Erik ten Hag’s big challenge this summer is not only to improve on Manchester United who have performed so poorly this season, but also to improve him while replacing a group of players who will leave for free once the transfer period opens.
The signing of a new midfielder was described as the “most important” problem by club sources even before Nemanja Matic announced that he would leave at the end of the season, although it was always accepted that Paul Pogba would not sign. a new deal at the end of the season. club.
In an ideal world, United would sign two top-flight midfielders this summer to make up for those two outings, with Donny van de Beek and James Garner both aspiring to bolster the squad with improved roles under the new coach next season.
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It doesn’t always work that way, though.
United are still exploring a possible move by Frenkie de Jong this summer, but that move is complicated by the club’s uncertain future under his former coach and the fact that he does not want to leave Barcelona exactly.
Work was also being done on a deal for Kalvin Phillips, although it has become much more difficult to complete after Leeds remained in the Premier League on the final day. The Leeds-born fighter is also believed to be interested in Manchester City, a move that makes much more sense to him.
Declan Rice is still a dream acquisition, but this summer he would charge a record club fee that exaggerates the budget and West Ham have no pressure to sell him.
It means United could have to be creative if they want to tackle midfield issues this summer, and Chelsea star N’Golo Kante is certainly a player worthy of consideration at least.
At 31, Kante is by no means a long-term solution for United, but he could be a valuable short-term solution to effectively replace Matic’s experience and defensive experience at midfield.
The signing of the Frenchman this summer could be a cheap alternative for other midfielders who are considered and would act as the perfect mentor if United chose to sign another raw defensive midfielder, who could then learn his trade at a slower pace sooner. to replace it.
The arrival of Kante could also serve as an ideal advisor for the young Garner, who could act as a student himself and learn from one of the greats of all time on how to master the deep role in the Premier League.
However, there is an obvious reason to be cautious.
The Chelsea star missed 12 games this season due to injury, excluding the four he left out due to positive testing for COVID-19. Over the past three seasons, Kante has experienced 14 different injuries.
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Kante is more susceptible to muscle injuries due to his relentless focus on the game, but speaking last week, Thomas Tuchel highlighted his concern for the Frenchman’s physical fitness issues.
“It’s hard to live together because it’s important for him to be there and have the pace,” he said. “He starts to pick up the pace constantly, and once he has a rhythm, he gets a little injured and comes out again.
“The guy who gets the man of the game in every game in the Champions League is only here for 40 percent of the games. That’s huge for us. We’ll do our best to fix it. I don’t blame him, but it’s a concern “.
But if managed carefully, Kante remains an invaluable asset to any side that can accommodate him.
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City competes with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante (Image: AFP / Getty)
Tuchel added: “We miss him so much because he brings something unique to world football, he has this ability to lift everyone and make a difference and that is the challenge for him and for us.”
With the preference of signing two midfielders this summer, United could do much worse than Kante as one of the potential pair arriving this summer.
There has to be a sense of realism about how much he will be able to offer next season and understand that he could miss a few games due to injury if his problems continue.
But for the unique qualities and experience it would bring to the team, it could still be a priceless acquisition.
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