Manchester United appear to be closing in on the signing of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie this summer.
Upon reflecting back on the current season, it’s apparent that United are in desperate need of a stronger midfield. While the likes of Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen faced injury, Casemiro has struggled to find his form this season, with manager Erik ten Hag claiming that the Brazilian continues to battle injuries of his own.
What’s more, Sofyan Amrabat has proven ineffective during his season-long loan, while Scott McTominay has proven more effective playing in a more advanced position as a super sub.
Given such issues, Kobbie Mainoo appears lonely in his central midfield role, with a lack of reliable partners to provide him with the support he needs to dictate the flow of play.
In order to solve this issue, United appear to be destined for a major transfer overhaul during the upcoming transfer window, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to drive the club’s new transfer strategy.
Names such as Frenkie de Jong continue to be linked with the club despite a breakdown in previous transfer negotiations. Another player whose links have resurfaced with United is Juventus star Weston McKennie.
In March, The Peoples Person discussed links between McKennie and United, noting that he could be a major asset to the club after re-finding his form for Juventus this season following an unsuccessful loan to Leeds United.
This wasn’t the first time that he was linked with a move to Old Trafford, however, following reports last year claiming that United sought to sign McKennie in exchange for Donnie van de Beek.
While that offer was unsuccessful, United now appear to have a better chance than ever to sign the American.
Fichajes claimed this morning that McKennie’s negotiations to extend his contract have stalled, indicating a hesitance from the player to remain at the Italian club.
What’s more, his current deal ends in June 2025, meaning that should he refuse to extend, Juventus will look to sell him rather than allow him to depart for free when his contract lapses.
With 1.4 tackles per game and seven assists in Serie A (Sofascore), McKennie has shown his effectiveness as a holding midfielder, both when tracking back to support his defence and bursting forward on the attack.
Should he be lured to Old Trafford, McKennie could be exactly the kind of midfielder who could bolster United’s midfield moving forward.
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