It’s no secret that Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window. As for INEOS, they were already rebuilding their front line this time last year, which has become a top priority alongside finding their next manager.
Of course, the big difference between now and 12 months ago is that the Red Devils are finally in a promising position. It must not have been easy to convince Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko last summer, and they may have regretted their choices before Ruben Amorim left.
But almost 12 months on, Manchester United have reason for optimism, with Koby Mainu firing on all cylinders again.
Mainu finally back on track at Manchester United
It remains to be seen whether Michael Carrick takes the full-time job at Man United, but his short-term impact is likely to ease problems for the next player to step into the technical area.
The interim boss was built from the debris of Amorim’s reign, creating a dangerous attacker. While his predecessor often complicated things, Carrick has done the simple things very well since he arrived.
He switched the system to suit the current squad, returning Bruno Fernandes to his most creative role and reinserting Maynou.
Amorim’s decision to ignore Mainu’s growth looks more and more ridiculous with each passing week – as does his short but incredibly toxic reign.
The Carrington School graduate excelled under Carrick, often partnering the experienced Casemiro in central midfield and was arguably Man United’s best player against Chelsea.
Ironically, if Amorim had believed Mainu, he would have killed two birds with one stone.
INEOS have already agreed with Manchester United to sign a hybrid player between Tchoameny and Mainu.
Man United have already finalized one midfield signing for the summer.
He would have gotten the progressive passer he was looking for from deep and could have moved Fernandez further forward in the process. It was Amorim’s stubbornness that ultimately killed him.
Alas, those days are long gone and Man United are looking to the transfer market to bring in their next Minoo this summer.
Why Richard Rios can replicate Mainu’s success
There are only two things that Mynu is better than one. And the Red Devils could get just that this summer. According to Caught Offside, Man United officials have personally checked in on Richard Rios ahead of the midfielder’s possible move this season.
It has been suggested that he is “very unlikely” to remain in Lisbon after the end of the current campaign, with an offer of around 45 million euros (approximately 3.9 billion yen) expected to be accepted.
The 25-year-old had an excellent season in Portugal, doing well enough to attract interest from Old Trafford. His ability to play in a deeper, more advanced role in midfield mirrors Mainu, but that’s not the only similarity between the two.
Like the Manchester United player, Rios is also an excellent ball progressor and would undoubtedly save INEOS a lot of money if he were brought in to replace the likes of Elliott Anderson this summer.
25/26 P90 | Mainu | rios |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 1,203 | 2,010 |
Successful duel | 47.9% | 54.4% |
collect | 5.09 | 4.07 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.27 | 0.81 |
dribbling success | 0.82 | 0.99 |
With Casemiro heading for the exit, it will be interesting to see how great the partnership between Mainu and Rios becomes. Man United don’t want them to be too similar, but they share the same strengths and compensate for each other’s weaknesses.
Rios’ success in duels will protect Mainu’s struggles in that department, and it is also clear that the latter’s creative ability will allow him to come forward more often.
In terms of progression in play, both are often successful. The Colombian’s dribbling success could only benefit Man United next season.
Rios, 25, is at the peak of his powers and is a cheaper option than the likes of Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, who are likely to cost more than £80m.
Better than Anderson: Manchester United hold contract talks with ‘world’s best DM’
Manchester United could sign an even better midfielder than Elliott Anderson.
