Manchester United clearly need to continue strengthening. They would certainly love a centre-back, but a new midfielder must also arrive. There is reportedly interest in long-time Atletico Madrid stalwart Marcos Llorente. His great versatility, which will suit any manager, also plays in his favour.
Manchester United have certain gaps in their squad. These are evident, apart from finishing, in defence, where the likes of Leny Yoro is still very young, Dalot is under heavy criticism, and de Ligt is badly missed. But it is not ideal in midfield either, where the Red Devils are totally dependent on what captain Bruno Fernandes does, who has five goals and eight assists this season.
Manchester United do not need another creative player, but they need someone alongside Fernandes who will bring greater balance to midfield. The type of player like Carlos Baleba, who was of great interest last summer.
Llorente is the definition of versatility
However, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have now submitted an offer for a significantly cheaper but more experienced option in Marcos Llorente from Atletico Madrid.
A Real Madrid academy product who played fewer than 40 matches for Los Blancos despite being regarded as a huge talent. At the Club World Cup in the 2018-19 season, he was even named player of the tournament.
Llorente subsequently moved to rivals Atletico, where he has already made over 270 appearances. During that time, he has tried all possible positions. He has played as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, wide midfielder, and in recent seasons as a right-back.
Key signing for Manchester United?
He is a great utility player who, at 30, might already be looking for something new, and a chance at Manchester United would make sense for him. On one hand, it is a signing that would raise eyebrows if it materialises, but it is somewhat the style of transfer that Manchester United have made several times in recent years.
His contract expires in a year and a half, so the Red Devils could comfortably stay within €30m (£26.3m). And it is precisely Llorente's versatility that should make him an option for any manager.
Whoever is on the Old Trafford bench, they would find a use for Llorente. We will see whether the speculation is confirmed and whether Llorente will try football outside Madrid for the first time in his career.
This article was originally published on Fotbal Portal.
