Manchester United Opinion: Why the Red Devils should sign Arne Maier?

According to December’s report from the Scottish Sun, Manchester United were eyeing a January swoop for Hertha Berlin starlet, Arne Maier.

Arne Maier, 20, has been labelled the ‘new Toni Kroos’ in the Bundesliga (h/t Scottish Sun) after a string of impressive performances for Hertha Berlin. He enjoyed his breakthrough campaign in 2017/18, making 17 appearances in the Bundesliga.

The defensive midfielder made 24 appearances in the German top-flight this past season, catching the attention of Arsenal as well last year.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United badly needs reshaping. Following the additions of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Red Devils boss must shift his focus towards strengthening his midfield department.

Ander Herrera has left the club, following the footsteps of Marouane Fellaini from January. Fred arrived at Old Trafford from Shakhtar Donetsk amidst a lot of expectations but endured a disappointing debut season in the Premier League.

Andreas Pereira has recently signed a new four-year contract which could see him be heavily involved next season alongside fellow academy graduate Scott McTominay.

Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United remains foggy and there are chances of the Frenchman not being a part of the Solskjaer’s squad that takes Frank Lampard’s Chelsea on August 11. Nemanja Matic will turn 31 next month and isn’t really a right fit to play in the deeper midfield role in Solskjaer’s quick, high-pressing system.

What Solskjaer needs is a mobile midfielder who is not only adept at breaking opposition’s play but also good at initiating attacks from a deeper role. In that respect, Arne Maier would be a great fit at United considering Solskjaer is rebuilding the squad around with young, exciting and hungrier talents.

A deep-lying playmaker by trade, Maier builds the play with his clever passing and distribution skills. He is excellent in finding space between the opposition lines himself, as well as playing through balls and controlling the tempo of the game from his favoured position. The German prefers to keep things simple and move the ball quickly, something which is a key aspect for the players to have under Solskjaer.

The 20-year-old has a great work ethic and is an excellent passer of the ball. Maier is comfortable passing with both his feet and switching play with utmost ease, unlike Matic. He is young, dynamic and a very good reader of the game that certainly belies his age.

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All in all, the German youth international would be just what United need as Solskjaer looks to freshen up his side after a disastrous end to 2018/19

Verdict

Any deal would be a costly affair for the Reds as Maier signed a new deal in Berlin last year, which runs until the summer of 2022.

But that should not deter Solskjaer and with just over a couple of weeks left for the transfer window to slam shut, United must definitely reignite their interest in the Hertha prodigy.