Why Manchester United must go all out for James Maddison in January
According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, Leicester City star James Maddison is high on the list of possible January signing for Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
James Maddison, 22, had a fantastic debut Premier League campaign with Leicester City, notching seven goals and as many assists.
His magnificent form put the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City on the alert but a move in the summer was never probable.
The English playmaker has apparently reignited Manchester United’s interest after starting the new Premier League campaign very well. He has been one of the stars for the Foxes with two assists in his opening four fixtures.
Maddison fits the ideal profile of target Solskjaer has settled upon as part of United’s rebuild.
Young British trio Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire were the only new players through the doors at Old Trafford this summer and Solskjaer’s drive to increase the proportion of homegrown talent in his squad is the primary reason for his preference of the Leicester attacker.
United made a bright start to the new Premier League campaign with a thumping victory over Chelsea in their season opener at home. But the Red Devils have then found it difficult to maintain their momentum after disappointing draws against Wolves and Southampton, sandwiched by a shock defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
There are many things lacking at the moment for Solskjaer’s squad that could see them miss out on their realistic top-four target this season. If they are to achieve their aims and objectives, the United manager has to invest heavily again in the January transfer market.
He must add some quality to his midfield, which was weakened after the departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera earlier this year.
Hence, United must go all out for Maddison. He racked up seven goals and seven assists in his first Premier League season, whilst tallying 100 key passes – the most in the top-flight.
Blessed with fantastic technique, good pace and dribbling skills, the English ace can change the course of the game in a blink of an eye. The 22-year-old has a wand of a right boot, which he used for terrifying the opposing goalkeepers with his unerring accuracy from dead-ball situations.
Maddison is such a delight to watch on the pitch. Footballing intelligence, movement, vision and composure in front of goal are his assets. Whether he’s distributing inch-perfect balls to teammates or scoring from set-pieces, the ex-Norwich City man makes it look effortless.
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Combining technical ability with a relentless work ethic, the Englishman could be the perfect candidate to solve United’s creative woes. He would be a straight upgrade on Juan Mata, whilst providing a massive threat from set-piece scenarios as well.
Verdict
Thus, it’s a no-brainer for United to break their bank for acquiring the services of Maddison. Signing him from Leicester in January looks unlikely but the Red Devils must give their all to get him.