Juventus’ entire board of directors resigned following allegations of false accounting regarding player registration fee income in a sensational move that could spark a mass exodus of players akin to the 2006 Calciopoli scandal, but could Manchester benefit? United?
Juventus is listed on the Italian stock exchange, which could expose them to a series of legal challenges that could leave the club in financial ruin should they be found guilty of market manipulation.
According to The Athletic, Juventus made a £220m loss last season, a record in Italian football, on their way to a disappointing fourth-place finish in Serie A.
And with Juventus under investigation for 42 separate transfers involving player swaps, the true value of that loss could be considerably higher.
The fallout could lead to a number of high-profile players suddenly being available on the transfer market, and with Man United still in the early stages of their revolution under Erik ten Hag, this could be a great opportunity.
A midfield dynamo
Adrien Rabiot was a summer transfer target for the Red Devils, but negotiation issues with the player’s mother/agent caused the deal to collapse shortly before the transfer deadline.
His contract is set to expire at the end of the current season and while he was previously expected to sign new terms with The Old Lady, there can be no question as to whether that will be possible.
United bolstered their midfield by signing Casemiro from Real Madrid to partner Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, a partnership that has shown early signs of success at Old Trafford.
But as the Red Devils’ game schedule became more congested in the run-up to the World Cup, Eriksen, in particular, began to show signs of fatigue.
United are a far worse team without the Denmark star in midfield, with the lack of ball progression from midfield in his absence leading to some heavy-hitting performances, especially in the drab 0-0 draw with Newcastle United , as well as in several Europa League. games.
Adding Rabiot could ease the burden on Eriksen. While the Frenchman often tends to progress the ball with his dribbling rather than passing from him, his ability to break through the lines in midfield could add another string to the bow for this United side. He could almost be seen as a cheaper alternative to Frenkie de Jong in that regard.
Rabiot has arguably been Juventus’ best player this season and his performances for both club and country are those of a far more mature player than the one who often ruffled feathers at Paris Saint-Germain. Still only 27 years old, he could be a good player for the next few years under Ten Hag.
A budding playmaker
A product of Juventus’ youth academy, Fabio Miretti turned 19 in August but has already made quite an impression in the first team, making 18 Champions League and Serie A appearances. The youngster shone in the role of Paul Pogba. was hired to play. in the bianconeri team, with the Frenchman struggling to be fit this season.
His eye for goal has yet to pay off for the senior team, but it’s only a matter of time before that changes. Those who have followed his career in the Juventus Sub 23 can attest to the threat he represents both from a distance and when he breaks into the box.
Miretti’s stats this season only confirm that potential. Among all midfielders in all ‘Big 5’ leagues in Europe, the Italian is in the top 1% in progressive passes received and in the top 3% in touches in the opponent’s box. (fbref)
Players can often see these stats inflated through aerial prowess and the threat of set pieces, but that’s not the case for Miretti, he just happens to be exceptional at finding and operating in tight spaces.
The teenager is a high-risk, high-reward style of player not unlike Bruno Fernandes and could be the perfect understudy for the Portugal star, who developed his game in Italy.
However, Miretti is perhaps a player Juventus would hope to keep regardless of the outcome of the charges against him. He has been part of the Turin team for more than 11 years and idolizes Pavel Nedved. But if he were available, United must be ready to act.
A full number nine
If there is one player in Turin that Manchester United needs above all else, it is Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian star is the jewel in The Old Lady’s crown, having been signed from Fiorentina for €81.6m last January. She scored 24 Serie A goals last season and has made six of 10 appearances so far this season.
At just 22, Vlahovic has already mastered the role of center forward and has both the physicality and technical ability to lead the line in Erik ten Hag’s preferred system for years to come.
Quick, robust and good in the air, the number nine could provide United with the perfect start up front, with the striker comfortable receiving any kind of pass with any part of his body, no matter how close his marker is.
Likewise, Vlahovic can score almost any type of goal. He is just as adept at getting into the right position to score a difficult goal as he is at unleashing all hell with his left foot for a thunderous whoop.
The Serb is also a willing runner, regaining possession for his team 2.9 times per ninety minutes this term. For reference, Victor Osimhen, another United-related striker who is no slouch when it comes to pressing, manages 1.5 ball recoveries per ninety. (Squawk)
Vlahovic is a player who could transform United’s attack by adding a much-needed goal threat while providing a focal point for the team, while working diligently in the service of his team.
The Red Devils did not take advantage of the exodus that followed the Calciopoli scandal in 2006. Players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta and Patrick Vieira were transferred to some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Manchester United did not act then, but if the current situation forces Juventus to allow a similar exodus, they must be ready to act now.
