing Rabiot would be a great piece of business if they manage to secure a deal for the French international.
“He’d bring some strength and stability. He’s a hard working midfielder who is decent on the ball which is what they need.”
“I think United have failed in the past by not bringing in players to protect the back four.”
“He’s got good energy, experience and so that would be a good signing for United.”
“I think McTominay might get less game time but you need a squad at the end of the day.”
“You need players that can come in and do well and I think that suits McTominay’s abilities rather than him being a starter.”
Chelsea need Osimhen more than United
United will also aim to bolster their frontline during the upcoming summer transfer window. One name that has been strongly linked to United is Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Osimhen has been enjoying a remarkable season thus far, having scored 28 goals across all competitions and helping Napoli secure their third league title in 2023, their first since the 1989/90 season. Reports suggest that Chelsea is also considering a bid for Osimhen this summer, as they are in desperate need of a goalscorer. Considering the interest from both sides, John Barnes believes that Chelsea require the services of the Nigerian striker more than ten Hag’s United side.
“I think Chelsea need Osimhen more than Man United do.”
“Chelsea have a lot of creative and hard working players but they haven’t got a centre forward.”
“They’ve tried Havertz as a false nine and tried Sterling but it hasn’t worked. They haven’t replaced Lukaku and Aubameyang hasn’t worked out.”
“He would help Chelsea more than he would Manchester United.”
