Of the many things that required new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s attention when he was first appointed, it was a lack of bite and guile in center of the park.
For far too long, fans have had to put up with the combination of Fred and Scott McTominay, who aren’t exactly revolutionary in the mold of previous headlines.
So the Dutchman decided to change that as a matter of priority, with fans welcoming multiple Champions League winner Casemiro and the creative genius of Christian Eriksen to Old Trafford.
The duo have certainly changed the way the team plays and the supporters have instantly accepted them and it bodes well for the future.
EtH looking to add quality to midfield
However, due to the age of the players (30) and the uncertainty surrounding Fred’s future, Ten Hag is still looking to add more quality to that slot.
Of the many names linked with a move to Old Trafford, one whose link has persistently surfaced is Benfica’s Enzo Fernández.
The Argentine’s price has skyrocketed after his impressive performances for Argentina at the World Cup, helping them reach the final of the competition.
???? ???? Liverpool and Real Madrid target Enzo Fernández, 21, will not leave Benfica unless an interested party complies with the Argentine midfielder’s €120m release clause.
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– Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) December 15, 2022
Recent reports had indicated that arch-rivals Liverpool may have outmaneuvered the Red Devils in this chase and had secured the 21-year-old’s signing.
To the relief of United supporters, sources have told 90min that the “Portuguese giants are unaware of any deal, and talk of a ‘done deal’ is premature.”
However, the website has confirmed that Liverpool are indeed tracking the former River Plate prodigy and have contacted the player’s representatives.
Liverpool-Enzo deal far from complete
Benfica have clearly informed Fernández’s entourage that the only way the Argentina international will leave the Estadio da Luz is if a club shows up and pays his release clause in full, which currently amounts to a whopping 120 million euros. euro.
That would make the midfielder Benfica’s second most expensive export, behind only current Atlético Madrid striker Joao Félix. They only paid 18 million euros for him in June.
Last summer he claimed interest from United, Manchester City and Wolves before the San Martin-born player decided to go to Portugal.
The report also mentions that “Real Madrid and Barcelona are also admirers of Fernández’s talent, although Benfica have no desire to sell in January and the player himself is fully focused on winning the World Cup with Argentina.”
