Why Manchester United should splash the cash on Juventus outcast Can

Back in October, a Sky Sports report claimed that Manchester United were considering a move for £35m-rated Juventus midfielder Emre Can.

Now with the January transfer window around the corner, Manchester United should once again reinstate their interest in the deep-lying midfielder.

The German, who joined Turin giants Juventus last summer on a free transfer at the end of this contract, is however not a happy man, the Sky Sports report added.

After spending four seasons with the Reds, the 25-year-old is currently fighting for a starting place in the Juventus squad after being continuously snubbed by new boss Mauricio Sarri.

Can had a decent start to his playing career in Italy, having made 43 appearances from all competitions last season.

He also scored 4 goals and assisted once during Juventus’s title-winning campaign last year under former boss Massimiliano Allegri. However, since then, his career has taken a downward spiral, with the former Liverpool man making just 6 Serie A appearances this season.

The midfielder was also left out of Juventus’ Champions League squad earlier this season, adding to his list of woes.

With the likes of as many as 7 midfield players in Juventus’ ranks and with the arrival of Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot this summer, the German has fallen down the pecking order at the club.

United, on the other hand, look a little light in the midfield since the departure of Ander Herrera in the summer. Hence Can’s move to Old Trafford makes perfect sense, with the German warming the benches at Juventus this season.

Meanwhile, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had problems in the middle with star player Paul Pogba injured and out for the most part of the season.

Other than Pogba, United have three more recognized faces in their squad which includes the likes of Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Fred. McTominay has so far been the best among United’s midfielders, with the youngster scoring 3 times and assisting once from 12 games.

Matic, who is already past his thirties, has rarely featured this season and looks a mere shadow of the player he was at Chelsea. Fred, meanwhile, has not made full use of his chances and is yet to win the hearts at Old Trafford.

All said and done, a move for a defensive-minded midfielder like Can seems comes as no big surprise. A hard-working midfielder, Can could be of great use for Solskjaer in the middle when Paul Pogba returns to the squad.

The seasoned campaigner, who can play deep while protecting the back-four, would thereby allow Pogba to roam around freely and contribute to United’s attack.

At 25, Can is in his prime and would be yearning for some game time. At United, he would have the perfect opportunity, as they are in dire need of an established midfielder to solve their issues in the middle.

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Verdict

With United clearly struggling in midfield this season due to the dearth of good midfielders, a move for Can seems to be one in the right direction.  

Also, the German, who has in the past, plied his trade in English conditions, would not find it too difficult to adjust to the new surroundings at Old Trafford.