Which CDM should Manchester United target?
The prospect of not having a “McFred” midfield pivot is something United fans have been crying out for, for a very long time. This comes from a recent story from ESPN, stating that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning on a formation change, reverting back to the 4–3–3 that was largely successful in his spell as caretaker manager.
For me, this system change is probably a result of the club looking very likely of securing the services of French international and World Cup winner, Raphaël Varane. Understandably, Solskjaer probably wouldn’t have much faith in a centreback partnership of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf, which is why he would have a pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred in front of the two.
But now, with Varane looking very close to joining the club, he gives the backline a sense of confidence. Having Raphaël Varane and Harry Maguire as the centrebacks for Manchester United is huge, as they are both proven and experienced players, and they complement each other very well. Maguire is the more aggressive defender, who is elite in the air whereas Varane is much quicker and ultimately, would allow United to have a higher defensive line.
So hypothetically with Varane on board, the 4–3–3 can definitely return. The prospect of having Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes as the two advanced midfielders is unbelievable. Yet there’s one problem, who would sit behind them?
For me there are 4 options, where some will most likely be more popular or unpopular than others:
- Wilfred Ndidi
- Declan Rice
- João Palhinha
- Kalvin Phillips
Wilfred Ndidi
Probably one of the best CDMs in the Premier League right now, Ndidi would be a huge signing for United. The 25 year old has built up a very solid reputation at Leicester for an athletic, quick and aggressive defensive midfielder.
Ndidi is most known for his tackling ability as well as his interceptions, where last season in the Premier League, he registered the fourth highest tackles last season with 96 (averaging 3.7 per game) and the equal 8th highest interceptions with 61 (averaging 2.3 per game).
In terms of passing, he’s not bad, as last season, he averaged 55.1 passes per game, at an accuracy of 86.9%. Also, he got 4 assists in the Premier League last season as well as 1 goal, so those are decent numbers for a defensive minded player.
However, while there are many positives to Ndidi’s game, he unfortunately commits a large volume of fouls per season. On average last season, he would make 2.1 fouls per game with this resulting in 54 fouls over the season and 6 yellow cards.
Though overall, if United wanted to sign a CDM that would be classified as a Destroyer that is also reliable defensively, he would have to be one of the highest priorities.
Although there is a catch. He plays for Leicester and this will result in United potentially paying more than what he is valued (roughly £50 million according to Transfermarkt). Manchester United in the 2019/20 season had to pay £80 million for Harry Maguire, who is probably worth £10–20 million less than what the club purchased him for.
Declan Rice
A super, young talent, Declan Rice has the potential to be one of the best CDMs not only in the Premier League but in the world. The 22 year old England international would probably be most United fans preferred option for the CDM position and I personally can’t blame them.
According to SofaScore, Rice was one of West Ham’s most consistent performers last season in the Premier League, averaging a 7.08 match rating per game, making him the Hammers’ 4th best player last season. He played a pretty large role in helping West Ham secure a place in the Europa League last season, and he would also play a huge role should he come to United.
Similarly to Ndidi, Declan Rice is particularly strong with his tackling and interceptions. Despite averaging less tackles than Ndidi (Rice registered 59 tackles last season, making 1.8 per game), he is more disciplined than the Leicester City midfielder.
Last season, Rice was dribbled past 0.9 times per game whereas Ndidi was dribbled past almost double as Rice, with 1.5 times per game. Further, Rice committed less fouls than Ndidi, where he averaged 0.7 fouls compared to Ndidi’s 2.1.
Offensively, Rice also has commendable qualities, including his ability in the air as well as his accuracy with his passing is also impressive, at 88%.
But like Ndidi, his price might be a problem, with some sources quoting a price tag of £100 million and others quoting a valuation of £60 million.
Whatever the price may be, as a crucial member of the current England squad, as well as a player with massive potential, Declan Rice would really be a handy addition to a United side that is on the rise.
João Palhinha
A player who maybe not many would know that much about, Palhinha had a hugely successful season for Sporting Lisbon in the Liga Nos. The 26 year old not only had a good season in Portugal, he also was pretty good for his Portugal in Euro 2020.
He currently plays in a double pivot with João Mario at Sporting, and according to SofaScore Palhinha was Sporting’s 6th best player last season, with an average match rating of 7.12 per game. Some of his qualities would include his ability in the air, his tackling, passing and his interceptions.
Last season, he won 72% of his aerial duels, where he’d average 3.0 per game. In terms of his tackling, Palhinha is also a beast in that department, where he’d average 3.3 per game, similarly to Ndidi. In terms of his interceptions, he averages 1.5 which is decent. As for his passing, that is also decent, he had an accuracy of 83%.
Interestingly, his fouls committed but fouls won is somewhat surprising for a CDM. On average last season, he averaged 2.5 fouls per game and but he also averaged 2.3 fouls won per game as well, which proves that he draws in players to foul him, which could be useful for United.
In terms of his price, he would probably be the most gettable out of all of the other players, with the 26 year old being valued at an astonishing £18 million according to Transfermarkt.
Manchester United buying players from Sporting Lisbon has so far worked out very well for the club, and if Palhinha can have any similar impact to his predecessors, then he would be a super addition.
Kalvin Phillips
Now, hear me out. I know he plays for Leeds and I unequivocally hate them, but the last time United signed a quality player from that club, he turned out to be one of the best players to ever play for us, in Eric Cantona.
The 25 year old is at a good stage in his career, following a somewhat successful Euro 2020 campaign with England, to play for a big club. For Leeds this season, Phillips has played either as a sole pivot or in a double pivot, depending on Marcelo Bielsa’s set up.
According to SofaScore, Phillips was Leeds’ best player in the 2020/21 Premier League season, with an average match rating of 7.21 per game. In terms of his qualities, he has a lot, hence why many top clubs are chasing his signature in this Transfer Window. Kalvin Phillips is brilliant when it comes to through balls and set pieces as well as making key passes, and having sound defensive attributes.
Last season, Phillips made 1.2 key passes per game, which is more than any of other the three options. Further, he makes 1 cross per game, 4.7 long balls per game and 0.1 through balls per game. Along with his 86% passing accuracy, these are all super characteristics to have, which would be huge for United’s midfield.
Defensively, Phillips is ok, where he’s only dribbled past 1.2 times per game, makes 2.6 tackles per game as well as 1.6 interceptions, and 1.7 clearances per game. All are sound qualities which would be tremendous for United to have in their midfield.
In terms of his price, it’s similar to Declan Rice. Some sources are stating that Leeds value him at £100 million whereas others have said he could be got for roughly £35 million.
He would certainly be an interesting signing considering the current club he plays for, however if the opportunity arises to get him, then I would hope that Manchester United at least make an attempt to sign him.
Who would I pick?
Wilfred Ndidi
While there are concerns regarding his discipline, Ndidi is probably the best CDM out of these 4 options. He would provide even more defensive solidity to United and would give confidence for midfielders Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes to advance into more threatening positions.
He would definitely be the dream signing for me, however he will certainly be difficult to get. Either way, a midfield 3 of Wilfred Ndidi, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes is probably one of the best midfields in the world, let alone the Premier League.
