How United can justify signing £50m-valued Monaco midfielder – opinion

Aurelien Tchouameni partnered Paul Pogba in midfield for France in the Nations League final win against Spain and, given it was N’Golo Kante he replaced in the line-up, it really comes as no surprise to see him linked to Premier League clubs.

The AS Monaco starlet is one of the hottest prospects bursting onto the scene this season and Manchester United are reportedly interested. It’s simply the best time for a positional midfielder, who can break up play, to sign for the Reds as many fans feel that is the missing part of the jigsaw.

I watched him closely this week and thought he looked an outstanding player. This wasn’t a kid but a man, thriving in an excellent France side and earning his place in the 2021 Nations League final.

Only Paul Pogba and Jules Kounde touched the ball more times than Tchouameni (49) with the 21-year-old putting in two tackles, four interceptions and one key pass versus Spain, as per Eurosport. His performance outlined that he has a bit of everything.

Interest is bound to intensify throughout Europe and Marca reckon Monaco would accept around £50 million in order to sell the midfielder. Real Madrid are linked with the youngster, but so are Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.

For United, £50m is nothing to spend on a player the team seriously lacks. It bodes well that Pogba liked playing with him and they could plan out a future together for club and country.

Justifying this potential signing is easy.

Manchester United need a defensive midfielder and Tchouameni ticks many of the boxes.

A signing is needed if Solskjaer is to transition from playing a double pivot to one real defensive player in the middle. It would be nice to see Bruno Fernandes and Pogba either side of a defensive specialist, who can take all of the responsibility in the middle himself.

Every man and his dog knows United must invest in more midfield security. Both Fred and Scott McTominay are in good in their own ways, but it is detrimental to our chances of winning football matches every week in the Premier League when we set up in a double pivot.

There is risk with every signing but United need to nail their next call in the transfer market.

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