4-years deal signed: Man United agree personal terms with the player Gaurdiorla admitted his players are so scared to play against
Manchester United’s quest for a defensive midfielder has taken a new turn, as they shift their focus away from Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte due to his hefty £51.5 million price tag. Instead, the Red Devils are exploring alternative options to bolster their holding midfield department, with Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana emerging as a prime target.
Fofana, a 25-year-old Frenchman, has been identified as a viable choice for United, and his potential availability for around £30 million makes him an attractive prospect. AC Milan had previously agreed personal terms with the midfielder, but Monaco’s increased valuation led to a breakdown in negotiations. With Atletico Madrid set to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, United may have a clear path to signing Fofana.
The former Strasbourg man boasts impressive defensive skills and a tireless work rate, winning 50% of his duels in Ligue 1 last season, with 7.2 recoveries and 1.9 tackles per game. While his passing accuracy lags behind Ugarte’s at 82%, Fofana’s ability to quickly cover ground when out of possession makes him a valuable asset.
Although Fofana may not possess the same strengths as Ugarte, he would be a solid signing for United, offering an upgrade on Casemiro. With his contract expiring next summer, Monaco is likely to sell, making Fofana a prime target for the Red Devils as they seek to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new Premier League season.
