It’s truthful to say that among the many disappointments of the 2023/24 marketing campaign, there have been a handful of shining lights that pointed in direction of a constructive future at Manchester United.
A type of was most undoubtedly Kobbie Mainoo, who excelled on the coronary heart of the midfield beneath Erik ten Hag from the very second he stepped foot on the sphere in opposition to Everton in November.
At simply 19 years of age, he has the maturity and high quality to carry out on the highest degree in opposition to the easiest, as proven by his FA Cup-winning purpose in opposition to Manchester Metropolis.
With the sensible Mainoo in thoughts, let’s check out a Pink Devils goal who may show to be United’s very personal Declan Rice.
Man Utd’s current switch exercise
Jarrad Branthwaite has been essentially the most closely linked participant to Outdated Trafford to this point this summer season, however his transfer may show tough given Everton’s excessive calls for.
On the different finish of the sphere, Joshua Zirkzee is a reputation that’s been talked about in studies, as United may look to activate his £33.7m launch clause.
Nevertheless, it’s in the course of the park the place United want to reinforce, with Edson Alvarez and now Conor Gallagher listed as targets.
Based on studies from Spain, Man United have entered the race to signal the Chelsea midfielder this summer season alongside Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
It’s mentioned that the Blues can be prepared to promote the England worldwide for £42m, as they appear to lift funds for the participant considered as replaceable.
Gallagher might be Man Utd’s personal Rice
Below the affect of Mauricio Pochettino, Gallagher grew to become such an important cog within the Chelsea system, no matter what place he was deployed in.
Identical to all the very best leaders within the Premier League, the academy graduate led by instance in each single match, displaying willpower and the desperation to succeed.
All through the marketing campaign, the versatile midfielder began 37 Premier League video games, which might have been 38 had he not obtained a crimson card in opposition to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The previous Crystal Palace loanee additionally proved that he can grow to be a match-winner, changing into influential within the last third with 5 targets and 7 assists.
Gallagher vs Rice vs Mainoo 23/24 PL Stats |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Stats (per 90) |
Gallagher |
Rice |
Mainoo |
Touches |
70.29 |
73.95 |
51.17 |
Passes accomplished |
51.82 |
56.96 |
34.99 |
Progressive passes |
4.95 |
7.76 |
2.99 |
Progressive carries |
1.78 |
2.09 |
1.17 |
Tackles |
2.45 |
2.32 |
2.20 |
Interceptions |
1.24 |
1.23 |
1.03 |
Balls recovered |
6.36 |
4.97 |
4.49 |
By way of FBref |
It’s truthful to say that Gallagher has completely all the pieces you’d search for in a modern-day midfielder, and the identical could be mentioned for Rice.
As you possibly can see from the desk, it’s no shock that Rice and Gallagher have been labeled as ‘related gamers’ by FBref.
Firstly, the duo are each technically gifted and have the power to work in tight areas, management a sport, and assist the facet throughout the build-up part, as proven by their touches, passes accomplished, and progressive passes.
This is able to make Gallagher a super accomplice for Mainoo, as between them, they’d be capable to dictate the tempo of the sport in addition to undertake the taking part in out from the again strategy.
Alternatively, Gallagher is understood for being an absolute “machine” in terms of off-the-ball actions and depth, as dubbed by teammate Moises Caicedo.
Identical to Rice, the 24-year-old is filled with vitality, and he can cowl floor with ease on account of his athleticism, which might be a welcomed addition from Mainoo’s perspective, particularly as he was partnered by Casemiro final season, who “can not run,” as per soccer creator Liam Canning.
Collectively, Mainoo and Gallagher can be an absolute nightmare to play in opposition to as a result of depth, technical high quality, and defensive safety they’d convey to the workforce, which United merely didn’t have sufficient of final season.
General, signing Gallagher may show to be a masterclass by Man United, particularly provided that he’s a Rice clone and he’d thrive subsequent to Mainoo, which is why ten Hag should swoop for him earlier than the window slams shut in August.

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