Bonuscodebets had the pleasure of sitting down with former Manchester United defender Paul Parker, who shared his thoughts on some of United’s reported transfer moves with the season drawing close. Parker discussed the potential move for Sander Berge and highlighted other issues in the United squad ahead of their clash with Manchester City this weekend.
United need midfield reinforcements whether McTominay stays or not
If reports are accurate, Manchester United have rejected two bids from Fulham for midfielder Scott McTominay, who scored seven Premier League goals last season. Turkish giants Galatasaray have also shown interest, but as it stands, the Scotsman will be part of Erik ten Hag’s squad next season. After Fulham’s latest £20m bid was rejected, they are said to have cooled their interest in McTominay, whom Parker believes United cannot rely on.
“Well, the midfield definitely needs strengthening. Definitely. Whether they sell or don’t sell Scott McTominay, they still need another body in there. You can’t rely on Scott McTominay. If you’re relying on someone who might score a goal but only has seven touches in a game, he isn’t going to influence the game enough if he doesn’t score. You need more than that, especially if Casemiro is considered finished.
“The main players struggle because of the leadership of the two centre halves, and you need someone to cover. If you’re looking at Fernandes and Mainoo as your key central midfield players, then United are struggling. They need at least two more players in there unless another young player emerges, which I’m not aware of.”
Double relegated Berge is not a good luck charm for Ten Hag
With the Manuel Ugarte deal falling through, United are reportedly exploring a move for Sander Berge, who has been relegated twice, with Sheffield United and Burnley. Parker questioned whether this is a penny-pinching move or a wise decision for a proven Premier League defensive midfielder.
“Sander Berge’s been relegated twice now. I think with Sheffield United and with Burnley? Twice on the bounce. He’s not exactly a good luck charm, is he? United don’t want to be relegated again just to play in the Champions League. It could just be the media pushing that one, as they love throwing mud at Manchester United to see how many people bite.
“But they have to be looking at bringing in at least one more midfielder because it doesn’t seem like they’ll get any money back on Casemiro as it doesn’t appear he’s moving to the Middle East.”
United can’t have another season of Lindelof and Maguire starting
United have made their interest in Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt well known, having had a bid rejected by Bayern. Parker supports the move, as he doesn’t want to see another season of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at the heart of the United defence.
“De Ligt was mentioned. He could maybe find his form when he plays for his former mentor. Yeah, you think that would be good. They definitely need a centre half. They can’t have another season of Maguire and Lindelof because the fans would lose their patience.”
Old Trafford stadium plans are a distraction tactic
Interestingly, Parker believes that United are using stadium news as a distraction from on-field issues. Reports suggest that United may not demolish Old Trafford but could scale it down for use by the women’s team and academy while constructing a new 100,000-seater stadium nearby, costing over £2bn and taking up to six years to complete.
“If you want to play distraction games, you send out a message about a £100 million stadium to take people’s minds off what’s happening on the pitch. The modern-day Manchester United fan, the knowledgeable fan, knows that United is about what happens on the pitch, not the size of a stadium.
“When you talk about a 100,000-seater stadium, you’re talking about sponsorship possibilities, but really it’s just a tourist ground. Forget about that. At this moment, the most important thing is to build a team that will do Manchester United justice first.”
Pedro Neto Would Be A Very Good Fit At Manchester United
Wolves winger Pedro Neto is likely to be Chelsea’s new signing but Parker sees him as an optimal addition to Manchester United. Parker compares him to other wingers at United, like Alejandro Garnacho and comments that Neto possesses an edge that Garnacho doesn’t.
“Well, yeah. Pedro Neto offers more. Yeah. It’s more than what United have got. Yeah. In my humble opinion, it’s more.
“What about Garnacho? What does he do consistently? He’s got no great pace. He’s trying to be someone else rather than trying to be himself first.
“So, Neto has got something about him. He’s definitely got an edge about him. Maybe a move to Manchester United, maybe something in the back of his mind. He will go well and just give him that little bit more of an edge, especially being Portuguese, you have the Ronaldo legacy to think about.”
Parker further adds that Neto’s change of pace is what United need and it’s something that will entertain fans.
“He has that change of pace. You’ll get fans off the seat because of his change of pace. So, yes, when you say that that sounds a lot better than what you said earlier when you mentioned Ivan Toney and that before. That sounds a little bit more like Manchester United.
“So it doesn’t have to be him, but has to be someone in that ilk, somebody like that, a wide player who’s going to excite people by trying, by beating when it’s one against one situation, might try and make the best decisions possible and just bring people into a game.”
