It’s an open secret that Manchester United are chasing midfield additions ahead of the summer transfer window. It’s very much taken priority alongside finding their next manager as far as INEOS are concerned, having already rebuilt their frontline this time last year.
The big difference between now and 12 months ago, of course, is that the Red Devils are finally in a promising position. Convincing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko couldn’t have been easy last summer and before Ruben Amorim departed, they may have been regretting their choice.
Almost 12 months on, however, Man United have reason for optimism and have even got Kobbie Mainoo back firing on all cylinders.
Mainoo is finally back on track at Man Utd
Whilst it remains to be seen whether Michael Carrick lands a full-time gig at Man United, the impact that he’s made in the short-term is likely to ease any problems for whoever does step into the technical area next.
The interim boss has built from the scraps of Amorim’s reign and created a dangerous attacking side. Where his predecessor often complicated things, Carrick has done the simple things exceptionally well ever since arriving.
He’s switched system to suit the current side, he’s moved Bruno Fernandes back into his most creative role, and reintroduced Mainoo.
With every passing week, Amorim’s decision to ignore Mainoo’s development looks more and more laughable – as does his short, but incredibly damaging reign.
The Carrington graduate has been excellent under Carrick, often partnering the experienced Casemiro at the heart of midfield, and was arguably Man Utd’s best player against Chelsea.
Ironically, had Amorim had faith in Mainoo, then he would have killed two birds with one stone.
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He would have had the progressive passer from deep that he was searching for and would have been able to move Fernandes further forward, in the process. It was Amorim’s stubbornness that eventually killed him.
Alas, those days are long gone and Man United are now looking towards the transfer market to welcome their next Mainoo this summer.
Why Richard Rios can replicate Mainoo success
The only thing better than one Mainoo is two. And the Red Devils could have exactly that this summer. According to Caught Offside, Man Utd officials have now made in-person checks on Richard Rios ahead of a potential move for the midfielder this season.
The suggestion is that he’s ‘highly unlikely’ to stay in Lisbon after the end of the current campaign, with offers of around €45m (£39m) set to be accepted.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season in Portugal, doing enough to attract interest from Old Trafford. His ability to play in a deeper and more advanced role in midfield mirrors Mainoo, but that’s not the only similarity between the two.
Like the Man United man, Rios is also an excellent ball progressor and would certainly save INEOS plenty of money by arriving instead of someone like Elliot Anderson this summer.
|
25/26 P90 |
Mainoo |
Rios |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,203 |
2,010 |
|
Duel success |
47.9% |
54.4% |
|
Recoveries |
5.09 |
4.07 |
|
Chances created |
1.27 |
0.81 |
|
Successful dribbles |
0.82 |
0.99 |
As Casemiro heads for the exit door, it’s worth noting just how impressive Mainoo and Rios could be as a partnership. Whilst Man United won’t want them to be too similar, they share the same strengths, whilst making up for each other’s weaknesses.
Rios’ duel success would shield Mainoo’s struggles in that department, and it’s also clear that the latter’s ability to create would allow him to step forward more often.
In terms of progressing play, both so often thrive. The Colombian’s dribbling success is something that would only benefit Man United next season.
At 25 years old, Rios is at the peak of his powers and represents a cheaper option than the likes of Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, two men who are likely to cost in excess of £80m.
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