Louis Saha has urged Manchester United to sign a midfielder with Premier League experience for their midfield rebuild, throwing Bruno Guimaraes' name into the mix. United want to sign at least two new midfielders this summer – possibly a third with Manuel Ugarte now facing a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury.
United's midfield targets and market dynamics
A deal is in place to sign Ederson from Atalanta, but Michael Carrick's side have missed out on two other targets, with Elliot Anderson choosing their neighbours Manchester City. Mateus Fernandes was also pursued, with Tottenham winning the race for his signature this week. United did not want to meet West Ham's huge £85million asking price for another target, with the midfielder's preference on which club he wanted to join unclear throughout the process.
Deals for Anderson and Fernandes have inflated the market, with asking prices for Alex Scott and Felix Nmecha – the other players on United's radar – rising accordingly. The World Cup is also allowing others to enhance their reputations, with France's Manu Kone among them.
Saha's preference for experience
Arsenal are interested in signing Kone, with Saha a big admirer of the Roma star – but believes United need to prioritise a different type of midfielder. Premier League experience is vital, says the former striker, naming Guimaraes as one option who could fit the bill. The Newcastle star was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this year, with Arsenal now pushing for a move for the Brazil international.
'I would consider him [Manu Kone] but I would love to have someone who has a bit more experience to be honest,' Saha told Metro via Freebets.com. 'He has a lot of talent and quality, I'm not saying he wouldn't be a good signing. It's just because of the big gap left by a player like Casemiro. Based on his experience and his leadership in how he positions himself and understands his role playing under Michael Carrick.
'That person [who comes into replace him] will have to adapt to something we loved last year but is also someone that is going to give a bit more balance and that needs experience. Maybe someone who has already played in the Premier League would have been better. Anderson would have been better. Maybe someone like Guimaraes would be better. Players who have this guarantee because next year is going to be tough and we need those midfielders to be right on the spot right away.'
