Man Utd told which player they absolutely need to sign after missing out on summer transfer

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have been told which player they need to sign after failing to secure his signature this summer.

• Ten Hag fond of signing Dutch players
• Xavi Simons turned down Man Utd approach
• Red Devils told to sign RB Leipzig loanee
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  United recruited Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manuel Ugarte over the summer, but one man who got away was Xavi Simons. The Netherlands international is in his second straight season-long loan spell at RB Leipzig, after not being in Paris Saint-Germain’s plans. Now, former Red Devils forward Louis Saha believes his old team must do all they can to recruit the attacking midfielder.

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    WHAT LOUIS SAHA SAID

    He told Casino Hawks: “I think Manchester United should target Xavi Simons, I really like him and he’s the sort of player that could have a huge impact at the club. He showed up during Euro 2024 and I think he provides a great option in transition in midfield as well as creating chances for his team-mates. There aren’t many players in that bracket, Dani Olmo at Barcelona is another one. I definitely think Simons has the capacity to be a success if he did end up at United. He’s very hard to defend against because he’s always on the move, United still need legs in midfield and more creativity and unpredictability. Jadon Sancho is a player that didn’t fit it tactically, but I don’t think that will be the case with Simons, he is confident in his quality and it looks like he has the character to succeed.”

    • THE BIGGER PICTURE

      The problem for United is that they tried and failed to sign the 21-year-old from PSG this summer, with the former PSV Eindhoven star reportedly snubbing the chance to head to Old Trafford. Ten Hag is said to be keen on bolstering his side’s attack but Simons, whose contract runs until 2027, will not be an easy target to secure.

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      WHAT NEXT?

      While United will continue to work behind the scenes on securing new signings, the first-team are in Premier League action on Saturday when they host Tottenham in a battle between 11th and 10th in the division.