Why Manchester United should have signed Thomas Partey
Manchester United suffered a big defeat on Sunday at the London Stadium against West Ham United. A worrying indication after the game was that not a lot has changed since last season as they faced a similar fate at a similar period last year.
They currently sit in 8th place on goal difference and while it’s a long season, the squad depth has already come into question.
The defence has been mostly responsible for the points that United have got on board in recent weeks but the midfield and forward areas lack serious depth and they’ll have to be addressed very soon.
One player they were linked with over the summer and would’ve helped massively is Ghanaian International, Thomas Partey.
Partey currently plays at the heart of the midfield for Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid and is part of a hard-working two-man unit.
The 26-year-old has played so many positions throughout his time at Atletico but in recent seasons has been the primary defensive midfielder. He has played as a striker, second striker, right-back due to his athleticism and ability on the ball and would’ve been a great signing for United.
Without Pogba in the team and Ander Hererra out, United lack dynamism in the midfield. That was the case against West Ham as Nemanja Matic wasn’t closing down people as he used to in his prime and he cannot be seen as an option after this season.
Scott McTominay has done a fine job so far and Fred has still not acclimatized to the physicality of the Premier League. Partey is fantastic in attacking and defensive transitions and has a lot of similarities to Ghana legend Michael Essien.
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He would also have no trouble playing in the Premier League due to his industry and physicality. He also has the technical ability to receive the ball and move it quickly and his versatility would make him the ultimate squad player.
Manchester will regret not having signed a player like Partey as they’re still one of the richest clubs in the world and could have easily afforded him.