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Manchester United are in desperate need of midfield signings in January, particularly if they wish to compete for European football.
While the club has its fair share of options at present, Man United will need to plan ahead in order to avoid what could become a midfield shortage.
Beyond that, United will need to sign a midfielder who has defensive capabilities, as even at present, holding midfielders are in short supply at Old Trafford.
When drilling down into the statistics, it becomes clear which midfielder United should try to sign ahead of the rest, even with so many transfer links swirling around in the media.
Why defensive qualities are needed
At present, there are only two holding midfielders in United’s ranks. One is Casemiro, who is performing quite admirably as of late.
Despite his fine form, it remains unclear whether Casemiro will remain at the club beyond the current season, with United yet to begin negotiations for a new contract.
The only other traditional holding midfielder is Manuel Ugarte. While he doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, United cannot have just one player to choose from in this role. After all, fatigue, injuries, and other unforeseen circumstances make it necessary to have backup options.
This being said, not every midfielder the club has been linked with is appropriate to pursue, particularly when given the club’s current requirements.
The shortlist
While the likes of Conor Gallagher and Angelo Stiller have been strongly linked with United, the club appears to be intent on signing proven Premier League stars.
After all, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have been transfer successes so far, so it would be understandable if the club wants to follow this successful blueprint.
This would mean that the race would be narrowed down to three specific midfield targets – Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson.
Among the three, there is one unlikely candidate who rises above the rest.
Anderson vs Baleba vs Wharton
When selecting a new midfielder, United need to focus on selecting a candidate with strong defensive skills, physicality, and passing ability.
Attacking qualities are in abundance, with Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and more advanced midfielders such as Mason Mount carrying this mantle. It’s the defensive side where United need assistance.
From the table below, we can see exactly how Anderson, Baleba, and Wharton stack up when compared to one another. (Stats via Sofascore)
Anderson has averaged an impressive 2.6 tackles per game in the Premier League this season. This is more than double that of Baleba (1.1) and Wharton (1.4).
In interceptions, Anderson trails narrowly behind Wharton in interceptions with an average of 0.9 compared to 1, with Baleba tied with the Nottingham Forest star.
When it comes to physicality, however, Anderson massively outshines both Baleba and Wharton.
Anderson has won 6.3 ground duels per game on average (57.3%), while Wharton has just 2.9 wins per game (54.8%) and Baleba trails far behind with 2.2 (42.3%).
The Forest man has also done well to retain possession when he has the ball at his feet. Anderson has amassed 1.4 successful dribbles per match, while Wharton has 0.8 and Baleba has 0.4.
Clearly, Anderson is in the best form of the pack in the Premier League. But it isn’t only performance that might entice United to sign him ahead of Baleba and Wharton.
MetricElliot AndersonCarlos BalebaAdam Wharton
Minutes per game905879
Total minutes played900575634
Matches played10108
Goals000
Expected goals (xG)0.790.130.23
Shots off target0.40.60.3
Shots on target0.20.00.0
Big chances missed100
Assists100
Assists per game0.10.00.0
Expected assists (xA)1.340.171.74
Big chances created105
Long balls2.8 (52.8%)1.2 (54.5%)1.8 (38.9%)
Crosses1.3 (28.3%)0.0 (0%)1.0 (47.1%)
Interceptions0.91.00.9
Tackles2.61.11.4
Dribbled past1.20.71.1
Clearances0.71.01.0
Blocked shots0.10.00.1
Succ. dribbles1.4 (58.3%)0.4 (66.7%)0.8 (66.7%)
Ground duels won6.3 (57.3%)2.2 (42.3%)2.9 (54.8%)
Aerial duels won1.4 (50.0%)1.2 (66.7%)0.3 (22.2%)
Possession lost17.66.19.8
Fouls1.21.50.6
Was fouled2.40.70.8
Yellow cards231
Yellow-red cards000
Red cards000
The price is right
The Peoples Person noted that United are reportedly convinced that they can bag Anderson for £60m.
In comparison, Baleba is expected to be available for over £100m, with United reportedly unwilling to pay such a hefty fee.
Clearly, when comparing performance stats and price, Anderson is clearly the ideal option for United’s midfield.
United should waste no time in submitting a January bid for a player who perfectly meets the club’s need for a strong and confident holding midfielder who can dictate proceedings in the middle of the park.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
