Manchester United knew they had to overhaul their midfield this summer, but the task of doing that continues to look more challenging every day for Michael Carrick. United decided not to extend Casemiro's contract, making two new centre midfield signings a priority this summer. However, a long-term injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte has added to the problem, with three new additions being targeted.
Missed Targets and Inflated Market
The club have already missed out on priority targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, who signed for Manchester City and Tottenham, respectively, for huge fees and on money-spinning contracts. The market has been inflated by Sandro Tonali's £100million move to Spurs. This leaves United looking increasingly unlikely to be able to mount significant fees on one player with an overhaul required, forcing Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox to seek bargain alternatives.
Tyler Adams: A Cut-Price Solution
One name linked with United that fits the combative midfield profile while reportedly commanding a fee of less than £50million is Bournemouth and USA international Tyler Adams. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via William Hill's Final One Standing, former US international Brad Friedel gave the green light on Adams' ability to help solve United's midfield issues but insisted Carrick will need to play to his strengths.
Friedel said: 'Yes I do (think he'll be a good signing), but the most important thing is making sure it's the right club for Tyler Adams. If you're going to be a possession team then it may not be the best team for him. If it's a team with high press, high energy, and they are looking for a box-to-box midfielder with lots of energy, then Adams can be the man for the team. This is important when signing players, that it can be the style of play that is so important to delivering the right fit for a player. And Adams can definitely be in the market for a big six club, but the style has to suit for this to work well.'
Adams' Playing Style and Fit
The 27-year-old is a highly tenacious ball-winning midfielder who has complemented Alex Scott perfectly, allowing the more progressive and technically astute Englishman to get further forward – a role he could similarly play next to Kobbie Mainoo. However, concerns about his ability to dictate play against a low block after excelling in Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth side that thrived in fast turnovers leave his suitability for an Old Trafford switch in doubt. United often face teams that sit back and counter-attack, which is not a style that suits Adams' strengths.
Standing as a potential replacement for Casemiro, Adams' aerial and physical presence at only 5ft 9 is no match for what the veteran midfielder was able to offer in both boxes last season. It remains to be seen how United's window will unfold, but Adams is likely to remain a cut-price option to allow United to splash the cash on another target like Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni.
